Testing a Class I Appliance A Class 1 appliance should have the power switch in the on position. Plug the appliance into the tester and select the Class 1 test.
How do you identify a Class 1 appliance?
Class I,II,III Symbols. Courtesy of Wikipedia. Class I Class I appliances are usually made of metal, have three cables, have a metal Earth pin, and have a fuse in the plug. However, the only way to confirm whether the appliance is Class I is to look for the Class I symbol on the appliance.
How do I pass a Class 1 electrical test?
A Class 1 appliance should have the power switch in the on position. Plug the appliance into the tester and select the Class 1 test. The insulation test pass mark will be 1MΩ. This means that the Insulation reading must be over 1MΩ to Pass the test.
How do I test a Class II appliance with the Pat tester?
The PAT tester will measure the resistance between the live parts (Live and Neutral) connected together and earth. If you need to test a Class II appliance with the insulation resistance test, then there’s a slightly different procedure to follow. The appliance switch should still be in the On position whilst carrying out the test.
Do I need to test my portable appliances?
This encompasses everything from a PC to a photocopier, power tools to plant machinery. Although there is no specific legal obligation, it is recommended all portable appliances are tested annually, regardless of whether they are Class 1 or Class 2 to be sure they are working safely, although it may depend on the items usage and environment.
What is a Class 1 appliance?
Class 1 Appliances These are electrical appliances which require earth protection. Usually these are appliances are made of metal as the Earth wire is connected to the casing ie. ( Fridge / Freezers, Washing Machines, Tumble Dryers, etc. ).
How do you test electrical appliances?
0:364:34How to Fault Trace on a Small Appliance Using a MultimeterYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what you need to do grab yourself a multimeter set it to the resistance setting. And put theMoreSo what you need to do grab yourself a multimeter set it to the resistance setting. And put the probes on the neutral. And live pins on the plug.
How do you test a class 2 appliance?
0:262:02How to PAT test a Class 2 appliance (lamp) - Seaward - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst off carrying out the insulation resistance. And indicating a pass on that. And then after thatMoreFirst off carrying out the insulation resistance. And indicating a pass on that. And then after that carrying out my substitute leakage test also indicate the pass.
Are kettles Class 1 or 2?
A Kettle is a class 1 item, not only that but it is two separate items due to it's detachable base or lead. The kettle relies on an earth connection for safety; the PAT machine checks that connection is functioning correctly. A formal visual inspection should be carried out first.
What is a Class 1 and Class 2 appliance?
Class 1 and Class 2 appliances are all powered by mains voltages. Both classes are required to provide at least two levels of protection to the end user. You could see this as a back-up; if one protection layer fails then the second layer back-up is still in place. This makes electrical equipment safe to use.
Is a washing machine class 1 or 2?
class 1 appliancesSome examples of class 1 appliances are toasters, kettles, washing machines and irons.
What is a Class 3 appliance?
Class 'III' Appliances that operate at SELV (Separated Extra Low Voltage) are deemed to be class 3. This basically means the device cannot produce enough voltage to risk the user getting an electric shock. Generally, the power output of these items is 50vac or 120vdc.
Can I do my own PAT testing?
Yes, you can PAT test your own equipment; if you are a competent person with the relevant training, knowledge, equipment and time. It is essential that you or someone in your business is competent in electrical safety if you/they are going to carry out PAT testing.
Is a printer class 1 or 2?
Commercial / large office printers are always Class 1. The smaller home type of printer is generally Class 2 and can be seen by the figure of 8 lead connected into the rear of the printer. Monitors again can be either fed from a transformer supply or can have an IEC lead directly into the back of the monitor.
How do I know if my appliance is Class 1 or Class 2?
The required PAT tests for Class I appliances are the Earth Continuity and Insulation Resistance tests which will check the basic insulation and earth connection. A Class II appliance usually has a plastic cover. The only way to accurately identify it is to look for the Class II appliance symbol.
Should an earth bond test be carried out on Class 1 equipment?
A class 1 appliance must have an earth. A class 2 appliance doesn't have an earth so it's not possible to test it for earth; such an appliance has double insulation which is usually enough protection and a test on this appliance type would measure the resistance of the insulation.
What class is a TV for PAT testing?
