Portable Appliances
Portable Appliances include any electrical equipment connected to a 240 / 110 volt supply socket. In most cases it is equipment that is plugged into a 13 amp electrical socket outlet. Any Appliances on your premises that can be used by employers, employees, customers or the public must be maintained in a safe condition..

Examples of portable appliances include computers and their accessories, photocopiers, printers, heaters, televisions, VCRs, hairdryers, food mixers, kettles, cleaners, fans, drills, work tools, fridge / freezers and extension leads.

Any electrical appliances connected to a plug needs to be maintained in a good safe working order, even if you cannot physically move the appliance.

Why is it so important that we maintain our equipment?
Sometimes electrical equipment can go wrong. The leads or plugs can become damaged, or sometimes the equipment itself can become faulty. This can lead to an electric shock and electric shocks can kill. Damaged electrical equipment can cause fires. It is important that a system of regular inspection and maintenance is employed to reduce the risk.

Legal Responsibility
The Law requires that electrical equipment at work be maintained in a good safe working order. Portable Appliance Testing is the most common and effective way of complying with the regulations.

What Dangers Could Occur In Portable Appliances?
From experience, appliances in the workplace are often found to have the wrong fuse rating inside the plug top. This can result in appliances failing to automatically switch off if a fault occurs.

Dangerous and lethal wires in the plug top and in the flex may be exposed, frayed or not tightened to the connections properly, putting users and premises at risk of electric shocks and fires.

Many appliances have metal casing which relies on an essential connection between the outer casing and the earth connection in the wall socket. Experience has shown that the earth connection is often incorrectly connected or broken. This means that the appliance is not earthed and can result in a major electric shock to the user should a fault occur.

Why You Should Test Your Appliances

1. The Law requires businesses and public places to maintain the safety of electrical appliances

2. You can be prosecuted if you do not comply

3. Appliances will be safe for employees, clients and others to use

4. Faults will be rectified ensuring productivity of appliances

5. Appliance testing will find safety faults on appliances that otherwise would not be found

6. Insurance companies may require the testing of appliances

7. Don’t wait until it's too late. Good maintenance and a regular appliance inspection and test will help to prevent future and unexpected problems.