Last updated 07/01/2010 01//02/009
We can also test the safety of electrical equipment in a domestic situation. Perhaps you are concerned about an elderly relative or friend. Although this is not a legal requirement, you can minimize the risk of accidents caused by faulty electrical appliances.
Tests are carried out using the very latest SEAWARD SUPERNOVA PLUS and EUROPA computerised Pat Testers. TheSupernova can to test 110 volt and 240 volt appliances from either 110 volt or 240 volt supply, allowing us to test any appliance, with any supply, giving us absolute flexibility in our testing procedures.
Both can store up to 6,000 records, and are fully equipped to carry out the very
latest test procedures as recommended in the IET Code of Practice for In-
These days test procedures are often subject to review and change. Both the Supernova
and the europa can be upgraded via downloads direct from Seaward's website! so
our customers can be sure that their electrical appliances are being tested to the
very latest standards, using the very latest state-
Tests and site records are logged using SHIRE SAFETY1st for Windows 95/NT software
The ELECTRICITY AT WORK REGULATIONS 1989 and HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK ACT 1974 puts
the duty on employers and employees, including the self-
DEFINITION OF PORTABLE APPLIANCE
A portable electrical appliance is defined as any electrical equipment which is powered
between 40 and 240 volts and which is connected to the electrical mains via a flexible
cable/plug and socket (usually a 13 amp outlet). It does not imply that the appliance
is readily portable, only that it can be moved without unwiring. Portable electrical
appliances owned by employees are occasionally brought to and used in the workplace.
This policy applies to such appliances as if they were the property of the business.
Portable appliances are not just specialised pieces of electrical equipment that
require testing routinely. They include everyday appliances such as :-
Visual display units; Computers; Kettles; Hand Drills; Photocopiers; Fridges; Mobile Phone Chargers; Vacuum Cleaners; Televisions; Video Recorders; Musical Instrument Amplifiers and PA systems; Heaters; Church Organs and even PAT Testers!
The Code requires that in addition to user checks, formally documented visual checks are routinely carried out.
Earth Bond Test.
Class I equipment normally conducted from 4A to 25A. This test is for checking the integrity of the resistance of the safety earth connection
Earth Screen Test.
Used to test I T equipment (e.g. computers, copiers etc) which require a low earth “screen” current of 100mA (Sometimes called business equipment or I.T. test). This is to prevent damage to the equipment.
Insulation Test.
For class I and II appliances, this is normally conducted at 500VDC, with option of applying a 250V test where mains input filters might give misleading readings.
Earth Leakage Test.
For class I and II appliances, used where insulation testing is not recommended. The current flowing into the appliance via the supply cable, is compared to that flowing out. Any difference must be leaking to earth, either via the earth lead (class 1) or the case or other connection (class 2).
Flash Test.
This is a very severe test and can cause damage to equipment. Flash tests are normally only carried out to equipment that has been repaired or sustained damage.
Inspection.
Formal documented visual checks are carried out by experienced engineers, qualified to City & Guilds 2377/01 (Certificate Of Competent Management Of Electrical Equipment) and City & Guilds 2377/02 (Certificate Of Competence For The Inspection Of Electrical Equipment) These inspections include checks for safe wiring, condition of cable/flex, correct fusing and any sign of overheating, damage or incorrect operation.
Test Equipment and Calibration
Only when the test engineer is satisfied with the visual checks, is the appliance connected to the test equipment. Modern computerised Portable Appliance Test (PAT) Equipment is used for testing. This equipment is capable of carrying out all the tests necessary under the IET Code of Practice. The test results are stored by this equipment and downloaded to a computer, to provide accurate test result documentation. The equipment used is regularly calibrated and is also checked for accuracy before every testing session.
Disconnecting Computers and Sensitive IT Equipment.
Equipment to be tested normally has to be disconnected from the mains supply. Equipment is only disconnected after permission to do so is obtained from the user or a department manager. This is particularly important in the case of IT equipment and security cameras etc.
Fault Rectification.
Equipment will not be failed because of faulty plug-
Labeling and Identification.
All appliances and cord-
Certification and Reporting.
All inspection and test results are formally recorded and provided to the customer, together with relevant certification. Results are normally sent electronically as PDF files, but can be supplied in printed form, or on CD. The customer also has an instant inventory of electrical appliances at their premises.
Notification.
All records are kept on a database. This enables us to inform the customer when re-
Formal visual checks.
These potentially lethal examples were discovered (and rectified!) on recent tests. Be warned, not all dangers are this obvious.
Although electrically safe, this washing machine was found with the top cover removed because "it didn't fit under the work top!" The "electrician friend" of the owner of this guest house had even fitted a plastic strip at the front to make it "safe"
It failed the PAT test of course!
We have always put safety at the top of our priority list, and have always PAT tested all the equipment we repair for some years now. Since 1999 we have been providing Pat Testing as a service in its own right.
With more than 30 years experience repairing and servicing electronic and electrical equipment, we are able to ensure that our customers equipment gets the best possible treatment, as well as ensuring that they satisfy the law and maintain a safe environment for their staff and customers.
We test all types of equipment from 230V as found in offices, shops etc, to 115V
as found on building sites, and three-
Click here to download the self-
If you require an estimate, email Estimate at jabe.co.uk, giving a contact name, company/organisation name, address and phone number. Give details of the type of business, number of buildings, any access or time restrictions and any other information that would be relevant.
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Are you aware that there is a legal responsibility on businesses, shops, clubs, churches and other places where employees and the public have access, to ensure the safety of all portable electrical appliances? In the event of an accident as a result of neglecting to do so, the owner or person responsible could find themselves in serious trouble.
Perhaps you are aware of your responsibilities and just haven't got around to arranging for this work to be done. If you require any clarification of your obligations, or the legal situation, please give us a call.