Class 1 appliances need a full PAT test, Class 2 appliances need a PAT insulation test, and Class 3 appliances don't need to be PAT tested at all. This type of electrical equipment has only basic insulation and relies on an earth for protection.
What are the types of electrical testing?
Electrical TestingThe Visual Test. This is the first carried out for electrical work. ... Earth Testing. For Class 1 appliances (such as microwaves, extension leads, for example) there next needs to be an Earth test done on the appliance. ... Resistance Testing. ... The Leakage Test. ... Checking Safety and Ensuring Standards.
Can I do my own PAT testing?
Yes, you can PAT test your own equipment; if you are a competent person with the relevant training, knowledge, equipment and time. It is essential that you or someone in your business is competent in electrical safety if you/they are going to carry out PAT testing.
What electrical tests must be carried out?
The most common electrical testing procedures:Protective Conductor Continuity: It's crucial that every protective conductor in a circuit meets current electrical standards. ... Circuit Breaker Functionality: ... Ring Circuit Testing: ... Polarity Testing:
How do I become a pack tester?
In order to receive PAT testing qualifications, you will need to complete a PAT tester course. This is available from a wide range of providers, some of which require previous electrical experience to qualify as an official PAT tester.
What is a portable appliance class?
Basically, during manufacture, a portable appliance is given a class rating depending on how the user is protected from electrical shock. Any portable appliances without a class rating should be treated as a Class 1 appliance. If an appliance uses mains voltage, it has to provide two levels of protection to the user.
What is class 1 electrical?
Class I. The protection inside class 1 appliances combines together the protection of insulation and a means of connection to the earth connection protective conductor (Earth wire). This means that the user is protected from electric shock because of the plastic insulation of the wiring.
What is Class 0 appliance?
Class 0 appliances depend only on basic insulation without a provision for earth. If it fails, it is entirely dependant on the environment around it to remain safe.
Why are appliances double insulated?
These appliances are known as double insulated due to the presence of at least two layers of insulation. The earth connection present in Class I appliances is not required for safety.
What are some examples of class 1 appliances?
Earth wire. The symbol for Class I items looks like this, and should be found somewhere on the appliance. Some examples of class 1 appliances are toasters, kettles, washing machines and irons.
How to identify an appliance?
Generally, the easiest way to identify an appliance is simply to look at the symbol. For PAT testing, you’re more than likely only going to be testing Class I/II appliances, so you can easily identify each of these by the symbol on the appliance itself. As a rule of thumb, check to see if the appliance has a rating plate.
Is Class 01 a class 0?
Class 01 appliances do have room for an earth connection, but it is wired differently either with twin core cable or only has a 2 pin plug. This appliance is also dependant on one level of insulation. Class 0 and 01 appliances have been effectively banned in the UK since 1975.
What is an earth probe?
An earth probe is also useful for items like this coffee percolator. The earthed metal hotplate is cover by a thin paint or non-stick coating. Use a sharp probe in a discrete area to pierce through the coating.
What is the IEC 62368-1?
IEC 62368-1 is the latest international safety standard for audiovisual products and information technology equipment. It is expected that this standard will eventually replace IEC 60950-1 (safety of ITE). So hopefully this symbol will start to be used on laptop chargers and similar equipment sometime in the near future.
Why can't I use the Class II symbol?
However the manufactures can not use the Class II symbol because of the earth connection. “If an appliance with double or reinforced insulation throughout has provision for earthing, it is considered to be a Class I or Class 0I appliance.”. IET Code of Practice.
What is Group 2?
Group 2. In the second group are power supplies and chargers used for equipment like monitors and laptops. They are earthed but only for screening the electronics, not for electrical safety. Protection from electric shock is provided by double or reinforced insulation.
What is the first group of test equipment?
Group 1. The first group are mainly plastic encased and difficult to find a place to get an earth connection. Typically items such as fans, flat screen monitors and shredders fall into this category. The most useful piece of test equipment in this case is a long reach probe.
Where to find earth connection on TV?
An earth connection can usually be found on flat screen monitors and TVs by using a probe on the threads on one of the four mounting holes on the back.
Can I get a reading from a DC plug?
