Electrical Safety Tests
PAT Testing for Electrical Safety
All products are subjected to an individual test. The test comprises the following three steps, which are also laid down in the EU regulations:
- Inspection: Visual inspection for damage or improper use (e.g. visible cable break);
- Testing: Functional tests;
- Measuring: Carrying out the prescribed measurements.
Calibrated measuring devices are used at Expert Recare for the electrical safety tests. In this way we guarantee you reliable and correct measured values.
Among others, the following measurements are carried out during the e-check:
- Protective conductor resistance;
- Insulation resistance;
- Protective conductor current;
- Touch current;
- Substitute leakage current (alternative).
The product is checked before use and after a repair before placing it back into operation.
The protocols for PAT Testing vary by appliance class.
- Class I – Single insulated wiring, which requires an earth connection. There is no symbol for a Class I product so if a rating plate has no symbol on it then it is usually Class I.
- Class II – Double insulated wiring, The earth clamp is still connected during the insulation test even though no earth on appliance. Class II is indicated by double box.
- Class III – These are appliances that are supplied at a low voltage (usually called Separated Extra Low Voltage) which must be less than 50 V. These appliances are supplied with a transformer supply that is also marked.
The earth lead is connected to metal parts on both Class I and Class II appliances. For “Class I” during the earth test to prove continuity between earth pin and metal parts on the appliance. For “Class II” during the insulation test to prove the insulation between active-neutral and the metal parts of the appliance. i.e. there is no leakage from mains coming into the appliance to the metal parts that are exposed.
