PAT Testing Class 1 and Class 2 Appliances

16 January 2019

Visual Inspection

Before carrying out PAT Testing on any class 1 or class 2 appliance a thorough visual check is required. You need to be checking for cracks, loose parts and screws.  As well as more obvious damage to the outer casing and burn marks because any of these will fail the item. You need to ensure wires aren’t crushed or grazed  On the plug, you need to check the casing for cracks along with making sure the pins aren’t bent. Under no circumstances should there be any bare wires visible.

You must inspect the wiring in the plug with all non-moulded plugs. You need to inspect the appliances fuse with all plug types. If the appliance runs up to 700 watts then a 3 amp fuse is suitable. Anything past 700 watts will require a 13 amp fuse. In the case of some appliances where a 5 amp fuse is used, you should replace it with the same.

PAT Testing

On successfully completing the visual check you can begin carrying out your PAT Test using the PB500. With class 1 appliances you are looking for an earth wire. The earth wires will stop the user from getting an electrical shock. It’s important to note that not all the metal parts of an appliance like a computer will be earthed.  Be sure you have an earth point as your tester will display fail if not in the correct place.

Please note you will never have to take the appliance apart to find the earth point.

Class 2 products are double insulated protecting users from an electric shock. This makes PAT testing them a lot simpler. You just need to plug the appliance into the front panel and then turn it on, when using a PB500.  Following the instructions that come with the machine will ensure sure you complete the test correctly.

As you can see this is only a brief overview of portable appliance testing different electrical appliances. The instructional DVD supplied with the PB500 PAT tester will cover all the topics discussed in this blog. If you are ever in doubt please refer to it for guidance, or come to us for training.

In addition see our next one-day training course dates HERE