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, June 13, 2010
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!
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.
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.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Overheating fridge caused Raglan fire - national | Stuff.co.nz
Five NZ businesses are no longer around due to another electrical fire.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Sensible Tourism at Suncourt Hotel & Conference Centre, Lake Taupo
Here is an example of a business, in this case a Hotel, that prides itself in its commitment to electrical safety.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Warning! Illegal powerboards still for sale in NZ!
Warning! The powerboard currently for sale on TradeMe is potentially dangerous as it will not have been approved for sale in NZ.
Electrical fittings offered for sale in NZ must be authorised first to ensure they are safe and comply with our manufacturing standards. The image on this TradeMe ad clearly shows sockets designed for overseas appliances, not NZ appliances.
Be sure that when you purchase electrical equipment for your home or business that you are buying from a reputable supplier.
Be careful when purchasing off the Internet!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Change in Legislation - How does this affect your business?
From the 1st of April 2010 the new Electrical (Safety) Regulations 2010 have officially replaced the 1997 version. This marks a significant change to the focus on electrical safety within businesses and organisations in New Zealand. Up until now a business could use any method they liked to assess their electrical safety. This often resulted in a business relying on an electrician picking anything up when called into carry out repairs. The new regulations give businesses clear direction on how they should approach their electrical safety.
Basically there are now 3 options to ensure the fittings and appliances used within a business are electrically safe: (which can be viewed in full on the legislation website)
Basically there are now 3 options to ensure the fittings and appliances used within a business are electrically safe: (which can be viewed in full on the legislation website)
- Have a current tag issued in accordance with AS/NZS 3760; or
- Be plugged into a portable Residual Current Device (RCD) that -
(a) provides protection from electric shock; and
(b) has a current tag issued in accordance with AS/NZS 3760; or - Is supplied with electricity through a circuit protected by an electrically safe RCD that provides protection from electric shock.
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