Electricity is a vital form of energy in our contemporary society. However, as with all forms of energy is controlled in a safe and efficient manner. The primary factors that contribute to the need for an established system of inspection and testing electric include:
The contact with electricity could be hazardous to animals and humans.
Overloads and electrical faults can result in explosions, fires, and sparks.
The electrical equipment may deteriorate or be damaged, causing malfunctions and the risk of harm can occur when power goes out.
Electrical equipment may be designed or installed improperly, and can pose risk.
Communication and data systems may be damaged when the power quality is low.
The requirement for replacement, rewiring or even a refurbishment is easily identified and plan for.
Emergency repairs and replacement can be minimized.
Programs for maintenance based on conditions can be designed using the evidence.
Security systems’ reliability.
Legal Obligations
The law, as stated by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and its Regulations creates a legal obligation to maintain and provide safe work environments as well as establish and supervise safety-related practices for workers.
Particularly specifically, especially, Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 defines the specific requirements regarding electrical power. Infractions to these regulations could be the cause of prosecution and notices of enforcement (improvement or ban) or fines, as well as imprisonment in accordance with the gravity of the situation. Both companies and individuals could be held accountable and the degree of responsibility will be determined by the degree of control the individual has over the incident.
Since 2010, fines imposed on individuals and companies are calculated on the basis the degree of culpability, damage, turnover or personal circumstances, aggravating factors as well as mitigation elements.
Commercial concerns
Other than fines that are imposed and fines, equipment failures often have an economic impact in terms of loss of production, downtime and loss of confidence and loyalty. The prompt replacement or repair of equipment is typically more cost-effective than running to failure.
Different types of equipment
Every type and voltage of electrical equipment may malfunction and cause damage or loss, as mentioned in the previous paragraphs. It includes the high-voltage (HV) generation as well as transmission to the low-voltage (LV) distribution industrial equipment small portable or fixed apparatus, to DC-based systems up the extra low-voltage (ELV) controllers.
Testing for PAT is an oxymoron, in part because it refers to Portable Appliance Testing testing (sic) however it also wrongly defines the goal of the test. All equipment must be checked regularly whether it is fixed or portable to walls. Portable equipment is susceptible, is frequently used , and frequently handheld, which can increase the possibility of injury and puts people more at risk than fixed equipment. The tests that are focused on visual inspections which is often followed by tests and testing, are usually executed by a technically competent person, but and not always an electrician. The checks are performed according to the frequency that are determined by risk assessments by an experienced person.
Electrical installations with LV should be tested and inspected by certified electricians every few years as suggested in IET guidelines or as recommended by a qualified person. In general, for industrial installations it is recommended to inspect and test every three years, but this should be done in conjunction with regular visual inspections and a policy of reporting any abnormal or malfunctioning operation.
Record keeping
The records of testing and inspection are essential for ensuring the health and safety of electrical systems. They also help in proving conformity with legal regulations for legal proceedings.
