I have an expensive microwave / oven that has failed a pat test on low resistance - im not sure on which cables. I had a domestic repair company look at it and they can find no fault. It works perfectly. Is there a high probability that the mains cable has a kink and replacing it would be the fix. I understand that no one can be certain, but my other option is to scrap it
Low resistance on microwave oven
- Thread starter Rossco107
- Start date
The only possible cable is the mains lead between the plug and the appliance.
Tests on many items of equipment can be inconclusive or just entirely wrong.
Whoever did the test should have told you what the problem was.
If they are unable to do so, then they are just another blundering incompetent who believes all that is needed is to connect some testing device to the equipment, press a button and then slap a label on it stating failed or passed.
'PAT Testing' hasn't been called that for years.
How much did they charge for this 'testing' ?
When I say that I’m not sure which cables I mean mains to earth or mains to neutral. He tested the circuits as part of a eirc test
The kitchen circuit did not have the correct resistance reading until he unplugged the microwave. When he did the appliance tests he skipped the microwave as it appeared to be the reason that the circuit failed. So my choices are, just use it as it works and the worse case is the circuit breaker trips, or change the cable on the chance that it is probably a kink in the cable or scrap it.
The kitchen circuit did not have the correct resistance reading until he unplugged the microwave. When he did the appliance tests he skipped the microwave as it appeared to be the reason that the circuit failed. So my choices are, just use it as it works and the worse case is the circuit breaker trips, or change the cable on the chance that it is probably a kink in the cable or scrap it.
Well no, the worst cases are that someone gets an electric shock or it catches fire and burns the house down.
We don’t know enough to judge how serious the problem is.
I think that’s unlikely unless there is some visible damage.
Or find the fault and repair it. Trouble is, small appliances are so cheap, and salaries of engineers are relatively so high, that this is rarely economic. Your best bet is to find a friend with some electronics knowledge who will look at it for you. Other threads here have suggested “mens’ shed” type places where you might be able to get free help.
Insulation resistance testing for circuits is done with all loads disconnected, because if loads are connected, faulty results will be obtained.
They tested with the microwave connected - therefore they got defective results.
Probably due to filter capacitors or other components within the microwave.
There is nothing wrong with the microwave.
The only problem here is the person not knowing how to carry out electrical testing.
They tested with the microwave connected - therefore they got defective results.
Probably due to filter capacitors or other components within the microwave.
There is nothing wrong with the microwave.
The only problem here is the person not knowing how to carry out electrical testing.
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