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Inspection and testing is covered by three activities:
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user checks |
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formal visual inspections (without tests) |
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combined inspections and tests |
User Checks
Most faults or damage can be found just by looking.
Users should be encouraged to look critically at the
electrical equipment in their own working environment.
Staff should be given straightforward training and
instruction on how to carry out a simple visual check
before using any electrical appliance.
After disconnecting, the signs to look out for on the
equipment, cable and plug are:
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damage, such as cuts or abrasions to the cable
covering;
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damage to the plug such as the casing is cracked or
the pins are bent;
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non-proprietory joints, including taped, in the
cable;
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the
outer covering of the cable not being gripped where
it enters the plug or equipment. Look to see if the
coloured insulation of the internal wires is
showing;
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equipment that has been used in conditions where it
is not suitable, such as a wet or dusty workplace;
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damage to the outer cover of the equipment or
obvious loose parts or screws;
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overheating (burn marks) |
Checks should be undertaken when the equipment is taken
into use and during use. Any faults should be reported
to the management and the equipment taken out of use
immediately.
Visual Inspections
Visual inspections should be carried out by a competent
member of staff who knows what to look at, what to look
for and how to avoid danger to themselves and others.
This type of inspection does not require the use of any
specialist test equipment as it is purely a visual
inspection. The inspection should include, when
disconnected from the mains supply, the removal of the
plug cover and checking that:
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The
cord grip is holding the outer part of the cable
tightly
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The
wires, including the earth wire where fitted, are
attached to the correct terminals
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No
bare wire is visible other than at the terminals
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The
terminal screws are tight
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There is no sign of internal damage, overheating,
dust or dirt
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This
visual inspection should not include taking the
equipment itself apart since this will take a lot more
time, could damage the equipment and may be dangerous.
Combined Inspections and Tests
The checks carried out as above will have identified
most (but not all) potentially dangerous faults - some
deterioration of the cable, its terminals and the
equipment itself can be expected after significant use.
Equipment may also be misused or abused to the extent
that it may give rise to danger. Testing, together with
a thorough visual inspection can detect faults such as
loss of earth integrity like a broken earth wire within
a flexible cable, or deterioration of insulation
integrity or contamination of internal or external
surfaces.
Our competent staff can carry out
inspections and tests, using proprietary appliance
testing instrument, as stated in the IEE Code of
Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of
Electrical Equipment. They have a sound
knowledge and experience relevant to the work
undertaken, and a knowledge of the technical standards.
Do you need us
to carry out a test & inspection?
If
so, please contact us. |
