Microwaves and kettles all failed Class 1 test

[loz2754]

So how can they sell the product as suitable for Class 1 testing?

From the code of practice edition 5, page 71-

"In practice the low current test will, if carried out correctly, identify a weak earth connection and a battery-powered test instrument that carries out a low current test at either 100 mA or 200 mA will be sufficient for the vast majority of situations. However, the operator should be aware of the practicalities of both methods; a high current test may give a more reliable reading when testing some equipment".

Also, from page 70 -

"The high current test may be appropriate for equipment where a solid connection can be made to the exposed-conductive-parts with the test probe, such as extension leads. This test may identify a weak or corroded earth connection, either by making the connection fail or by heating it up so that the resistance measurement can be observed to increase during the test. However, this test should not be routinely carried out on delicate or sensitive equipment (especially IT or AV equipment), and if done, care should be taken to ensure that parallel earth paths internally are not damaged".

So in most cases the battery-powered tester will be sufficient. But it's down to the operator to make that call. Therefore, perhaps more training is required for an operator to enable them to make that judgement.

I used a Seaward PAT 250 handheld tester for the very small amount of PAT testing I do. But I would, in all honesty prefer a mains powered tester, which gives me both options.

 

[loz2754]

My post was specifically about figure-8 mains lead testing though.

Ah sorry didn't spot that. Oops.

 

[DPG]

From the code of practice edition 5, page 71-

"In practice the low current test will, if carried out correctly, identify a weak earth connection and a battery-powered test instrument that carries out a low current test at either 100 mA or 200 mA will be sufficient for the vast majority of situations. However, the operator should be aware of the practicalities of both methods; a high current test may give a more reliable reading when testing some equipment".

Also, from page 70 -

"The high current test may be appropriate for equipment where a solid connection can be made to the exposed-conductive-parts with the test probe, such as extension leads. This test may identify a weak or corroded earth connection, either by making the connection fail or by heating it up so that the resistance measurement can be observed to increase during the test. However, this test should not be routinely carried out on delicate or sensitive equipment (especially IT or AV equipment), and if done, care should be taken to ensure that parallel earth paths internally are not damaged".

So in most cases the battery-powered tester will be sufficient. But it's down to the operator to make that call. Therefore, perhaps more training is required for an operator to enable them to make that judgement.

I used a Seaward PAT 250 handheld tester for the very small amount of PAT testing I do. But I would, in all honesty prefer a mains powered tester, which gives me both options.

Useful info for the OP. I prefer doing the high current bond test on extension cables, etc..

 

[shazza]

From the code of practice edition 5, page 71-

"In practice the low current test will, if carried out correctly, identify a weak earth connection and a battery-powered test instrument that carries out a low current test at either 100 mA or 200 mA will be sufficient for the vast majority of situations. However, the operator should be aware of the practicalities of both methods; a high current test may give a more reliable reading when testing some equipment".

Also, from page 70 -

"The high current test may be appropriate for equipment where a solid connection can be made to the exposed-conductive-parts with the test probe, such as extension leads. This test may identify a weak or corroded earth connection, either by making the connection fail or by heating it up so that the resistance measurement can be observed to increase during the test. However, this test should not be routinely carried out on delicate or sensitive equipment (especially IT or AV equipment), and if done, care should be taken to ensure that parallel earth paths internally are not damaged".

So in most cases the battery-powered tester will be sufficient. But it's down to the operator to make that call. Therefore, perhaps more training is required for an operator to enable them to make that judgement.

I used a Seaward PAT 250 handheld tester for the very small amount of PAT testing I do. But I would, in all honesty prefer a mains powered tester, which gives me both options.

Thank you - much appreciated

 

[westward10]

Still using this on a regular basis.

 

[loz2754]

Still using this on a regular basis. View attachment 64807

Used to have one where I worked. Great bit of kit.

 

[DPG]

Still using this on a regular basis. View attachment 64807

Nice machine. Unless you're doing loads of testing then you don't need all the modern LCD screens and bluetooth etc.

Plus you don't need the automated tests if you know what you are doing!

 

[westward10]

Handy as a small step also when closed built like a tank.

 

[Moley]

My preference is a Seaward Supernova plus. Great old beast. Bit on the heavy side but don't have to lug it around far. Most of the testing I do (which is only around once every six months) is 110v and the Supernova is one of the few that will power up 110v equipment while plugged into a 230v socket. I like the ability to download the tests and just print out or upload the result to the office. Also use a Megger 420 but nowhere near as good as the Seaward.

 

[Moley]

Handy as a small step also when closed built like a tank.

I do the same with my ductor.

 

[pc1966]

We have a Seaward 100 (I think) somewhere that the technician used to do all of the testing with. fine for the basics and much better than the pass-fail 50 model as we have a few items with high-ish leakage and they are not faulty, just the nature of the beast.

Certainly looked at the Supernova and it is tempting for some time when we have some spare cash...

 

[Moley]

Certainly looked at the Supernova and it is tempting for some time when we have some spare cash...

You can pick them up quite cheap on the 2nd hand market. I think I paid around £60 for mine. Got the company I work for to pay for it's cal cert. If you want the same thing in a smaller case and USB download port look for a Kewtech KT77.

 

[pc1966]

Another quick look suggest they have stopped making the Supernova so none of the Seaward units now do the high current bond test. Hmmm...

 

[Moley]

The Megger 400 series does a 10A & 25A test. It doesn't power up 110v equipment when plugged into 230v socket though. Also the Fluke 6500-2 will do a 10A test. Out of those two I would say the Megger has the easier user interface.

 

[Timbo]

You'd be surprised at the things that PAT testing people do!

I wouldn't. I've seen pat test labels on 24v battery packs on patient lifting hoists.