Electrical Equipment Testing Procedures

Electrical equipment needs to be properly maintained to be safe. Small, low-risk portable appliances can be inspected visually by the user, and probably won't need any further routine testing. Higher risk electrical appliances may need regular professional testing.

Reasons for Testing

• Electrical equipment needs to be tested to make sure it's safe to use. Unsafe equipment can lead to fires and can cause electric shock. Electrical equipment that is critical for safety or survival (such as vital medical equipment) should be tested to make sure it is reliable.

Test Procedures

• For small appliances in low-risk environments, visual inspection is often enough to tell you if an appliance is working properly or not. More sophisticated procedures involve the use of testing equipment. Probes and lamps may be needed to test equipment. To test if a voltage is present, you can use a two-probe voltage-indication device. If you need to ascertain how much voltage is present or take other measurements, you may need a multimeter.

Testing Safety Procedures

• Follow safety procedures when testing electrical equipment. These include ensuring that you have sufficient space to work, avoiding contact with wires that are or might be live, inspecting test equipment for damage to insulation or other faults and wearing suitable protective clothing if required.