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Our Method Statement for Portable Appliance Testing

 

Intial Approach on Site

 

A Test engineer will make themselves known to the clients representative upon arrival on site and explain the schedule and purpose of the work to be carried out. This person will then be asked to accompany our engineer around the site to highlight and sensitive areas and confirm any arrangements / appropriate times that have been made for shutting down any equipment. This person will be advised of any concerns and items that fail.

 

Standards for Testing

 

Inspection & testing will be carried out in accordance with IEE's Code of Proactice for in-service Inspection & Testing of Electrical Equipment. This includes the following types  of electricals equipment as detailed in the IEE's Code of Practice, Portable appliances, moveable or transportable equipment, hand held appliances, Stationary appliances, fixed equipment or appliances, appliances or equipment for building in, IT equipment and extension Leads and Multi adaptors.

 

Equipment Identification

 

For each appliance a decision will be made on the type of equipment it is e.g. Class 1 or Class 2 etc.

 

Inspection

 

A full visual inspection of the appliance will be carried out prior to any testing. The inspection includes the following : Plug - this is examined to ensure it is in physically good condition, is free from cracks or damage and signs of overheating and the pins are insulated. The plug top is removed to establish the outer sheath of the flexiible cable is scurely gripped by the cable clamp. the terminals sufficently tightened, and is correctly wired. The fuse is examined to ensure it is of the correct rating for the type of appliance. Flex - this is inspected ensuring its length is suitable and safe for the equipment and the way it is used.,it is in good condition and free from splits, fraying or damage. Appliance - the appliance it's casing or cabinet is inspected to ensure it is free from damage, cracks etc. that could allow access to live parts, that it switches on and off correctly, is in good working order and operates safely. Any minor faults that are identified during the visual inspection, for example, damaged 13 amp plugs, incorrectly rated fuses, loose connections will be rectified prior to testing.

 

Testing

 

Subject to satisfactory visual inspection, the following tests will be carried out were relevant: a) Earth Continuity Test - applies to Class 1 appliances only.

 

Testing on computer equipment are "soft tests" of 200mA on earth continuity.

 

b) Insulation Resistance Test

c) Operational Test - No Operational tests are carried out on computer CPU's

d) Earth Leakage Test - Only carried out if earth leakage applies.

e) Polarity Test - only on applicable power leads and extension cables

 

Labelling

 

Each piece of equipment will be labeled with a unique code number, this will be used to identify it against the test report. For appliances that pass the inspection and Test. a "Passed Electrical Safety Test label will be attached. Failed appliances will be labelled with a "Failed Do Not Use label then removed from service and brought to the attention of the client representative on site. Please note that all failed appliances will have their mains leads removed so they can not be put back into service. Only current ACOP labels are now used.

 

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