Dangerous IEC power cords

Recently, a sample of an IEC power cord was sent to me by Gerald Ruane of Ashdale Electrical Testing. This was following a Linkedin discussion started by Patrick Maher of PAT's Testing Swindon. Below is a report on this highly dangerous lead.

Dangerous lamp found in holiday cottage

Thanks to Jim Ransley of Cornish Quay Holidays Ltd for the information used in this post. Along with the images supplied, the e-mail from Jim says it all so I have reproduced this in whole.

Interesting appliances found during PAT Testing

It's always useful to share information regarding interesting appliances found during PAT Testing. Here is a small selection either found by First Stop Safety or passed to us from customers. We look at a 6 Amp extension lead, a Juicer with a mistake on it's rating plate and a slide viewer manufactured in the 1960s.

IET Code of Practice - some useful advice

There has been much criticism of the latest edition of the Code of Practice recently including on this blog. However trawling through Edition 4, I came across some useful information that throws some light on an issue that has been puzzling me for some time. This is to do with cable rating and fuses.

IET Code of Practice - labelling

The 4th edition of the IET Code of Practice covering PAT testing makes a new recommendation on labelling as follows. "The date for re-testing should not be marked on the label". The duty holder is supposed to keep this in his or her records.

Edition 4 of the IET COP - Selling used electrical items

The new edition of the IET Code of Practice was launched last week. The preview information promised a new section presenting advice on the sale of pre-owned equipment so understandably I was quite excited. This promised to be good news for charity shops.

Edition 4 of IET Code of Practice launched

The long awaitied IET Code of Practice landed on my desk today and cost me £48.40. The previous editions came out in 1994,2001 and 2007; so only 5 years have elapsed since the last edition.