do i need pat tester

[dannyc]

Evening, this may sound stupid to the hardcore pat testers, but do you need a proper pat tester or can i use a 17th multi function tester? thanks guys

 

[dim_bulb]

Good question would like to know aswell

 

[Rockingit]

if all you are doing is the occasional item, then an mft will happily do all the right tests for you. If you plan on doing it as a regular thing then buy a dedicated unit.

 

[brman]

I'm also curious about this as I occasionally get asked if I can PAT test something- generally stuff like parents whos kids get told they can't take their guitar amp into school unless it is tested. I've no interest in setting myself up with expensive kit but might just consider some training if I could use my MFT.

I don't suppose someone can point to a list of what tests need to be done and on what types of equipment?
From what I have gathered test types are;
1) Earth bond test, low current continuity (200mA) which can be done with a MFT.
2) Earth bond, high current which I guess can't be done with an MFT?
3) 500V DC IR test, L+N->E. Can do that with an MFT. I also read that this can be done at 250V if 500V will damage the equipment so that leads on to........
4) Touch current test. Not sure about this one. Why would you need to do this if you can do a 250V IR test?
5) Earth leakage test. Not sure about this one.Why would you need to do this if you can do a 250V IR test?
6) I've read mention of a load test. What does this require?

I guess what I am asking is; In what circumstances do you need to do either a high current earth bond test or a touch current or earth leakage test? And are there any other tests an MFT can not do?

it would be unfair for me to ask for a lesson in PAT testing but any pointers are welcome!

 

[amlu]

what regs regulate pat testing?
as far as i know it should be insulation resistance, continuity between earth and exposed parts on class 1, visual check, functional check. nothing that your regular tester cannot do.

 

[Robert Turnbull]

this is good info, as i was looking at the kewtect pat adaptor, as i don't feel i need a PAT tester but every now and then someone wants a few items done.

 

[oldtimer]

When doing PAT or ISI&TEE testing as long as the tester has a current calibration then you are good to go fine for one or two items but when you need to do say 15 items on a job where time is of the essence then a PAT specific tester is the way to go a bit like a worktop you can cut the sink out with a pad saw or you could use an electric jigsaw both will do the same job but one will do it a lot faster ie time is money

 

[GLENNSPARK]

well...i`v got an old seaward 2000 which i use for testin my own tooling/plant......but thats as far as it goes really for me.....

pat testing is just so incredibly dull.......

 

[odawire]

I offer pat testing and do a few a month for estate agents and stuff and Ive used the kewtech adaptor for years, it allows you to do all the mandatory tests, you don't even need an adaptor you can just clip the crocs on the end of the plug pins! if I was going to pat test every day then I would buy a dedicated unit, they also do some other tests which most multifunction testers wont like the 1500v insulation test. but if I was going to pat test everyday then ird probably find another job as its pretty boring stuff.

 

[oldtimer]

it is boring but like you I dont do a lot but I do enough thats why I bought the Kewtech KT71 bundle from the sites sponsor with 5% off

 

[hazelm]

what regs regulate pat testing?
as far as i know it should be insulation resistance, continuity between earth and exposed parts on class 1, visual check, functional check. nothing that your regular tester cannot do.

There are no regulations for that misnomer - PAT testing (Portable Appliance Testing testing) - but there is a Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment. Well worth buying.

Yes, it is boring, but when you find a 13A moulded plug on a double insulated cable (2core) onto which someone has wired in an IEC socket, the mind boggles at the person's mentaility!