Guidance

Nearly all Portable electrical items require a fuse for added protection in case of a fault. This fuse is designed to protect your device from harm should irregularities in current be detected. Fuse production is dictated by A British Standard regulation (BS1362) to ensure fuses are safe to use and are manufactured to full quality. But beware, there are counterfeit fuses which will cause more harm than good. These fake fuses could cause damage to your electronic equipment, your home, or yourself. In this post, we will show you some of the things to look out for to second guess a suspicious fuse. First of all, let’s look at the length. The length of the fuse can often be an indication sign [...]

British socket outlets are amongst the safest in the world if they are in good repair. Electrical sockets that are manufactured to BS1363 standards (including multi way adapters and flexible extensions) must prevent the insertion of foreign objects into the socket tubes by an interlocking shutter mechanism. The BS1363 standard also sets a distance which a plug pin must be inserted before coming into contact with live parts. With a socket constructed to this standard and in good repair, even the smallest child cannot come into contact with a live part, with their finger or other foreign object. The problem [...]

Most people use extension leads to get more sockets in their homes or workplaces; but most people are also not aware that even though there are (for example) 4 socket spaces to plug in 4 appliances, it does not mean it is safe to use all 4 sockets.  For example, are you aware that most 4-way leads have a maximum current rating of 13 amps or 10 amps; which means you could be overloading it if you plug in appliances that exceed the maximum current rating stated for the lead.  This could cause the plug in the wall socket [...]

Electrical appliances are built by their manufacturer to meet strict British Standards, including for them to be safe for use; but over time appliances can deteriorate to an extent where there is a risk of electric shock to the user or fire.  Strangely, based on what some sceptics say electrical equipment built in the 60s, 70s and 80s (when PAT was starting out and developing ) was supposed to be “built to last” so there would be less need for it than now when equipment is said to be not built as well.  However the major difference now is [...]

"Second-hand" hops in Scotland that sell electrical appliances for re-use are now required to hold a stamp of approval from Resolve .  Resolve is the quality standards scheme in Scotland for shops that sell items for reuse.  This seems like a really good idea, read the full article from The National: "SCOTLAND’S second-hand shopping scene is thriving, with 150 stores and organisations now holding a stamp of approval from Revolve, the quality standard scheme for shops who sell items for reuse. Transition Stirling, a community group that lends out tools and sells those which are surplus to the needs of [...]

To be "portable" means for an appliance to not be part of the building or fixed system, meaning that it needs to be able to be easily disconnected from the main power supply and moved to another location. So that "PAT test" only relates to appliances that can be unplugged.  A simple definition would be: you should PAT test any appliance fitted with, or intended to be fitted with a plug, to be plugged into a socket, which is a reasonable rule to follow.  Any appliance or lead with a plug will need PAT testing, including extension leads, and [...]

What is an RCD?  An RCD, or residual current device, is a life-saving device which is designed to prevent you from getting a fatal electric shock if you come into contact with a live wire or current. RCDs offer a level of personal protection that ordinary fuses and circuit-breakers cannot provide. The majority of our leads have an option to add in an RCD, to provide this invaluable level of protection. How does it work?  An RCD is designed to protect against the risks of electrocution, for example if you cut through a cable and accidentally touched the exposed live [...]

PAT Testing in a holiday let In Cornwall, a lot of the County relies heavily on the tourism industry. Since we started testing in the South West, each year, around 30-50% of our business has been through holiday lets alone. There are some Letting agents who insist on a PAT Certificate before they will advertise and let out their property and others that do not. Those that do, are a great source of regular work for my company. We have built a reputation over the years of respecting the property that we go in to test. That means that agents [...]

Guidance on Phone Chargers   British plugs & sockets are amongst the safest in the world. This is because the British BS1363 standard has been around for decades, also due to laws like the Plugs & Sockets Act 1994. In fact, it is illegal in the UK to sell an electrical item with a plug that does not conform to BS1363.They should not have a CE mark on them. However, the law becomes a very grey area when it comes to chargers & adapters for mobile phones, I pads, USB chargers, e cigarettes, mini vacs (the list is endless) most [...]

Insurance, what do I need?              As a sole trader starting out, it would be worth visiting your local broker to discuss exactly what you require with your insurance. Most start with Public Liability of around £2million, however as your business grows it’s recommended to review your insurance year on year (unless unusual circumstances arise, such as working in dangerous places), then you must notify your insurance to make sure you have adequate cover.  If you employ, then it is a legal requirement to have Employers’ Liability Cover          Shopping around with the information you gather after your [...]