35% OF ACCIDENTAL HOUSE FIRES ARE
CAUSED BY ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AND SUPPLY
Statistic taken from the Lancashire Fire & Rescue website
WHAT WE DO...
we don't just stick stickers!
So you know exactly what to expect from us when we carry out a portable appliance test we thought we would explain what we do...
VISUAL
INSPECTION
PHYSICAL
TEST
DOCUMENT
THE TEST
ISSUE A
CERTIFICATE
To begin with we inspect the plug, the cable and socket the equipment was plugged into. We do this to check for any signs of wear on the cable such as cracked, dented or even split casing where wires can be exposed. This can be due from furniture being stood on it, for example.
Any signs of the appliance over heating on either the plug or the socket.
We then remove the plug cover, where possible, to check the wiring hasn't come loose, there are no exposed wires, the equipment is correctly wired and the correct fuse is fitted for the appliance.
Using a dedicated testing instrument we put the equipment through some tests. The tests carried out are dependant on what type of appliance it is.
1. Earth Continuity Test
This is to check that there is a good connection between the mains plug and any earthed parts of the equipment.
2. Insulation Resistance Test
This tests the performance of the equipment's insulation to make sure current.
3. Polarity Test
This is to check the equipment is wired correctly.
3. Leakage Test
is generally used as an alternative test to the Insulation Resistance test.
Not all equipment needs all these tests...that's where our knowledge comes in.
Once both the visual and physical tests are completed we issue a green pass or a red fail sticker onto the plug of the equipment or its cable accordingly.
The sticker will show the equipment ID and its test date.
If an appliance results in a fail then the appliance will be removed from service immediately and the duty holder notified so repairs can be sought or a replacement appliance bought.
We log all the appliance test results on a test record which will also include any necessary comments about the appliance and its test and can be seen in the final report we issue after our visit.
Once all the appliances have been inspected and tested we will then issue you with our report. In the report we will list all the equipment inspected/tested during our visit, their outcome and our recommendation as to when they should be inspected and/or tested again.
You will also receive a certificate - this is often necessary to satisfy insurers and the HSE that you are being responsible in maintaining electrical equipment.
We also send a report detailing all the numerical test data, again this will be digitally. This can be useful in determining the future of an appliance.
We aim to email you our pdf report and certificate within 48hrs of completion of our visit.
we are only a phone call away