Electrical Safety in your Business

Friday, September 23, 2011

Residual Current Devices (RCD)

There is a misconception that circuits protected by an RCD mean you cannot receive a shock should an electrical appliance have a defect or failure. The reason this is incorrect is because an RCD will only operate AFTER a fault occurs. This fault could be a short circuit in the appliance due to damage or a component failure, or due to someone receiving an electrical shock. In all instances the RCD will only disconnect power after the event. This reduces the duration if the fault and in the case of an electrocution allows others to render assistance. It is logical then that all RCD's are periodically tested to ensure they operate correctly. Did you know there are different types of RCD for different applications.

More soon...

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Hidden dangers within your power supply

Another client found out this week that their power supply was not as safe as they had assumed. Prior to conducting any electrical testing we also check the wall socket to ensure the integrity of the power supply. By doing this we can confirm the state of the power supply at that socket, which validates the result of any appliance testing done. On Friday we found a serious fault while carrying out what is know as EFLI (Earth Fault Loop Impedance) testing. This test confirms the earth (or fault circuit) has a very low impedance. A low impedance is needed so any fault current (from a faulty appliance or short circuit) has an easy path to earth. Electricity is essentially lazy, it will take the easiest path. Every socket in this business (run from a residential property) registered a reading that was over 17 times higher than the maximum allowable reading! We now have to go through the process of finding out if it is a fault in the pole connection or the wiring supplying the house.

In summary, this client believed their power supply was normal and save. As a result of getting Jim's Test & Tag in to conduct electrical testing of all of their businesses electrical equipment they have found out they have a problem that needs immediate attention.

'If it plugs in it should be tested and tagged'

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Electric Blanket Testing

It is that time of year when the warm clothes come out and electric blankets are taken down from their summer storage. The Fire Service recommends that you should have your electric blankets inspected and tested by a competent person before use each year. Some electricians offer a testing service, often at a very low cost. Unfortunately the testing they carry out with their standard 'meters' (such as a multi-meter or insulation resistance tester) often are only able to test the electrical lead supplying the blanket, not the entire circuit. This is because all electric blankets have a thermostat fitted and this can often need electricity to close the circuit. Also this style of testing will not find any breaks in the insulation protecting the element core.

The only way to effectively test an electric blanket is to test it while it is turned on and to measure any leakage to earth along the entire length of the heating element.

Jim's Test & Tag can conduct this very testing using their proprietary electric blanket tester.

Stay safe this winter!

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Standby warning: TV sparks house fire | Stuff.co.nz

It is not only important that businesses are safe but the electrical appliances within our homes can kill us in our sleep!

This family was very lucky that the fire started outside of the main house and they had functioning smoke alarms.

Standby warning: TV sparks house fire | Stuff.co.nz

When fitting smoke alarms in your home the NZ Fire Service recommends you fit the Photoelectric type as they offer better all round protection, especially from smouldering fires.