PAT...an alternative...

[NDG Elecs]

Hi folks,

I don't do PAT. Never had, never done CG course, and not got tester. Nor never had the inkling too TBH..

Occasionally I am asked if I could PAT an individual appliance, to which I say well not really. I say I can check for earth leakage and give it a visual (internally also if feasible), but do not have the know how or tester to do anything else.

My question is are there any other things with the typical appliance I can check for bearing in mind I have a MFT/anologue multimeter/VI/clamp meter/leakage clamp meter/etc.. I can't think of anything off hand except checking for correct fusing, worn cables etc...

 

[DPG]

The earth bond test on a class one appliance should be carried out at 25A for obvious (hopefully) reasons. The problem with using an MFT or a battery powered tester is they can't deliver that current.

Good point. MFT would be less useful for class one stuff. Daz

 

[Richard Burns]

Visual inspection is critical and should be performed before testing: plug, socket, lead, connectors, connections, body of equipment, controls of equipment.
Testing:
Earth continuity (on class I only)
Insulation resistance testing (or protective conductor current / leakage test)
Functional test(s)

Records: extensive: equipment register, test and inspect register, fault register, repair register

Limits:
Earth continuity (R is supply cable cpc resistance)
Equipment and supply cable; <= 0.1 + R Ω
Equipment only; <= 0.1 Ω

Insulation resistance
Class I heating and cooking equipment >= 3kW: >= 0.3 MΩ
Other class I equipment; >= 1.0 MΩ
Class II equipment; >= 2.0 MΩ
Class III equipment; >= 0.250 MΩ

Protective conductor current
Portable hand held class I; <=0.75 mA
Class I heating equipment ; <=0.75 mA (or <=0.75 mA/kW) max 5 mA
Other class I ; <=3.5 mA
Class II; <=0.25 mA
Class III; <=0.50 mA

Frequency of inspection and testing determined by risk assessment, guidance in the COP.