A basic view of PAT testing Class 1 appliances – Part 5 Final
What’s the problem? – When connected in the customers house it works doesn’t it?
The problem is that just because something works it does not mean it is doing so correctly or more importantly ‘Safely’. For instance if the installation of the premises had a poor or none existent earth in the electrical supply then components with ‘low insulation’ could essentially make the external metal shell of the appliance ‘live’ to the touch exposing those in the vicinity to electric shock hazard or worse, electrocution.
However, there is another potentially fatal event of greater magnitude that could occur in such instances and that is fire. This is further exacerbated in a Reuse World, because more appliances are being brought back from the Waste Stream and refurbished by simple protocol tick boxes, and not by trained competent persons. This can also happen at a local level from local repairers who could just be dealing with scrap Appliances picked up from housing estates. It’s why we recommend EEESafe Domestic Appliance Technicians, because at least they’ve been assessed and evidence as having the correct and calibrated equipment, have some basic Ohms law knowledge and independently verified to be insured and legally allowed to operate in the UK.
Editors Note: A Certifed EEESafe DAT would also have completed their course, details found HERE and EEESafe Refurbished products could be available from the LocalitEEE Community Shop, giving you safely refurbished products.
If an installation of an appliance, particularly one that has been refurbished, has a poor or none existent earth in the supply the appliance would be unable to rupture (blow) its protective fuse which could result in a faulty component over heating and in a worse case scenario setting fire to the appliance and its surroundings.
This is why the EEESafe Standard is in place. As part of being Registered and monitored by EEESafe and the EEESafe Rating System, an EEESafe Domestic Appliance Technician (DAT) can help minimise the chances of what you see in the images below. A PAS141 Appliance is not going to fully ensure these dangerous events will not happen because they are not tested to be safe in your own home environment. However, combined with the EEESafe labelled Approved Refurbished Appliance or Repair White Goods standard, consumers can have a greater assurance when purchasing a Large Reused Electrical Appliance.
*There are numerous variables that can adversely or otherwise affect the outcome of the safety issues raised which have not been included in an attempt to keep this article understandable by those not so technically knowledgeable.