Testing

Visual Test

Check for the appliances, accessories, connectors, plugs or extension outlet sockets

• Is the cord effectively anchored in the plug, connector, or appliance?

• Are there any signs of overheating?

• Are the pins bent or twisted?

• Does the shroud (if fitted) on a cord extension socket have any damage to it?

• Is the plug suitable for the location?

• Is the plug matched to the appliance's loading?

Check the flexible cord for damage

• Are the inner cores of the flexible supply cord exposed or twisted?

• Is the external sheath cut, abraded, twisted, or damaged to such an extent that the inner cores are visible?

• Are the unprotected conductors or insulation tape are visible?

EPOD

• For Electrical Portable Outlet Devices (EPOD's), we ensure the warning (indicating the maximum load) to be connected to the device is intact and legible.

Operation Controls

We ensure that all operation controls are secure, aligned, appropriately identified, and are in good working order

Misc

Covers and guards will be:

• Secured in the manner intended by the manufacturer

• Ensured to be free to move if applicable (eg. skillsaw guards)

Ventilation inlets and exhaust grills will be checked to ensure they are unobstructed.

Earth Continuity Test

The earth continuity conductor of all Class 1 equipment with accessible earthed parts must have a resistance of less than 1.0 Ω between the plug earth pin to any accessible earthed parts.

The earth continuity conductor of all cord extension sets, RCD's, and Electric Portable Outlet Devices (EPOD's or Power Boards) must have a resistance of less than 1.0 Ω between the plug earth pin and the earth socket/contact of the outlet(s).

Polarity check

The polarity of extension leads are checked to ensure everything meets the required standards.

Insulation Resistance Test

All Class 1 equipment with accessible earthed parts must have an insulation resistance of more than 1.0 MΩ between live parts, and any accessible earthed parts.

All Class 2 equipment with external unearthed metal parts must have an insulation resistance of more than 1.0 MΩ between live supply conductors, and any external unearthed metal parts.

Cord Extension Sets, RCD's, And Electric Portable Outlet Devices (EPOD's or Power Boards) must have an Insulation Resistance of more than 1.0 MΩ between live supply conductors and the earthing conductor.

Appliances containing Mineral Insulated Metal Sheathed heating elements must have an Insulation Resistance of more than 0.01 MΩ (10,000 Ω) between live supply conductors and the earthing conductor.

Earth Leakage Test

For Class 1 appliances the maximum leakage current is 5mA. During the operational test of the appliance, any current flowing in the earth lead is measured.

For Class 2 appliances the maximum leakage current is 1mA. During the operational test of the appliance, the leakage current between unearthed metal and earth is measured.

Residual Current Devices (RCD's)

The maximum tripping time of an RCD must be measured

RCD's rated at 10mA or less (Type 1) must trip in less than 40mS.

RCD's rated at more than 10mA (Type 2) must trip in less than 300mS.

What happens afterwards?

A durable, non-metallic tag is fitted to all appliances passing the tests. These identify:

• Asset number

• Date tested

• Date due for retesting

• Who performed the tests

• If equipment is in a harsh environment then a special type of tag is fitted

Appliances which are deemed unsafe for use, are identified at the plug using an equipment unsafe tag, displaying:

• Date

• Fault

• Person who performed tests