How do I test a protection class 1 device where the protective conductor is not accessible?

Application examples: Coffee machines, submersible pumps, monitors, mains adapters for notebooks

Such a device cannot be tested in accordance with standards without opening the housing, which would even lead to the destruction of the device in many cases.

However, each tester can decide whether it is justifiable to deviate from the standard in special cases. However, certain requirements should be met so that the protective conductor test can be dispensed with in good conscience, e.g:

• The device has a GS mark. It can then be assumed that this appliance has been found to be safe by the institute issuing the GS mark.
• The mains supply on which the appliance is operated is protected by a 30 mA RCD. This means that even in the event of a fault, there is still personal protection in the event of direct contact with the mains voltage.
• No concessions should be made during the visual inspection of such appliances. The appliance must be taken out of service even in the event of minor damage where a blind eye might be turned.

Devices that transport water can be filled with salt water and measured via the liquid to the protective conductor. You will not get small resistance values, but you will know that the protective conductor is in contact with the liquid.

For all other appliances, you can dispense with the protective conductor test, but this is always the responsibility of the tester.

For such cases, the SECUTEST offers the option of skipping the protective conductor test. If you are prompted to contact the protective conductor, press the down arrow button and the protective conductor test will be skipped. When saving the test, you can then enter that the protective earth conductor was not accessible on the Details of repairs page. If a device has a GS mark, you should be able to make this compromise.