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Sunday 18 March 2012

5 faults that a PAT tester will NOT find

Some users of PAT testers assume that ALL faults on an appliance can be found by plugging it into a PAT tester and carrying out the tests. This assumption can lead to a lot of faults with appliances NOT being found. Below are some of the common faults that can be missed.

1.    A 13A fuse fitted where there should be a 3A fuse OR a fuse replaced by a piece of cigarette foil.

2.    Wrongly wired plug where the Live and Neutral is reversed OR crack on the plug OR cable pulling out of the plug.

3.    Cut on the mains cable, so that the Live cable is exposed.

4.    A short between the Live and Neutral wires (If a load test is done this will be found - BUT not all PAT testers have this facility).

5.    A crack on the appliance OR overheating appliance with burn marks OR missing screws so that a user can get their fingers inside.

This list highlights the importance of a good Formal Visual Inspection which includes the cable, appliance, outside of the plug, inside of the plug and a check that the right fuse is fitted.

SUMMARY

The use of a PAT tester alone will not be a sure way of finding all faults with an appliance. The person testing MUST carry out a good Formal Visual Inspection BEFORE using the PAT tester.

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