Guide to Pat Testing using the Martindale
EPAT1600/2100 series PAT Testers
• Connect the PAT tester to a source of power and
ensure the wander lead is plugged in.
1. Visual Inspection
Examine the condition of the appliance to be tested
as per best practice recommendations.
2. Earth Bond test – this is required for Class 1
(earthed) appliances only.
Select the test current according to the appliance
plug/fuse rating eg.
• A lamp fitting with a 3/5 amp fuse would use the 8
amp setting.
• A kettle with a 13 amp fuse would use the 25 amp
setting.
• IT equipment should be tested using the 100mA
range.
Plug the appliance into the PAT tester, attach the
wander lead to any exposed conductive surface or
metalwork and switch on the appliance.
Press and hold the
CONTINUITY
button (for a
maximum of 5 seconds)
The display should indicate a very low resistance
value in ohms (such as 0.05 for example) confirming
that a good solid earth return path exists from the
earthpin on the appliance back to the tester via the
wander lead. The
PASS
value required being
0.1
Ohms
or less. If the display reads “
1
” in the left-hand
column then this is an indication that the reading is
above the maximum resistance measurable by the
tester, i.e. the resistance is very high, and is thus a
FAIL.
If the reading exceeds the pass value of
0.1 Ohms
by
a
small amount
it is acceptable to take into account
the internal resistance of the supply cable itself which
can be deducted from the displayed value as per
published guidelines (the IEE code of practice for
portable appliance testing ref – IEEPATS3)
3. Insulation test
This test is carried out on both Class 1 (earthed)
and Class 2 (double insulated) appliances.
The wander lead needs to be plugged into the tester
at all times although electrically it is only required for
class 2 devices. When testing Class 1 appliances
therefore it is recommended that the exposed metal
crocodile clip is parked safely inside the tester lid for
the duration of the test.
Class 1
– Switch the appliance on & plug it into the
tester. Press and hold the
INSULATION
button until a
steady reading is obtained. Observe the reading
displayed - the pass value required being >
1M
Ω
.
Class 2
- Plug the appliance into the PAT tester,
ensuring that it is switched on. Attach the wander
lead to any exposed conductive surface. Press and
hold the
INSULATION
button until a steady reading is
obtained. Observe the reading, a pass value of
2M
Ω
or GREATER
is required.
The maximum reading on the EPAT1600/2100 for this
test is 19.99 M
Ω
, any reading higher than this will be
displayed as a “1” indicating an over-range value and
therefore also a very good Pass.
EPAT1600/EPAT2100
Pat Testers
Application note no 25
Martindale Electric Company Ltd.
Metrohm House, Imperial Trading Estate, Imperial Way, Watford, WD24 4PP. T: 01923 441717 F: 01923 446900
www.martindale-electric.co.uk [email protected] © 2011 rev2
