Simply the test

What is the first thing you do when getting home with that new test instrument? Read the instruction book? No, seriously, what do you do? More and more people are using manufacturers' training courses to get up to speed on testing techniques.

Seaward Electronic is no exception. It manufactures a wide range of portable appliance testers and the introduction of training is partly based on feedback from its technical support line. Managing director Rod Taylor notes: "In many ways the nature and content of technical support calls led us to develop the dedicated training function...The fact is that some issues can only effectively be addressed by training. Nothing is more effective than the 'hands-on' experience." The courses attract a wide variety of delegates such as electricians, maintenance engineers, electrical engineers and technicians. The portable appliance course lasts for a whole day and covers issues such as legislation, electrical safety tests etc, testing leads, testing IT and computer equipment, practical PAT testing, and practical download/upload to software.

Perhaps the first surprising thing is the time spent on legislation and background to the need to test. At first glance you would have thought that delegates would be eager to get down to the actual testing, but Alan Barrett, training co-ordinator, explains: "Understanding why we are testing is fundamental. A lot of delegates just take for granted that testing is required. What is not realised is the importance that needs to be attached to issues such as what to test, the frequency of tests – all these come before 'how to test'." A background to the theory of the appropriate electrical safety tests is also given and delegate comments suggest that while they may have broadly understood the nature and reason behind a test, the ability of a tester manufacturer to explain why the tester conducts a test in a particular way is very useful.

Barrett adds: "Many delegates benefit from the training and they are now getting the best from their tester. As a manufacturer we are able to pass on our experience and it is surprising how legitimate short cuts can save time and money. When delegates leave the course they have acquired 'tricks of the trade' which will benefit them as well as their customers."