Earth continuity testing is one of the key electronic tests performed during a PAT test on Class I (earthed) appliances.
What Is Earth Continuity?
Earth continuity means there is a continuous, low-resistance path from the earth pin of the plug through the cable to the metal casing of the appliance. This path carries fault current safely to ground and trips the fuse or circuit breaker.
How Is It Tested?
The PAT tester sends a small current through the earth conductor and measures the resistance. For a standard appliance with a cable up to 2 metres, the resistance should typically be less than 0.1 ohms.
What Causes Earth Continuity Failure?
- Broken earth wire inside the cable
- Loose earth connection in the plug
- Loose earth connection where the cable enters the appliance
- Corroded earth connections
Why It Matters
Without a good earth connection, a Class I appliance with an internal fault could have a live metal casing. Touching it could cause electric shock. Earth continuity testing catches this invisible danger.
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