ere any extra charges for out of hours or weekend work.

3/ How many sub-contractors do they use.

NOTE: Portable Appliance Testing covers 230v/110v and some 415v appliances. All of these have a plug. Items that are isolated or are spurred ie Hand dryers, Wall Heaters, industrial machinery would be covered under a periodic inspection and test to BS7671 and should not be tested as they are FIXED items not PORTABLE.

If you are unsure of work

Electrical Safety Rogue Traders.

There are many companies out there who do not carry out the testing correctly. They do not check the plugs or fuse ratings for appliances. All standard plug tops should be checked to ensure they are wired correctly, the terminals are secure, the fuse rating is correct and the general condition is ok. On moulded plugs the fuse rating should always be checked. On numerous occasions we have been called out to re-test another so called specialists work. When selecting a company to carry out works look for the following:

1/ Are all engineers City&Guilds 2377 qualified.

2/ Are the company accredited by an external organization for Portable Appliance Testing.

3/ Can the company provide full method and risk assessments.

4/ Is the equipment calibrated on at least an annual basis. (They will have certificates for each piece of equipment.)

5/ Does the company have relevant insurance cover.

6/ Obtain references from some of there clients.

7/ Ensure that you are aware of the frequencies required between tests ie I.T equipment in an office environment does not require an annual test.

If the company is genuine and proficient they will be able to provide all of the above documents and advise on re-test frequencies for your business.

Hidden Costs

Watch out for hidden costs. Certain companies will also charge extra for replacement fuses, plug tops, extension leads and any minimal repairs. Normally these companies will use sub-contracted engineers and they are paid an added bonus for the amount of fuses, plugs they replace. Even if the item is ok. Be aware of the following points when selecting a contractor.

1/ Ensure that the quotation states whether fuses, plug tops, minimal repairs etc are included or not.

2/ Are there any extra charges for out of hours or weekend work.

3/ How many sub-contractors do they use.

NOTE: Portable Appliance Testing covers 230v/110v and some 415v appliances. All of these have a plug. Items that are isolated or are spurred ie Hand dryers, Wall Heaters, industrial machinery would be covered under a periodic inspection and test to BS7671 and should not be tested as they are FIXED items not PORTABLE.

If you are unsure of work y

ther so called specialists work. When selecting a company to carry out works look for the following:

1/ Are all engineers City&Guilds 2377 qualified.

2/ Are the company accredited by an external organization for Portable Appliance Testing.

3/ Can the company provide full method and risk assessments.

4/ Is the equipment calibrated on at least an annual basis. (They will have certificates for each piece of equipment.)

5/ Does the company have relevant insurance cover.

6/ Obtain references from some of there clients.

7/ Ensure that you are aware of the frequencies required between tests ie I.T equipment in an office environment does not require an annual test.

If the company is genuine and proficient they will be able to provide all of the above documents and advise on re-test frequencies for your business.

Hidden Costs

Watch out for hidden costs. Certain companies will also charge extra for replacement fuses, plug tops, extension leads and any minimal repairs. Normally these companies will use sub-contracted engineers and they are paid an added bonus for the amount of fuses, plugs they replace. Even if the item is ok. Be aware of the following points when selecting a contractor.

1/ Ensure that the quotation states whether fuses, plug tops, minimal repairs etc are included or not.

2/ Are there any extra charges for out of hours or weekend work.

3/ How many sub-contractors do they use.

NOTE: Portable Appliance Testing covers 230v/110v and some 415v appliances. All of these have a plug. Items that are isolated or are spurred ie Hand dryers, Wall Heaters, industrial machinery would be covered under a periodic inspection and test to BS7671 and should not be tested as they are FIXED items not PORTABLE.

If you are unsure of work

e company have relevant insurance cover.

6/ Obtain references from some of there clients.

7/ Ensure that you are aware of the frequencies required between tests ie I.T equipment in an office environment does not require an annual test.

If the company is genuine and proficient they will be able to provide all of the above documents and advise on re-test frequencies for your business.

Hidden Costs

Watch out for hidden costs. Certain companies will also charge extra for replacement fuses, plug tops, extension leads and any minimal repairs. Normally these companies will use sub-contracted engineers and they are paid an added bonus for the amount of fuses, plugs they replace. Even if the item is ok. Be aware of the following points when selecting a contractor.

1/ Ensure that the quotation states whether fuses, plug tops, minimal repairs etc are included or not.

2/ Are there any extra charges for out of hours or weekend work.

3/ How many sub-contractors do they use.

NOTE: Portable Appliance Testing covers 230v/110v and some 415v appliances. All of these have a plug. Items that are isolated or are spurred ie Hand dryers, Wall Heaters, industrial machinery would be covered under a periodic inspection and test to BS7671 and should not be tested as they are FIXED items not PORTABLE.

If you are unsure of work

tain companies will also charge extra for replacement fuses, plug tops, extension leads and any minimal repairs. Normally these companies will use sub-contracted engineers and they are paid an added bonus for the amount of fuses, plugs they replace. Even if the item is ok. Be aware of the following points when selecting a contractor.

1/ Ensure that the quotation states whether fuses, plug tops, minimal repairs etc are included or not.

2/ Are there any extra charges for out of hours or weekend work.

3/ How many sub-contractors do they use.

NOTE: Portable Appliance Testing covers 230v/110v and some 415v appliances. All of these have a plug. Items that are isolated or are spurred ie Hand dryers, Wall Heaters, industrial machinery would be covered under a periodic inspection and test to BS7671 and should not be tested as they are FIXED items not PORTABLE.

If you are unsure of work

ere any extra charges for out of hours or weekend work.

3/ How many sub-contractors do they use.

NOTE: Portable Appliance Testing covers 230v/110v and some 415v appliances. All of these have a plug. Items that are isolated or are spurred ie Hand dryers, Wall Heaters, industrial machinery would be covered under a periodic inspection and test to BS7671 and should not be tested as they are FIXED items not PORTABLE.

If you are unsure of work you have had carried out, or require any further information contact us.

Call Free on 08000-856-996 e-mail mjenkins@earthcheckltd.co.uk