What are surge protectors for? A surge protector is an electrical appliance designed to protect electrical equipment from surges in power, or voltage spikes. A surge protectors tries to limit the voltage supplied to the appliance by either blocking or shorting to ground the unwanted voltage. Surges in power generally come from: Internal tripping events, such as lights being turned on and off A high in-rush of energy could generate [...]
Here are 8 Christmas Lights Safety Tips When putting up your Christmas tree lights this year, or taking the tree down in the new year, make sure you follow these 8 Christmas lights safety tips: Always switch off your lights at the socket before changing a faulty bulb Always inspect the cable and the bulbs for damage before switching the lights on If the lights are damaged when you get them from your storage, or [...]
Safety Socket Covers: A Simple Way to Protect People and Critical Equipment In many workplaces, electrical sockets are easy to overlook. They’re used every day, often in busy or shared environments, and yet a single accidental disconnection can cause real problems. From computers and servers to medical equipment and ventilation systems, some appliances simply cannot afford to lose power unexpectedly. Safety socket covers provide a straightforward and practical way to [...]
12 Reasons why electric shock accidents involve portable appliances so often (number 8 may shock you!) Reasons why electric shock accidents involve portable appliances One of the biggest problems in any workplace is the use of portable electrical equipment. Referred to as portable appliances, electrical equipment fitted with a plug presents a high risk of becoming damaged and thus dangerous. Portable appliances include any electrical appliances that can be [...]
How often should pat testing be done in an office? How often should pat testing be done in an office?PAT tests in offices may not need doing as often as you may think. Many offices get their appliances tested every year but that may be too often. If you do a risk assessment you will find that most if not all appliances won't need doing that often. Stationery appliances such [...]
Does new electrical equipment need PAT testing? Does new equipment need PAT testing? It is not normally necessary to test new items of electrical equipment, because the manufacturer has already tested it, but they should be inspected to make sure there is no damage and that it meets British Safety Standards (as it may have been built incorrectly, abroad) before first use. New electrical equipment built within the EU and labelled with [...]
6 ways to avoid an electrical fire Don't leave washing machines, tumble driers and dishwashers running when you're out or asleep Don't leave portable heaters switched on and unattended Don't overload sockets with too many plugs Register your electrical products and check for recalls Always follow the manufacturers guidance when using appliances Don't buy fake electrical goods or cheap imports Don't use damaged electrical [...]
How long does a PAT test Certificate last? How long does a PAT Test Certificate last? The confirmation that your appliance is safe lasts as long as it takes to put the label on, plug it back in and wait until it gets damaged; how long the certificate lasts, kind of depends on that too. Some say the certificate is only as good as the moment the test is done, so that [...]
Checking if an appliance has been recalled Grenfell was a shocking incident (some info), and what it showed us was that electrical appliances do catch fire, they can cause major issues and they should be maintained better. It’s led to all kinds of campaigns and awareness raising such as the need for registering appliances and checking appliances against recall notices - how many appliances are still in rented properties that the landlord doesn’t [...]
What to do with personal electrical equipment staff bring into work When staff bring personal electrical equipment to work, you as the employer, need to be sure that that equipment is safe to use and especially safe to plug in. If the equipment they bring in is faulty or not to British Standards, not only could it lead to them having an accident, but it could present a risk to your business, such [...]
