PAT Testing Steam Cleaners

[stevieh]

I'm responsible for PAT testing in a big High School, and the cleaners have a few small, handheld steamcleaners, but I'm having a dilemma working out how best to test them. Guidelines say if something isn't marked as Class 2 then treat it as Class 1, but steam cleaners are built like Class 2 but have an earth which I can't test because there's no accessible conductor. What would you suggest?

 

[jaypp]

if you unscrew filler, is the thread metal?

 

[SirKit Breaker]

The water container inside it will have a metal heating element, so get a really long thin screwdriver and clip your earth lead to it, and poke it into the appliance. Failing that use an old coat hanger, but don't forget to insulate it, or wear rubber gloves :rockon:

 

[Coach]

Visual and class 2 test if no access to earth

 

[stevieh]

Thanks all It seems like these find a gap in the code of practice, which says if you can't find the Class 2 symbol, then treat as Class 1. The cleaner that prompted this has no filler - just a plastic tank that connects to a rubber grommet, so I ended up taking it apart. I don't feel it's safe to just do a visual and Class 2 test because if there's an earth I think it needs to be tested. Water makes these things potentially quite dangerous if not looked after, but they are used by people who probably don't understand that so wouldn't necessarily be cautious about it.

 

[Coach]

Thanks all It seems like these find a gap in the code of practice, which says if you can't find the Class 2 symbol, then treat as Class 1. The cleaner that prompted this has no filler - just a plastic tank that connects to a rubber grommet, so I ended up taking it apart. I don't feel it's safe to just do a visual and Class 2 test because if there's an earth I think it needs to be tested. Water makes these things potentially quite dangerous if not looked after, but they are used by people who probably don't understand that so wouldn't necessarily be cautious about it.

Here's a good one I did today. A kettle nearly brand new branded something like Ainsley Harriot.
The base itself had a push-button on/off, a neon and a rotary switch. The kettle just the element,, not visible.
A class 1 item, did a class 1 test and it failed on RPE and RISO. Tried again on 250volts and still failed.
The kettle body was metal inside and out, no element was visible to clamp onto. Nowhere could a satisfactory reading be obtained. The base tested ok as a seperate item.
I put it to members of the forum, Would I be wrong in failing it. (There is no way you could take it apart)
Just one last thing, has anyone else noticed on some new kettles there is no earth contact on the base.