How to Test & Tag a Television

Main points to remember:

• There are different scenarios based on the TV brand and model
• This means TV's will be either Class I or Class II
• Some Televisions will have removeable leads, while others are hardwired
• Class I is when the lead is a standard IEC lead
• Class II is when the lead is a figure 8

There are a couple of variations you will come across when testing and tagging TV’s, which can sometimes be a bit confusing. We'll clear it up for you so you know exactly what to look for and how to complete the correct tests to the AS 3760 Standard.

For testing TV's - some will be Class 1, while others will be Class 2. Some will have removeable leads and others will be hardwired. Regardless of the configuration, we approach testing a TV as we would any other appliance based on what we see starting with a through visual inspection.

Removeable Lead Type – TV's are Class 1

The lead will be a standard IEC lead when the TV is a Class 1 appliance. Test this lead as you would any other IEC lead using your PAT tester.

Reconnect the lead to the TV and plug back into your PAT tester. 

Connect your reference lead to some exposed metal on the back of the TV. Often this will be the outside of the aerial port, RCA connections of even in the bolt holes for a TV mounting bracket. 

If the earth continuity test fails, try another position/other metal until you find a good earth point. If you can’t find a piece of metal that results in a pass result, fail the TV and remove it from service.

Run a Class 1 test sequence, ensuring this includes a leakage test (where the TV turns on) as there is always going to be lots of electronics in a TV nowadays and the AS/NZS 3760 requires a leakage test to be performed on this type of appliance. 

Removeable Lead Type – TV's are Class 2 

The lead will be a Figure 8 type lead (has no earth – only two wires). You will need an IEC-Figure 8 adapter to test this lead with your PAT tester.

Reconnect the lead to the TV and plug back into your PAT tester. 

Connect your reference lead to some exposed metal on the back of the TV. Often this will be the outside of the aerial port, RCA connections of even in the bolt holes for TV mounting bracket. 

Run a Class 2 test sequence, ensuring this includes a leakage test (where the TV turns on) as there is always going to be lots of electronics in a TV nowadays and AS/NZS 3760 requires a leakage test to be performed on this type of appliance. 

Hardwired Lead Type

If the lead can't be removed, we then test and tag the TV as we would with any other appliance. 

Firstly, determine if it's a Class 1 or Class 2 appliance, then plug it into your Portable Appliance Tester.

Connect your reference lead to some exposed metal on the back of the TV. Often this will be the outside of the aerial port, RCA connections of even in the bolt holes for TV mounting bracket. 

Ensure the test sequence includes a leakage test (where the TV turns on) as there is always going to be lots of electronics in a TV nowadays and AS/NZS 3760 requires a leakage test to be performed on this type of appliance.