You can still do an insulation resistance test on a class 2 although it is optional. Source: in service testing and inspecting of electrical equipment 5th edition page 72: table 10.2 and page 73 : section 10.6.1 Personally I think it doesn't hurt to just test it because you have no idea whats lurking underneath the insulated cables

An excellent simple to the point video. For beginners and even seasoned Testers there is a lot of sound advice given without the over complicated ‘Professorship’ talks by personnel who cannot get the subject matter over. Your video is simple easy to follow and SOUND advice for all. I commend this video for any seeking sound advice! Thanks for putting it up. David

Brilliant video and great advice. Thank you.👍🏻

This is absolutely amazing. Great video. Thank you so much, Sir.

Many thanks, Clear and defined explanition on this, especially on the double insulated side.

Excellent information

Very helpful, easy to understand, and Knowledgable

Well explained. Makes sense.

Thank you, big help

Incorrect -- Class 2 appliances with exposed metal parts should be insulation resistance tested with the test probe affixed to the metalwork

I have found that most companies have their electrical items tested annually or if they are lucky enough every two years regardless of any recommendations from HSE or IET, this is due to their insurance company stipulating this and also stating that it can not be done in-house or by a person involved in the company or even associated with them, for example a friend of a staff member etc, insurance companies get out clause I guess, if they can get out of a payout they will. Retest dates are now down to the duty holder to make a decision by risk assessment according to IET, so that takes the responsibility off of the tester/competent person to make that decision, and retest dates are no longer required on any test lables if used. Also most insurance companies insist on a test for every electrical item that gets plugged into a mains power socket regardless of construction class, so even class two would need at the very least a formal visual inspection (FVI), but if any exposed metal parts then a insulation resistance (IR) test as well, and all tests must be recorded on a test report with certificate, lables optional.

Thank you

Thanks for the very informative video. I am an amateur musician and have been asked by some venues to provide proof of PA Testing of my equipment. This comprises portable fans, amplifiers and mixer desks supplied at 240V and 12V via double insulated AC adaptor plugs, electric guitars plus leads, microphones plus leads. I can understand that the 240V and 12V gear needs testing but what about the guitars and leads, please? As an amateur, I don't want to spend more than I have to.

Hi, Thanks for the video I have picked some good tips up. I am just about to test some musical equipment but have a few questions. Some of the rack mounted equipment does not have any class 1 or 2 symbols but do seem to be 240v as they are powered with kettle leads. This equipment is all from about the mid 90’s so maybe precede the symbols, do I need to test these and if so how do I know if they are class 1 or 2. Some of the other equipment are either 9 or 12v with power adapters. I know I need to visually inspect the adapters and label them, do I need to visually inspect the low voltage equipment and label and log them.

I note your comment a piece of Electrical Equipment that is wired to a spur this still needs to be tested as an appliance the term portable appliance testing is no longer used and as such has been removed from the guidance in 2020.

On the second item the plug was double insulated. Do you test the USB and lead? Thanks for the videos. I'm finding them really useful.

I am wanting to make lamps at home, basically upcycling old tools like hand drills. Do they require to be PAT?

Would pat tester recognize a reverse polarity on a sppliance

On chargers I do test for electrical safety by testing for electrical leakage as the charge end is metal and is linked to the lead going in to the plug side. As depending on the fault in it as it may look 100%. But hi voltage can be at charge end.

Could please advise what you recommend for small private landlords who provide fridge freezers and washing machines as they are heavy items to move about and thank you for the clarity 🙏

How much is the course for beginners

Don't get far before the first incorrect statement. Frequency of testing is the responsibility of the duty holder. It is not the responsibility of the competent person doing the testing.

What do pat testing certificate look like info

Unfortunately this video has out of date advice according to the latest 5 the edition of the regs. I believe that there is now a requirement for hard wired devices, especially class 1 to be tested by accessing the wiring through the switched fused spur. This means testers need to be aware of how to safely isolate and lock off the supply to the device as well as a degree of competence in connecting the tester to the unwired device. This change could be well beyond the capabilities of some people who have undergone formal Pat training but are not electricians. The regs have dropped the name Pat to in-service inspection and testing of electrical appliances and do concentrate on assessing the necessary frqency of testing as in the video as well as only visual checking of class 2 devices. New equipment shouldn't need testing but Chinese products purchased on eBay maybe class 1 but have been found to have the earth bond wire not connected to the metal case, or even no earth bonding. Also the UK plug provided can be un fused, too small , and have totally incorrect pin sizes.

pat test includes a visual look at item for damage so a label on it says its been tested. also the hard wired socket on an item say a hand dryer in a pub toilet is a socket and should be tested to make shore it is safe, or do you just not bother with this item, if you are competent you should test these items as you cannot as a business just forget them. a building when inspected only go's to the sockets.(hard wired is a socket) as a business you have a duty of care to everyone and must make shore all electrical items are safe, hard wired or not. pat is a poor name for the process of checking appliances, also safe systems of work forms more protection than pat testing. that's why its not law to have a pat test. the pat test can help with safe systems of work but not replace them. for

How much does Pat testing cost?

Why do people call plugs plug-tops?

I dont understand why you wouldnt electrically test a class 2 appliance. This is an option on all pat testers ive used and necessary in my opinion

I think you are misleading people there are regulations to follow not guess work.

Sorry but i got to 10 minutes before giving up. The editting proved awful, you duplicated words and having to get up constantly looking for things you should have to hand for a video like this is very unprofessional

Thank you