Electrical equipment has helped us make our work much easier nowadays since they take care of most of the strain that would usually be on us. But even equipment made to last can break down and cause damage or even injuries. To prevent that from happening PAT testing is necessary.
Portable appliance testing is the process of examining portable electrical equipment as well as appliances for their safety in their working environment. Although this process is made up of multiple steps the final and probably most important one is the PAT test which is done with a PAT tester. This device is able to check the functions and capabilities of equipment and appliances with the press of a button.
What Features Matter in a PAT Tester?
Leakage Current
Earth leakage also known as touch current measures the current flowing through the protective conductor. In the case of class two appliances, the current flowing through the body should someone touch the appliance is also measured by earth leakage. Portable PAT testers with a touch current work by supplying a mains voltage and having the appliance operate while measuring any leakage current.
There’s also an alternative to this test known as the substitute earth leakage test. This test is performed at a reduced voltage and it doesn’t power up the appliance, but this makes it less accurate than a torch current test.
Test Sequence
When testing single-phase appliances, you want the option to have a customisable test sequence. While not all current range of testers. Have this option some do and they can help you make multiple earth bond tests at a time. This feature also allows you to run a longer leakage test which can be useful, with items that take a lot of time to start.
3-Phase Testing
Depending on the type of test you’re using, you can purchase an additional adapter to help you test three-phase appliances. This adapter usually connects to your existing tester but you can get a standalone adapter.
RCD Testing
Although not all testers come with this feature. It’s a desirable choice when you want to be testing RCDs. Also known as residual current devices, these too require regular testing. This feature is commonly known as a safety switch, but it’s not standard on all testers, as not everyone will need to make use of it.
Internal Memory
Another important function to have on your PAT test meter is internal memory. This will allow you to store the results you get from the readings. This way you can access those results at a later date and they can also be useful for future reference. This feature is useful especially if you’re going through dozens of appliances a day.
Battery Power
Battery-powered testers are becoming more and more common nowadays. This is why having a battery tester can be a make-it-or-break-it solution. But out of the battery-powered tester, you’ll have to constantly look for a power outlet. But with one, you’ll have to charge the battery regularly.
IIT
A tester with an internal isolation transformer allows you to test portable RCDs. This is because it stops the trip current from triggering the RCD. This way the PRCD stays safe during the test and starts working properly once the power is back on.
250V Insulation
This feature allows you to use a PAT testing device with sensitive electronic equipment. Therefore having 250-volt insulation can help protect from potential damage. You’ll also be able to test power boards with this feature, as well as surge-protected devices.
Test Lead Nulling
What is also known as the null function allows you to automatically eliminate the resistance of the test leads. This prevents the resistance being measured from being low. And affected by the resistance of the test leads themselves, especially when measuring earth resistance.
Types of PAT Testers
Manual
A manual PAT tester requires you to know quite a bit about PAT testing cycles and logic. Some manual testers are able to display a pass or fail value but they are mostly equipped with LCD displays to show results.
Downloadable
A downloadable PAT test meter is a piece of software that you can install on your PC. These are completely digital interfaces that can be operated via your phone tablet or laptop. These testers make it easier to transfer readings.
Pass/ Fail
A pass/ fail PAT test meter is small and light and it doesn’t have the ability to auto-record results. You need to manually record results in your log book with pass/ fail PAT testers, otherwise, the data will be lost. Also, these testers only tell you if an appliance has passed or failed the test, nothing more.
Test Result Testers
A PAT testing device that actually shows you specific readings and results is known as a test result tester. You also get pass and fail values on a simple interface. Affordable and easy to use these testers are able to have their parameters configured too.
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