We have been contacted by several customers in Care homes and in Charity shops as they are facing problems trying to PAT Test a steam mop. They could establish that the appliance was Class I, because there is an earth wire in the plug. But the external earth point simply could not be located.
We have only found steam mops to be Class I appliances. Dale (our technician) contacted the manufacturer of two of the steam mops we have and asked for clarification. Neither company we contacted has been able to confirm where the external earth is in order to carry out PAT Testing..
Bearing in mind that a steam mop is a relatively high risk appliance; it’s hand held and uses a heating element and water. We strongly advise that the Steam mop should be PAT Tested as part of the routine inspection and maintenance of appliances in the workplace. However, for the PAT Tester to carry out the earth continuity test, it must be connected to the external earth.
On acquiring a steam mop ourselves; we had a go at PAT Testing it. Our most experienced technician was not able to locate the earth. The plug contained an earth; so we knew it was a Class I appliance, yet we were unable to PAT Test it. Eventually we took the appliance apart. The earth wire is attached to the heat element as shown in the picture below.
We do not recommend that appliances are ever taken apart as part of the inspection and have therefore concluded; without further guidance from the manufacturer, you cannot PAT Test a steam mop because the manufacturer has not made provision of an external earth point or suitable access to the heating element.
If you need any help or advice about an item you are PAT Testing, please call Dale on 01392 364933 Monday to Friday, between 9.30am and 5pm. You can also email Dale; dale@parker-bell.co.uk