PAT - Earth Leakage/Touch Current

[Oracle]

All,

When performing a PAT on an appliance that draws more than your tester can deliver (ie its more than 13A) what method do you use to measure earth leakage/touch current?

I know a lot of companies will skip this test on "built in" appliances.

Whats the consensus on this?

I use my earth clamp, but at times can be awkward to get the earth!

O.

 

[matt.leung]

test as normal...

 

[The Godfather]

All,When performing a PAT on an appliance that draws more than your tester can deliver (ie its more than 13A) what method do you use to measure earth leakage/touch current?

I know a lot of companies will skip this test on "built in" appliances.

Whats the consensus on this?

I use my earth clamp, but at times can be awkward to get the earth!

O.

I would be very concerned if the earth leakage/touch current was 13A:

http://www.i-spec.com/IEC_60950/touch_current.html

I'm sure you mean the earth bonding current (for a Class 1 product).

The Godfather

 

[Oracle]

Sorry I think I've confused you

I'm not saying the earth leakage is that high!!!

If for some reason you want to do an earth leakage/touch current test on an appliance thats lets say is 5KW load (ie and oven).

The PAT testers only go to 13A supply - so how do you perform an operational test and measure the leakage current when it draws 20+Amps?

Many thanks,

O.

 

[green-hornet]

The tests are just defined for the class of item

this is class 1 handheld

class 1 fixed or not normaly handheld during use

and class 2

Providing the earth leakage is within the pass mark then the item will pass.

Incidently modern PAT testers have adaptors for 110v as well as 16amp sockets etc.

 

[Riggy]

I think we're still missing Oracle's point (or maybe I am).

I assume you mean you can't carry a load test (during which the leakage is measured), because the load is too great for your tester.

I would simply skip the test, my understanding is that the leakage test is substitute for Insulation Reaistance test on vulnerable equipment.

 

[msb2003]

A PAT tester is for portable equipment, hence the P in PAT! the maximum a portable appliance can be is 13A due to the BS1363 plug so higher load currents would need a different tester

 

[Oracle]

Riggy/msb2003 - your spot on.

PAT doesn't exist anymore...and you even have to test built in devices.

Lets say the IR is dubious or you can't perform it, you rely on touch/leakage - but you can't as the appliance is above the capability of the tester you are using.

What do most people do? Skip the test or try and use an earth leakage clamp?

On a more general not - do people even test ovens?

Anyway... I'm bored with this question now lol

O.

 

[extension15]

On a more general not - do people even test ovens?

O.

I only ever checked the earth bond if they were hard wired..

:coat

 

[Andy™]

PAT is a general term for in service inspection of electrical equipment or something along those lines. just because it doesnt have a 13A lug doesnt mean it cant be tested or needs a different tester