Projector failed PAT test - warranty case?

[sparkeh]

Our hall projector is under a year old, under warranty, and has failed its PAT test (the load test).

 

I have no idea if this should be covered by the warranty but it looks like the manufacturer thinks not.

 

Anyone else had this kind of situation?

[robjduk]

I would be wary of PAT tests as I often find what the perceived level of safety by the person doing it is more often than not nonsense. Alas I don't have the links to point you to but would read up on exactly what the law says and wouldn't be surprised if your PAT test is just a suggested level of protection rather than a legal requirement.

[sparkeh]

I would be wary of PAT tests as I often find what the perceived level of safety by the person doing it is more often than not nonsense. Alas I don't have the links to point you to but would read up on exactly what the law says and wouldn't be surprised if your PAT test is just a suggested level of protection rather than a legal requirement.

Well, I am in a difficult position. The person in charge of PAT testing is a real (misinformed) zealot who I "discuss" the issue with regularly.

Personally I think its fine and you're right, its not a legal requirement but I'm being pressured to get it replaced under warranty

[elsiegee40]

Ok. With a projector, it is very unlikely the machine itself has failed. It is more likely to be the power lead. Change the power lead and it will probably pass. I have had this

[sparkeh]

Ok. With a projector, it is very unlikely the machine itself has failed. It is more likely to be the power lead. Change the power lead and it will probably pass. I have had this

Heh yeah I tried this one, power lead passed, projector failed the load test.

[jdell]

Is the Projector in a fixed mount or cage attached to the wall or ceiling? Edited April 10, 2015 by jdell

[HarryMonkey]

I would be wary of PAT tests as I often find what the perceived level of safety by the person doing it is more often than not nonsense. Alas I don't have the links to point you to but would read up on exactly what the law says and wouldn't be surprised if your PAT test is just a suggested level of protection rather than a legal requirement.

 

Some useful info here, including a pdf that you can download for free to show to your tester.

 

Maintaining portable electric equipment in low-risk environments

 

PAT (Portable appliance testing) - HSE's answers to popular questions

[HarryMonkey]

Here's some more info on the load test ... Earth Leakage Tests in PAT Testing

 

The significant paragraph being this one ...

 

As this test measure the current flowing through the Earth wire, it is important to ensure that the appliance is not connected to anything else during the test. Example – if a computer was connected to a monitor during the test, some current could flow through the video cable and through the monitor’s earth wire – thus giving false readings.

[mrwobbly]

I maybe wrong but from what I understand reading up is the load test measures the current been drawn when the appliance is turned on Most testers giving the reading in KVA. The person testing should then compare this to the rated KVA on the plate on the appliance.

 

If it’s a hall projector how is he reading this plate? How does he know what the projector is rated at? Is he just comparing it to the rated load of a classroom projector which will be much lower.

 

Find out what reading he is getting and download the projector manual which should give you the rated load.

[sparkeh]

Thanks everyone. The projector is fixed to the ceiling (I have had the discussion about it whether it is a 'portable' device or not )

 

The leakage info is interesting. I'll see if anything was connected at the time.