How To PAT Test A fan

5 July 2019

It’s Hot! The fans are out, here’s how to PAT Test a fan.

Fans are widely used at home and at work and as they are left on for long periods; it makes sense to be sure it’s as safe as it can be:

1. Do a thorough visual inspection & check the plug has the correct fuse in it.
2. Carry out the PAT Test.
3. Update the records binder
4. Apply the PASS label

What’s involved in a visual inspection?

The visual inspection is the most important part of PAT Testing. More faults are identified during the visual inspection than at any other point of the test.

All fans must be visually inspected first, before conducting any test using the PB500,

The following should be checked when inspecting the fan, plug or lead.

• Is the plug damaged in any way?
• Check the plug is suitable?
• The flexible lead should be secure at the anchorage grip?
• Has a non-moulded plug been correctly wired?
• Are the wires securely attached to the correct terminals?
• Check for any loose strands of wire?
• Does the fuse conform and is it secure?
• Remove any paper wiring diagram that might have been placed over the pins
• New plugs must have a sleeve on the live and neutral pins.
• Straighten any tightly bent cable
• Is there any visible damage to the fan?

Replace or repair any damaged appliances, plugs, cables and any incorrectly rated fuses.

Which fuse should I be using

A 3 amp fuse for a fan rated up to and including 700 Watts and a 13 amp fuse over 700w.

How do I PAT Test a fan?

Some fans are Class I so you can use the metal spindle for an earth connection using the earth test lead.

Use the Class I button on the PB500 to test a fan with an earth wire.

Dyson fans like the one pictured, are Class II, so you do not need to locate the earth.

Test using the Class II button on the PB500

Note: If the PB500 display reads LoLoad, just switch the fan to the on position.

The display on the PAT Tester will tell you if an appliance has passed or failed.

Extension Leads…….beware!

For convenience, fans are often used with an extension lead. Extension leads are appliances too, so these also need PAT Testing. Each socket outlet needs to be tested. So make sure your extension leads are PAT Tested as well. The temporary nature of our hot weather means that extension leads allow us to have the fan positioned exactly where we need it. But please be careful as leads are a trip hazard.

Do I need to keep records?

Yes! By labelling the fan’s you test, you can see at a glance when the appliances were last inspected, and depending on the label, when the next inspection is due. While it may make sense to label failed appliances, we strongly recommend that you ensure that these items are removed from use and either repaired or destroyed to reduce the risk of the appliance being put back into the work environment.

You can record your outcomes on a spreadsheet, or in a records binder such as the one we supply.

Want to buy a PB500?

Browse PAT Testing kits

Questions, help and advice.

Do you want to know more about PAT Testing? Or if you are looking for advice about testing a particular item, please don’t hesitate to contact us. You can call our technical team on 01392 364933. We specialise in the PB500, the Seaward Primetest 50 and 100, the PAC 500 SP & XP. The Ethos 9120 & 9125.

Alternatively, you can email sales@parker-bell.co.uk.    or click here to complete our contact form.