IET Code of Practice. It is usually possible to get some kind of reading from the dc plug on the end of the charger, however because the earth is not designed to carry any fault current, it is of a very small size and is likely to give misleading readings.
How to tell if an appliance is class I?
However, the only way to confirm whether the appliance is Class I is to look for the Class I symbol on the appliance.
How to identify a Class II appliance?
The only way to accurately identify it is to look for the Class II appliance symbol. Examples of Class II appliances are hair dryers, DVD players, televisions, computers, and photocopiers. Class II appliances have two layers of insulation. As in the case of Class I appliances, the plastic connector provides the basic insulation.
What is a Class III transformer?
Class III appliances use an isolating transformer . The transformer has two separate coil windings called the “Primary Winding”, which is connected to the power source, and the “Secondary Winding”, which is connected to the appliance.
What is the only PAT test required?
The only PAT test required is the insulation resistance test. Sometimes, the Class II classification is confused with the Class 2 designation; however, they are different. The Class 2 label is related to power supply, not safety. It also follows another standard, UL 1310.
What is the PAT test for Class I appliances?
The required PAT tests for Class I appliances are the Earth Continuity and Insulation Resistance tests which will check the basic insulation and earth connection.
What are the two levels of protection for an appliance?
Appliances under Class I have two levels of protection: the basic insulation and the earth connection . Inside the appliance, there are three wires connected to three different pins. The wires are called Live, Neutral, and Earth.
Why are electrical appliances important?
From cellphones to coffee machines, we are either exposed to or using one every moment of our lives. Due to potential dangers of electricity, appliances must be inspected and tested to ensure the public’s safety.
What is a Portable Appliance
As a guide, a portable appliance can be classified as any piece of electrical equipment which is mains powered. This encompasses everything from a PC to a photocopier, power tools to plant machinery.
How Often Should PAT Testing be conducted
Although there is no specific legal obligation, it is recommended all portable appliances are tested annually, regardless of whether they are Class 1 or Class 2 to be sure they are working safely, although it may depend on the items usage and environment.
What is the difference between Class 1 and Class 2 appliances?
There are a number of different classifications of electrical appliance. With new safety regulations, some are obsolete and some refer to extra low voltage power sources.
Class 1 Appliances
With Class 1 appliances, the user is protected by a combination of basic insulation and the provision of an earth connection, thus providing two levels of protection. When PAT Testing Class 1 appliances, Earth Continuity and Insulation Resistance tests are carried out. So in summary:
Class 2 Appliances
In Class 2 appliances, the user is protected by at least two layers of insulation. For this reason, Class 2 appliances are also known as Double Insulated. They do not require an earth connection. When PAT Testing Class 2 appliances, just the Insulation Resistance test is carried out. So in summary:
Arranging a PAT Test
Intersafe are experts in electrical testing, with a focus on planning a bespoke testing schedule with clients in order to minimise disruption, which may include out of hours or out of terms testing, or working within your operationally quiet periods.
How to test a Class 1 appliance?
Testing a Class I Appliance. A Class 1 appliance should have the power switch in the on position. Plug the appliance into the tester and select the Class 1 test. The insulation test pass mark will be 1MΩ. This means that the Insulation reading must be over 1MΩ to Pass the test.
What is the difference between a class I and class II test?
The main different between the Class I and II test is that for Class II appliances you must connect a test probe (lead) to any metal point on the appliance in question. If you had a drill, you’d hold it onto the ‘chuck’ or screws within the bodywork.
What is insulation resistance test?
The insulation resistance test ensures that the insulation that surrounds an appliances’ live parts has a sufficiently high resistance level. The test immediately preceding the insulation test should be the earth bond test. If the appliance does not pass the earth bond test do not proceed to the insulation test.
Can a 250 volt surge protection device be used on a PAT tester?
For this reason most appliance testers are fitted with a 250 volt insulation test option which will not trigger the surge protection device. Not all PAT testers have this capability, so it is also acceptable to use a touch current test instead. Written by Barry Atkins.
Can an appliance fail an insulation test?
Where an appliance has a suppressor fitted or a surge protection device then the test may indicate a fail. In these cases the insulation test may be substituted for the earth leakage test or substitute earth leakage test. Both Class I and Class II appliances are subject to insulation testing.
