ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

For the purpose of applicance testing it is necessary to identify what equipment becomes part of regular inspection and testing program.

"Electrical equipment includes anything that can be used, intended to be used or installed to generate, provide, transmit, transform, rectify, convert, conduct, distribute, control, store, measure or use electrical energy."

Many people think that this mens anything that plugs into an electrical supply. By and large this is correct, however there are other areas such as fixed equipment that need to be considered in an inspection and testing program.

The IEE Code Of Practice groups applicances to be tested into equipment groups. Once identified in a group it then goes on to give advice on what tests are required, the pass and fail limits of these tests and how often the test should be carried out. These equipment groups are listed as follows.

Portable Applicances

An applicance that is intended to be moved while in operation or an applicance that can easily be moved from one place to another while connected to the supply e.g. toaster, food mixer, vacume cleaner. 

Movable / Transportable Equipment

This equipment is either;

• 18kg or less in mass and not fixed e.g. electric fire
• Equipment with wheels, castors or other means to facilitate movement by the operator as required to perform its intended use.

Hand Held Applicances or Equipment

This is portable equipment intended to be held in the hand durning normal use, eg. hair dryer, drill, soldering iron and kettle.

Stationary Equipment or Applicances

This has a mass exceeding 18kg and is not provided with a carrying handle, e.g. refrierator, washing machine.

Fixed Equipment / Applicances

This is equipment or an applicnace that is fastened to a support or otherwise secured in a specified location, e.g. bathroom heater, towel rail.

Applicances / Equipment For Building In

This equipment is intended to be installed in a prepared recess such as a cupboard or similar. In general equipment for building in does not have an enclosure on all sides becasue one or more of the sides, additional protection against electric shock is provided by the surroundings e.g. a built in electric cooker.

Information Technology (Business Equipment)

Information technology equipment includes electrical business equipment such as computers and mains powered telecommunications equipment for general business use, such as mail processing machines, electric plotters, trimmers VDU's, data terminal equipment, typewriters, telephones, printers etc.

Extension Leads

The use of extension leads should be avoided where possible. If they are to be used 3-core leads (including an earth) should be used.

A standard 13A 3-pin extension socket-outlet with a 2-core cable should never be used