Many people find testing extension leads confusing but it doesn’t have to be. If you know the test procedure, it is a simple process.
To perform the test you will need a short IEC lead adaptor which can be recognised by its 13amp plug at one end and an IEC plug on the other end.
Once you have successfully performed all the visual checks on the extension lead and found nothing with which to fail it, the 13amp plug needs to be connected to the 13amp socket on the tester.
Then the short IEC lead IEC plug needs to be connected to the tester IEC socket.
Then the short IEC lead 13amp plug needs to be connected to the extension lead end socket. It must go in the socket furthest away from the mains lead in order to ensure you are testing the full length of the Buss Bars which connect all the socket pins together.
Once everything is connected correctly, the tests to be carried out are the lead test consisting of; Earth continuity, Insulation at 500v DC and Polarity.
The Polarity test checks that the Line and Neutral are not reversed. It is important to ensure these are correct as reversed Line and Neutral means that the switch and fuse are in the neutral leg. This means that the appliance is live even when turned off and can be very serious as a fault will not cause the fuse to blow but instead could cause a fire.
Also, to be thorough when testing your extension lead, it is a good idea to prove the remaining sockets by plugging the extension lead into the mains and plug the tester into the remaining sockets. This is not a requirement but ensures that the sockets have been tested.
