|
What is
Portable Electrical Appliance Testing?
Visual
Inspection
Every
portable appliance tested by Stirling Electrical
Services is visually inspected to check the plug, flex and body of the
appliance. In this visual inspection we will investigate for damaged
equipment, frayed flex cords and/or flex cords taped up to cover
unauthorised joints, flex wiring pulled away and exposed from the internal
casing of the plug, signs of overheating on the flex and internal wiring
inside the plug, cracked and damaged plugs including loose and faulty wiring
connections inside the plug.
A
high number of appliances fail this visual inspection due to having the
wrong type of fuse in the plug, loose plug connections, exposed wiring at
the plug and damaged plugs.
As
part of our service, minor repairs such as above will be repaired
free of charge, thus allowing the appliance to pass the visual
inspection.
Testing Procedure
Only
when we are satisfied that the equipment has passed the visual inspection, a
series of tests using the latest state-of-the-art computer testing equipment
are carried out to detect hidden faults and potential hazards. This ensures
the electrical safety and good working order of each item.
Computerised and industry set tests are carried out using Portable Appliance
Testing equipment similar to the tester pictured above. In the testing
procedure we will carry out the following tests.
-
Earth Bond Test - Tests the metal casing of equipment to confirm the
integrity of the appliance earth conductor. A high A.C. current of
10amp or 25amp is passed between the earth bond terminal and the appliance's
earth pin.
-
Earth Continuity Test - When testing IT Equipment - e.g. computers in
offices, it is undesirable to use the high current Earth Bond Test described
above as this could damage the equipment. On IT equipment our testing
procedure would involve testing the equipment with a low current earth
continuity test. A low current (200 mA D.C.) is passed between the
continuity terminal on the testing equipment and the appliance's test socket
earth pin.
-
Insulation Test - An insulation test is carried out on all equipment to
verify that the insulation resistance is correct and sufficient between the
appliance wiring and internal components. In this test a 500 volt D.C.
supply is used to test the insulation resistance.
-
Operation Test - This test will start up the equipment being tested as
if it were normally plugged into a 13 amp socket outlet. By doing this test
we will be verifying the power consumed by the appliance, which we will
check against the manufacturers rating which is stamped on the appliance.
This will also determine if the correct size of fuse is inserted in the plug
top.
-
Earth Leakage Test - By carrying out the Operation Test we will also
find out if any electrical current is flowing to earth. Normally appliances
should have no or very little earth leakage current. The appliance tester
will also be able to detect earth leakage in Class 2 (Double Insulated)
appliances. This enable account to be taken of all leakage paths to earth
rather than just that flowing in the earth wire if applicable - e.g. a Class
2 appliance could exhibit earth leakage through its mountings or by operator
contact.
-
Flash Test - This test ( Dielectric Strength Test) is very rarely
carried out and it is not normally carried out as routine test. The test
stresses the asset insulation. This test is usually only carried out if the
appliance has been completely overhauled and is being put back into working
service.
Both
visual inspections and instrument tests are carried out in accordance with
guidelines and testing procedures laid down by the IEE Code of Practice for
Inspecting and Testing of Electrical Equipment.
Following testing, each appliance will be labelled “PASS”
or “FAIL”
and we will provide you with a detailed computer-produced electrical test
certificate and a full register of your appliances. These may be used for
your own and for your insurer’s records. For a small additional fee a
computer based programme with the test results on CD can be produced for
your purposes in addition to the paperback register.
  
Should any electrical accident occur, the test certificate contained in the
logbook, which is produced by Stirling Electrical Services is vital evidence
that you fulfilled your duty to prevent electrical accidents. Remember
Electrical Appliances should be tested regularly. In most cases it is
sufficient to test appliances annually.
Work
is carried out by a qualified experienced electricians, trained and
experienced in Portable Appliance Testing.
After
the first inspection and testing, Stirling Electrical Services will contact
the client shortly before their next test due date to arrange the next site
visit.
Easier
Tracking and Extra Security
Some companies like to have the ability to easily track their appliance
locations and also have the piece of mind that their appliances have extra
security protection.
That
is why Stirling Electrical Services also provide an optional Barcode
Labelling system on appliances in addition to the standard Pass or Fail
Labels.
For
an extra ten pence per item we will attach Barcode labels on each appliance.
© Stirling Electrical Services Ltd - 1996 -
|
