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I’ve been asked to carry out PAT test at a local church where they have PA equipment, projectors, lap tops, plethora of extension leads. Basically I came as highly recommended by few church goers. If this turns out well then I would find myself do the PAT test to other churches of the same network.
It would be handy thing on the side during quiet periods of appliance repair.
I do not want to spend a great deal of cash on fancy equipment. I would be happy to go the next one up from the cheapest. I found a few on-line and ended up more confused.
Do I need one that gives a crystal clear readings like “pass” or “fail”, or the one that gives you the value of resistances? Is it possible to have both? Some tester (seeward prime test 100) have a maximum readings of 20mohms. I would be worried if I tested domestic appliances with that and get a reading like that as it would tell me something is on its way out which makes it unsuitable for fault checking.
I personally liked this model as it offers both information. Can Martindale HANDYPAT 600 be used for extension lead testing? Some offers a separate button for extension leads testing like this http://www.pat-services.co.uk/safety-me … r-2593.htm
Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Re: What PAT test equipment do you suggest?
Some suggestions for you (please don’t take this the wromg way):
1. Get yourself a copy of the IET Code of Practice for In-service Inspection & Testing of Electrical Equipment (4th Edition).
2. Get yourself on a C&G 2377 course – this will teach you about PA Testing.
3. Check that your insurance covers you for this activity.
In my view, you need to see & note what the readings are. Remember, it is not only electrical testing you need to do. You need to visually inspect the item as well.
With regard to equipment, I use a Robin 5000 tester. I still ‘hand write’ the test sheets. Just leave them with the customer for next time.
A lot of testers carry out a ‘pseudo’ leakage test at a low voltage (eg 40 volts) and then linearly multiply the value up to what it would be at 230 volts. This can lead to errors & consequential issues with unnecessarily ‘condemning’ equipment as ‘dangerous’.A 20M? reading is not necessarily a bad reading. You will need to take a view. For example, this could be due to a mains-filter or a surge-suppresion device. Take a look at the CoP. It will help you.
Look at as many testers as possible. Dont get ‘over-focussed’ on one make. Look at Fluke, Megger, Metrel etc.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Re: What PAT test equipment do you suggest?
Thank you, I already have a copy of IET code of practice book and I have C&G 2377 certificate. I passed the course last year with 96{e5d1b7155a01ef1f3b9c9968eaba33524ee81600d00d4be2b4d93ac2e58cec2d} pass rate and I have used the information in my line of work using my Robin continuity/insulation tester. I found the course invaluable but I was unsure of the trainer who was effing and blinding in every sentences. It got a bit weary after two days of constants effing and blinding. Think of Roy Chubby Brown, I swear that it was his twin brother! I resented the fact I paid him £250 to train me not for two days of constant swearing. Having said that he was a good trainer.
I didn’t use anything fancy, I used the Robin continuity and insulation tester and adapter where you plug in the leads and put the mains plug on it. It gives me the readings for appliance repairs and checks. But I have not used it for other purposes specifically as PAT test. I simply took the PAT course as part of “adding another bow tied to the ribbon”.
I will keep looking for other makes, do you know of a website or two to suggest?
Re: What PAT test equipment do you suggest?
They seem about the cheapest around.
You can use a continuity/insulation tester with an adaptor. Just a bit more fiddly. You won’t be able to measure leakage or other mains-supply derived tests.
Take a look at Instrotech – not the cheapest but do a wide range
I have purchased test gear from both.
No issues with either. (I have no commercial connection with either – just a satisfied customer).
Regards
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