Services | CVEET

All electrical equipment is checked in accordance with the latest guidelines from the IET Code of Practice: Inspection & Testing of Electrical Equipment (5th Edition). My service involves both visual checks and electrical tests.

To help minimise disruption to your business your electrical equipment test will be conducted at your premises at times to suit you.

Most electrical safety defects can be found during the Formal Visual inspection (FVI). If anything is flagged as being dangerous it can then be usually repaired or replaced.

My highly sophisticated Kewtech SmartPAT (which is annually calibrated) will then be used to carry out further checks, such as earth continuity, lead polarity, and insulation resistance. More advanced tests can then be completed, if necessary.

This is the procedure I follow when completing the FVI of your equipment.

Visual Inspection of the plug - I will check:-

the live and neutral pins have sleeves - compulsory from 1984 for BS 1363
if the earth pin has a sleeve, this plug do not comply with BS 1363 and should not be used
that the plug is a snug fit and that it should be able to be removed without difficulty from the socket.
that the plug is free from cracks or damage.
that the plug is free from any sign of overheating.
that the top cover should be firmly attached and secure.
all three terminal screws should be present and checked for tightness.
that there is no excessive copper showing on any of the conductors and that there are no loose copper strands.
that the flexible cable should be secure in its anchorage and the cable clamp should secure the outer insulation of the cable.
that the fuse should be secure in its mounting.
that the correct fuse is used for the appliance - The fuse should be the correct value and comply with BS 1362 - > 700 watts = 13 amp (BROWN) < 700 watts = 3 (RED) or 5 amp (BLACK) fuse.

Visual Inspection of the flex or cable - I will check:-

that the flex or cable is not excessively coiled or under tension.
that the flex or cord is not too tightly bent at any place.
that the flex or cord is in good condition, circular throughout its length and not discoloured.
that the flex or cord is free from abrasions, cuts, bulges, fraying, kinks, and damage such as visible insulation or metallic strands.
that the flex or cord is not in a location where it could be damaged.
that the flex or cord doesn't have any joints or connections that may render it unsuitable for use such as taped joints or taped repairs.
that the flex or cord is connected into one plug.
that the appropriate flexible cable is used.
that the flex or cord is not placed under a carpet
that the flex or cord is not a trip hazard.
the complete cable length of extension leads.

Visual Inspection of the socket-outlets - I will check:-

that they are free from cracks
that there are no signs of over heating
the shutter mechanism of socket-outlet is closed when plug is removed.
that the socket is not loose.
that the switch (if fitted) works properly.
For an additional fee, I can also connect my test equipment to the sockets to verify correct polarity.

Visual Inspection of Adapters or extension lead fitted with an RCD - I will check:-

the device and verify that it has a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30mA
the device by plugging in it, switching it on and then pushing the test button. The RCD should operate and disconnect the supply from the socket-outlet.

Visual Inspection of Equipment (includes Extra Low Voltage equipment) - I will check:-

that they are free from excessive dust/debris build up, which may affect cooling.
that they are free from cracks, chemicals or corrosion damaged to the case, and from damage that could result in access to live parts.
that the equipment switches on and off correctly.
that there is sufficient space to permit cooling.
the likely hood of the equipment over heating – for example, books or files – obstructing the cooling fan of a computer. No towels or similar placed over a convector heater.
the correct lamps should be fitted to lights and should not exceed the rate capacity. This is especially important for new lights designed for low-energy lamps.
that cups and plants are not placed where their contents could spill into equipment.

Visual Inspection of the environment - I will check:-

that the equipment is suitable for its environment.
that there is no improper use of extension leads or multiway adapters. (Extensions and Leads Safety | Electrical Safety First)