How do I test a protection class I device in which the protective conductor is not accessible?
Subject: SECUTEST, SECUSTAR, METRATESTER 5, MINITEST
Examples: coffee machines, submersible pumps, monitors, network adapters for notebooks
In compliance with the standard, such a device can not be tested without opening the housing, which in many devices would even lead to the destruction of the device.
However, each examiner can decide if he or she is responsible for deviating from the standard in specific cases. For this purpose, however, certain conditions should be met, so that one can do without a clear conscience on the protective conductor test, for example:
The device has a GS mark. Then one can assume that this device has been found safe by the institute which issued the GS mark.
The network on which the device is operated is protected by a 30 mA RCD. So even in case of an error, a personal protection even with direct contact with the mains voltage is given.
No concessions should be made during the visual inspection of such devices. Even with small damages, where one could perhaps still turn a blind eye, the equipment must be taken out of its enclosure for inspection.
For devices that transport water, you can fill them with salt water and measure the liquid to the protective conductor. Although you get no small resistance values, but you know that the protective conductor has contact with the liquid.
For all other devices, you can do without the protective conductor test, but this is always the responsibility of the examiner.
For such cases the SECUTEST offers the possibility to skip the PE test. If you are asked to contact the protective conductor, press the arrow key downwards and the protective conductor test will be skipped. When saving the test, you can then enter on the page on repair details that the protective conductor was not accessible. If a device has a GS mark, then you should be able to make this compromise.