P.A.T TESTING QUESTION

[TERRY]

HI
Can someone explain to me what a finger or pin test is.
Does this relate to the width of your finger,and is there a special measuring tool required when inspecting gaps


Thanks TERRY

[solo3uk]

Hi Terry: The Finger test is meant for enclosures like switch gear, boxed consumer units etc., and as its name implies it means that if the enclosure has holes in it, like ventilation holes, which one can put his finger inside then the finger should not be able to touch any live part inside.

The standard British finger is 12mm diameter and 80mm long and there is an artificial test finger of that size which bends in the middle and you can put it in the holes and move round to check if it touches any live part, or you can use your own finger, but don`t forget to switch the mains off.........

The pin test is a similar test but using a pin of different diameters to check the pin can`t be inserted in holes, normally 2.5 or 1.0 diameter holes, to comply with the IP (International Protection) Code for Ingress Protection of Enclosures.

[TERRY]

Thanks, thats a good anwser

TERRY

[Lance_Burns]

As Solo3 says, it relates to the ingress protection of an electrical enclosure.

See IP ratings explained (http://www.euroboxenclosures.co.uk/IP-Ratings-Explained.php) to get your hands (or fingers!) dirty in getting to grips with ingress protection ratings.