What tests to PAT test a fridge ?

[Pengwyn]

I have bought an adaption for my Metrel easitest to allow me to PAT test.

What tests do I need to do to complete a full PAT test on my frdige ?

Is it just an insulation test Line and live to earth and then an earth continuity test ?

 

[Spark123]

Start with the visual, check for damage, correct fuse rating etc.
Assess wether or not the appliance has any semiconductors in it, if it does then it might be better testing under the IT scope.
On a bog standard FF the first electrical test is the earth bond to confirm it is intact. Then do the Insulation resistance. Don't know if your tester does it but the final test with a Megger PAT4 is a functional test which also monitors the current drawn and earth leakage.

 

[Pengwyn]

My tester is an installation tester and I have bought The Kewtec PAT adaptor 1 to allow it to do the following PAT tests.

Insulation Class 1 - earth to line via the plug
Insulation Class 2 - Line on plug to metal part of the appliance
Earth Testing - Earth on plug to metal part of aplliance.

These descriptions are just from the diagrams on the tester. I have never done PAT testing before so this is me from scratch .

I assume with an LV appliance you still test with 500v ?

 

[Spark123]

Yep, 500v
Are you looking to do this for others? You could probably do with getting yourself on some sort of college course covering PAT testing, also there's a lot to be said for an automated tester which records the test results as opposed to having to record them manually.

 

[Pengwyn]

Spark123

I am considering the possibility of doing this for others. I just want to understand what's involved first. I bought the adaption because it was there and I want to fully understand things before going further.

The 3 tests I stated earlier, is this about it ? I assume there is more to it than that ?

 

[ericmark]

Normally I switch off the fridge or freezer before starting on a room and test last in hope motor will run on live test.

If it has auto de-frost then I don't test and advise it is included on a maintenance program instead as only by dismantle can they be tested.

 

[Spark123]

Spark123

I am considering the possibility of doing this for others. I just want to understand what's involved first. I bought the adaption because it was there and I want to fully understand things before going further.

The 3 tests I stated earlier, is this about it ? I assume there is more to it than that ?

It depends on what you are testing - the tests differ between different types of appliance. Some of the 3 electrical tests you mention are applicable to some but not to others - you mention class 1 and 2. An appliance is either class 1 or class 2, not both so now you only have 2 tests! IT is a different area where you can destroy a PC if you do something wrong i.e. insulation test it or 10A bond test it.
See if your local college is running any courses on PAT.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

What tests do I need to do to complete a full PAT test on my frdige ?

What does the 'P' stand for?

 

[plugwash]

While the P does stand for portable afaict PAT testing is also generally applied to things like fridges that while not particularlly portable are not fixed either.

 

[nozspark]

With the small amount of PAT that I do, for one client I test all the display fridges in their shop (one's about 8' long!!) ---- they feel that because it's a public space that it's better to be safe than sorry!

 

[Spark123]

They have a duty to maintain the equipment to prevent danger or injury wether it be hand held portable, movable or fixed. PAT testing is part of one way to show they are taking reasonable steps to maintain equipment (it isn't the only way to do this).

 

[ericmark]

The inspection and testing of in-service electrical equipment includes:-

Portable Appliance
Movable Equipment
Hand-held appliances or equipment
Stationary equipment or appliances
Fixed equipment / appliances
Appliances / equipment for building in
Information technology equipment

All these items require testing and I would consider it irresponsible to only include the first group without advising the client that separate arrangement would be required for the other groups and when doing in house testing we would test everything possible with PATester as it is easier than the dismantling required using other methods.

However one does need some product knowledge and my Freezer at home includes an electronic control panel and a auto de-frost and as a result can not be PATested this is also the case with vending machines and other items with timers and controls which will not allow it to complete all cycles while under test.

One must remember many people will look at the green sticker and assume it is OK to use and don't realise it only refers to the electrical safety.

Most companies will train electricians on how to change grinding wheels etc so they can do a complete safety test and with angle grinders etc can return them to stores ready for use. However that does not mean all do.

Even Safety Officers get it wrong I had one tell me and a class full of other people that all the equipment on site was PAT tested and was most upset when I pointed out not even all the stuff in his office had been tested and labelled to show it had been done. I then proceeded to identify all the lead sets with no label.

To complete the inspection and testing of in-service electrical equipment on the portable (It would need several wagons) batching plant I worked on. Would take three men two Sundays the procedure being split so half tested each time. This included testing all the gate switches etc worked. Clearly if some one quoted £2 per item and was give this they would lose a lot of money.

So I would hope there would be a qualifying criteria. I hate that word "PAT" as portable is so often considered to exclude anything over 18kg unless on wheels i.e. vacuum cleaner would be included but not wheels on bottom of fridge etc. which are only to aid installation.

Premises managers often feel they have fulfilled their responsibility by employing an inspection and test organisation, but in turn their managers often feel they have a limited remit and are not responsible for non portable appliances.

Here we come to Paper trail. It is law anything to do with health and safety must be written down. It may be electronic but must be in writing. Unless something goes wrong no one is bothered but once it does then HSE start to look. By this time its too late.

A simple statement saying that not all items have been tested as they are dammed as being specialist equipment these items will not have been labelled and you are welcome to call us for advice on who should be contacted to get these items tested is likely a good get out of jail free card. But as with all these paper get out clauses it is up to the courts to decide.