PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) is a process that is generally done by manufacturers or the government before a product is sold in stores. If you're a consumer who's concerned about the TV you've purchased, there's really no need to try to do PAT because it requires special equipment. If, however, you're a manufacturer or repairman, the tests are respected industry-wide standards for consumer safety. The two types required are Earth Bond Testing and Insulation Tests.

  • PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) is a process that is generally done by manufacturers or the government before a product is sold in stores.
  • If, however, you're a manufacturer or repairman, the tests are respected industry-wide standards for consumer safety.
  • PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) is a process that is generally done by manufacturers or the government before a product is sold in stores.
  • If, however, you're a manufacturer or repairman, the tests are respected industry-wide standards for consumer safety.

Plug in the testing device. Use a standard power outlet.

Hook the tester up to your television.

Check the owner's manual or specifications on your TV to find the fuse rating. You'll need this number to test the Earth Bond on your television.

Turn on the tester. According to the PAT Testing website, "In order to test that the earth bond is sound, a current of at least 1.5 times the plug fuse rating is passed through the earth bond circuit for a period of approximately 5 seconds."

Set the current to 100mA. Turn the lower switch so that it's on "Earth Bond" (typically number 1 on the list). Press the "Test" button next to it.

  • Check the owner's manual or specifications on your TV to find the fuse rating.
  • Set the current to 100mA.
  • Turn the lower switch so that it's on "Earth Bond" (typically number 1 on the list).

Check the gauge to make sure the readings show less than 0.1+R Ohms. Power down the device and unhook the television when finished.

Plug in the testing device. Use a standard power outlet.

Hook the tester up to your television.

Turn on the tester. Set the lower knob to "Insulation Test" (which is typically test 2). Set the voltage to 500 Vdc. Press the "Test" button.

  • Check the gauge to make sure the readings show less than 0.1+R Ohms.
  • Set the lower knob to "Insulation Test" (which is typically test 2).

Check the gauge reading. According to the PAT website, the readings should be as follows: Class 1 Equipment ...1M Ohms, Class 2 Equipment 2M Ohms [and] Class 3 Equipment 250k Ohms.

Power down the device. Unhook the television when finished.

TIP

Other optional PAT tests include: Load Testing, Earth Leakage Test, Polarity and Fuse checks and Flash Testing.

WARNING

PAT should be done only by those properly certified and who possess the proper equipment. Damage or injury could result for the unskilled.