PAT failing on every toaster?

[GallyMO]

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Hi. As Maintenance Officer of a holiday complex, I have been issued a new Martindale HPAT 500 to do routine testing with. All seems OK except every toaster in the entire place fails the earth continuity test showing >20Ω I'm holding the lever down to create 'on' position. Doesn't seem likely every toaster in the place has failed at the same time, eh? Something not right?!

 

[DPG]

Are they class I? Where is your earth clip connected to?

And welcome to the forum!

 

[GallyMO]

Are they class I? Where is your earth clip connected to?

And welcome to the forum!

Definitely no Class 2 symbol anywhere so assuming class 1. Have tried clip on various places - grips that hold the bread in place/ divider between slots. I did wonder if they could be Class 2?
And thanks, definitely just allrounder looking for pro advice!

 

[DPG]

What's the make and model?

What reading do you get if you measure resistance (just with a multimeter, not at high current) between the earth pin of the mains plug and any exposed metalwork?

 

[westward10]

I have never seen a Class II toaster are they all the same type.

 

[GallyMO]

What's the make and model?

What reading do you get if you measure resistance (just with a multimeter, not at high current) between the earth pin of the mains plug and any exposed metalwork?

they are various ones, mostly from John Lewis I think! I will try that tomorrow.

 

[DPG]

they are various ones, mostly from John Lewis I think! I will try that tomorrow.

Check for the double square icon on each of them if they are different.

Keep us posted.

 

[GallyMO]

I have never seen a Class II toaster are they all the same type.

No, they are all different, I think they have bought them all from John Lewis, but different models depending on the size of the units, but its a bit annoying because they don't like all the same things across the units, they like them all to look different. This is why I thought its a bit odd they all fail.

 

[James]

long time since i have done any pat testing but I always used to take the top off the plug to check fuse rating.
you can then see if there is an earth wire.
Note: i expect that many will have a moulded plug so you cant see now days.

I think you need to examine the toasters a bit more thoroughly and see what part may give you a god earth test point, maybe a screw on the bottom?
I would expect that the metal grid that covers the elements would be well bonded to earth though.

As above, try a multi meter to see what is giving any continuity to the earth pin.

 

[Rockingit]

I'd suspect that it's as simple as that you're not managing to get a good enough connection due to laquer etc. If you had a proper insulation tester that could put some balls into it then you'd get a different result. Or..... they're actually class 2 after all and not marked - sacrifice the plug off of one and see if it's 2c flex.