pat testing questions

Bad luck on the test, but perhaps better to understand it fully before being released into the wild!  I have no idea what is in your PAT syllabus, so cannot comment on if the tutor was directing you to the right info or not,  but I'll have a go at the queries. Easy one first

gs38 - guidance for probe tips on meters and when you need precautions like fused test leads,


How good is your understanding of how things like RCDs and fuses work ?  If the below makes no sense, then some more background reading is needed, so if need bo feel free to come back and I can point you to that.

question about current rating of what ? do you know how to select the right  fuse  for a plug or fused spur? Was this about test kit with larger sockets? -the needs for  63A 3 phase plugs are a bit different to those for shavers..


RCDs that are intended to save lives, as opposed to save wiring from damage, have to remove the power in less than a heartbeat - typically 0.4 of a second for systems like 230V mains on TN supplies, where a max shock voltage of 115 is assumed. ).2 seconds in situations with a high impedance earth where the shock voltage may be the full supply voltage. Actually in a modern installation nearly all 13A sockets are fed by an RCD of sime kind, but the high risks are hand held things, and stuff used where it may be wet, like outdoor, or bathrooms/ swimming pools etc.

Bad luck on the test, but perhaps better to understand it fully before being released into the wild!  I have no idea what is in your PAT syllabus, so cannot comment on if the tutor was directing you to the right info or not,  but I'll have a go at the queries. Easy one first

gs38 - guidance for probe tips on meters and when you need precautions like fused test leads,


How good is your understanding of how things like RCDs and fuses work ?  If the below makes no sense, then some more background reading is needed, so if need bo feel free to come back and I can point you to that.

question about current rating of what ? do you know how to select the right  fuse  for a plug or fused spur? Was this about test kit with larger sockets? -the needs for  63A 3 phase plugs are a bit different to those for shavers..


RCDs that are intended to save lives, as opposed to save wiring from damage, have to remove the power in less than a heartbeat - typically 0.4 of a second for systems like 230V mains on TN supplies, where a max shock voltage of 115 is assumed. ).2 seconds in situations with a high impedance earth where the shock voltage may be the full supply voltage. Actually in a modern installation nearly all 13A sockets are fed by an RCD of sime kind, but the high risks are hand held things, and stuff used where it may be wet, like outdoor, or bathrooms/ swimming pools etc.