HT PAT Testing Blog

Do IT Yourself PAT Testing Part Three

So far in this series of blogs we have discussed the skills required to successfully complete portable appliance testing and the different types of PAT testing equipment available. Here in part three we will discuss some of the additional tools required.

Additional Tools Required

Microwave Leakage Tester

A microwave leakage tester is a very useful piece of equipment that should be utilised where appropriate. HT PAT Testing use digital microwave leakage testers which display the amount of harmful radiation that may escape from damaged or faulty microwave ovens. To perform the test a small glass of water is placed in the microwave oven which is set to full power. The microwave is then turned on and the leakage tester is slowly moved around the door checking for excessive emissions. It is surprising how many microwave ovens do actually have leaks causing dangerous emission levels, these microwave ovens should be removed from service immediately and replaced.

Electrician or Insulated Screwdrivers

A set of fully insulated cross slot and plain slot screwdrivers will be required. These will be needed to open plugs allowing for the fuse type to be checked and tightening loose terminals or replacing damaged plugs.

Electricians Cable Cutters

Fully insulated electricians cable or wire cutters will be required. These will be used to strip cable and rewire plugs where necessary.

Adaptors

Various adaptors will be required in order to complete testing thoroughly, the types of adaptors necessary will depend upon the appliances to be tested so I will mention a few of the more common ones here.

IEC to Cloverleaf Adaptor

Many laptop power cables have a cloverleaf connection at the ac adaptor, the cable should have a polarity check performed during PAT testing and this would require the use of an IEC to cloverleaf adaptor. IEC to Cloverleaf adaptors are not expensive and are a very useful addition to your tool kit.

240v to 110v PAT Testing Adaptor

A 240v plug to 110v socket test lead adaptor will be required to test any 110v equipment. 110v equipment is mainly found on construction sites, all tools here will be 110v and the adaptor will be necessary.

Please follow this link for further information regarding PAT testing adaptors.

Well that is it for part three so please check back again soon for part four where we will discuss the software required. As always feel free to contact us at anytime for further help and advice or if you need a PAT testing quote please follow the link and complete the form and we will be happy to help.

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