They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so have a visit of our web page Hall of Fails to see a small selection of failed appliances. The more interesting fails will be added from time-to-time.
From the obvious bared wires that are a “Red Flag” to anyone, to something much more subtle, but no less dangerous. Electricity is not to messed with.
Don’t take risks. Even if you have “Done it this way all my life”. To that we can only say, well… you’ve been lucky. (You might not be surprised how often I hear that comment, and from intelligent people too)
To be honest, many days can go by where I find no failed appliances. This is great news for my clients. I’ve even been guilty myself of thinking it was a waste of time. Then out of the blue, I find something so dangerous that it justifies to me again, what we do here and why electrical testing is a requirement and so important.
(In simple terms for those who don’t understand electrical term Earth Bonding, the primary reason for bonding is personnel safety. It is a connection of an appliance to an earth point. So someone touching two pieces of equipment at the same time does not receive a shock if they touch a live point. The Second reason has to do with what happens if Phase conductor (or power supply) comes in to contact with an external metal part. The earth bonding helps to create a low impedance path back to the source. If there is any type of shorting between the supply and the earth, it will in turn cause the circuit breaker to trip.)
Testing procedures go something like this:
Look at the appliance for any obvious faults. PASS/FAIL
Inspect the lead and plug for any visual faults. PASS/FAIL
Do relevant electrical testing. PASS/FAIL
Provide appropriate Pass or Fail Tag and apply.
Not long ago I was doing some routine testing in a factory. When I came to a Table Saw I found a minor fault in the visual check that could be easily remedied. Knowing it was only a 5-minute fix, I carried on to complete all the testing. For safety reasons, I always continue testing on this type of appliance fault to ensure I have a base point before repairs are made.
However, when undertaking the Earth Bond test, I could not find a connection. – FAIL.
Upon opening the power cable termination point, I found something quite disturbing. The earth wire was connected to the terminal block but did not contain an earthing link to the steel table body. In other words, the Table saw frame was supposed to be earthed, but it was not.
I’m not sure how long the saw had been installed, but it had never been tested fully from the day it was installed. This was not a case of a broken wire. It was wired incorrectly from the beginning.
If you are looking for an electrical contractor who knows a Class 1 from a Class 2 appliance and ensures a full test is done, Contact me now, to ensure your workplace is safe from electrical harm.
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