Testing The Electrical Usage of Your Appliances
The United Kingdom and Australia both have very formal government programs that set very strict requirements on the testing of electrical appliances used in the work place. In the United Kingdom this program is known as the PAT or Portable Appliance Testing.
The appliances are checked on a routine basis and tagged to show that the inspection and testing has been accomplished. It has been found that almost one quarter of reportable accidents in the work place involve faulty electrical appliances. The PAT program has been in effect since 1974. It applies to all appliances used by workers on the job. It also applies to any appliances that might be used by the public such as in a hotel or hospital. Further, it also applies to any appliance repair shop or anywhere that appliances are loaned or rented.
The testing is supposed to be done by electricians that are well trained and under proper supervision. There is as much concern for the tester as well as for the users of the equipment. The PAT program has led to the development of several different types of testing equipment that is can be used. The equipment is generally divided into three main groups. The first is the simple pass/fail type of equipment. This type is pre-set to a certain standard and the appliance either passes the test or fails it. This type of tester has the disadvantage of not allowing for much interpretation of the results. The second type is more programmable and does allow for different settings to help diagnose the problems. The third type is connected to a computer that allows a complete diagnosis of the system. This type is especially useful for use on IT equipment.
The United States does not have a program quite the equal of PAT testing and the European and Australian versions of it. The US does have strict electrical codes and OSHA involvement in the work place. It is more the responsibility of the individual business owner to procure the proper testing equipment. Equipment such as oscilloscopes and cable testers are available for purchase or rental. A homeowner can make use of testing equipment to make periodical checks of his own.
The most important testing equipment for the homeowner remains his eyes, however. A visual check of connections and of the condition of wires is the first step in any electrical evaluation.
Related Tags: cost, appliances, usage, electricity, test, appliance
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