Electrical, Lifts and Access
Fixed Appliance Testing
While the majority of people have heard of PAT testing, FAT, or fixed appliance testing, often gets ignored. When electrical installation condition reports (EICR) are carried out then fixed appliances are often left out.
Our skilled electricians can make sure that your electrical systems are safe, and can even extend the lifespan of appliances.
Ensuring a Safe Workspace
There are a number of workplace regulations when it comes to electrical systems and appliances. Fixed appliance testing is one way to make sure that your workplace meets these standards and is a safe place for employees, staying compliant with regulations and guidelines including Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994, and Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
The Difference Between Fixed and Portable Appliances
Fixed appliances are considered to be anything that is hard-wired into your electrics and can’t be unplugged and taken with you, such as ovens, dishwashers, central heating systems, hand dryers… Looking around an office you can probably find plenty of these, which will all be included on the fixed appliance test sheet when you get fixed appliance testers into the premises.
Portable Appliances are things like kettles and vacuum cleaners that can be unplugged and moved around easily. PAT testing covers all of these items, and is a quicker process than fixed appliance testing.
Why is FAT Testing Important?
Many people believe that fixed appliance testing is just as important as PAT testing, if not more so in some cases. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that fixed wiring should be inspected and tested regularly by a qualified electrician.
Fixed appliance testing can pose more of a challenge than PAT testing. This is because fixed appliances are often difficult to access without taking the appliance apart, which can be a time-consuming and expensive process.
However, fixed appliance testing is still an important part of maintaining a safe electrical system. Fixed appliances are likely to develop faults over time, as they are constantly in use. Testing can help to extend their lifespan.
What Happens During a Fixed Appliance Test?
During a fixed appliance test, the electrician will inspect and test the electrical circuits, wiring, and equipment that is permanently connected to the electrical system. The sort of fixed systems checked may include lights, power outlets, air conditioning units, and other fixed appliances. The electrician will perform a visual inspection to check for any signs of damage, wear and tear, or other issues that could pose a safety hazard.
The electrician will then use specialist testing equipment to carry out a series of tests on the fixed wiring and appliances to ensure they are functioning correctly and safely. This can include tests to check for electrical continuity, earth resistance, insulation resistance, and polarity.
The certificate that the electrician can provide as proof that they have checked your appliances could come in very handy if any issues arise as a result of a problem, and helps to show that you have taken precautions to keep your employees and visitors safe.
How Often to Get Fixed Appliance Testing Done
The frequency of fixed appliance testing depends on the type of business and the appliances that are being used. For example, a restaurant will need to have their ovens tested more frequently than an office with a few computers.
It’s important to consult with a qualified electrician to determine how often your fixed appliances should be tested. They will be able to take into account the type of business, the number and types of appliances, and any other factors that may affect the frequency of testing.
Our skilled and experienced engineers can provide you with both fixed and portable appliance testing. Although some disruption is unavoidable, our skilled electricians and trained testers work quickly and efficiently to keep any downtime to a minimum.
If you would like more information on fixed appliance testing or to book a test, please contact us today. We would be happy to answer any of your questions.
At Robinsons Facilities Services, we cover the Yorkshire area offering fixed appliance testing services. Contact us if you live in:
Complete the quick contact form or call 01423 226578 today.
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Fixed Appliance Testing FAQs
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says that appliances with fixed wiring should be inspected and tested regularly, and FAT testing is the perfect solution to this, allowing you to keep a record of your tests.
Portable appliances are those that can be moved and are connected to your plug sockets, while fixed appliances are usually wired into the electrics directly. For advice, check with an electrician on what test each device needs.
Firstly, there is a visual overview which checks if the electrics and cabling is safe and have not degraded. The tester will also check the earthing, the insulation, and whether the appliance functions as intended and safely.
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