How to Test & Tag a Toaster

Main points to understand:

  • All toasters should be Class I items
  • For visual inspection, ensure you look closely for where the cord enters underneath the toaster
  • Any dents in the casing need to be checked closely
  • For Earth Continuity, the area between the slice slots is usually a good place to clamp your lead
  • If the metal is chrome plated, consider another position
  • Hold the toaster switch down (on) when doing Insulation Resistance
  • Earth Leakage test should be completed as best practice to the Standard

All toasters should be Class 1 items, however best practice is to always check thoroughly to determine the correct class of equipment.

As a Class 1 item there are a number of tests required under the Australian Standard AS/NZS 3760.

Visual Inspection of Toaster

Check for any damage to the appliance starting at the plug end (this ensures the appliance is turned off and safe to inspect).

Pay particular attention to where the cord enters the underneath of the toaster as this is where the most wear is likely to occur. Any dents in the casing of the toaster need to be assessed closely as [if deep enough] they can make contact with the internal electrical wiring and present a serious electrical risk. If in doubt fail the item under the visual inspection.

Tips & Tricks for Testing a Toaster

Earth Continuity – Clamp your tester reference lead (or touch your probe) to a portion of exposed metal. Between the slice slots is usually a good place. If you get a failed result just check that the clamp or probe has a good contact with bare metal. If the metal is chrome plated find another position with bare metal.

How to Test & Tag a Toaster

Caution: do not insert your clamp or probe inside the toaster at any time!

If you confirm you are connected to bare metal and still get a failed result, the test is a fail and the unit should be removed from service.

Insulation Resistance – Keeping your reference lead connected, switch your toaster on by pressing down the sliding switch. This will not stay down as it requires mains power to latch, so you will need to hold it in the ON position. It is often easier to do this right from the beginning before you start the Earth Continuity test as many testers will come up with a warning if this test is conducted without the unit turned on. Also, make sure you're aware of the test readings (as opposed to just a pass or fail) as the Insulation Test results will often indicate wear and tear in the toaster. 

Earth Leakage Test – While many see this as an optional test, most appliances today require this under AS/NZS 3760 due to the presence of electronic components in the circuit. Best practice dictates you should conduct the Earth Leakage Test on all appliances possible as it is almost impossible to determine if electronics are present without taking an item apart. Keeping your reference lead connected, select the Leakage Test on your tester.

Caution: conducting a Leakage Test will apply mains power to your toaster and it will start to get hot.

Once it turns on you can release the switch, which will remain in the on position for the duration of the test. Once the test is complete the toaster will switch off (pop up) as normal.

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