Exposed Wires: The Complexities Of Electrical Installation

Exposed Wires: The Complexities Of Electrical Installation

What Happens If an Electrical Appliance Fails a Test?

Loretta Hughes

Testing and tagging electrical appliances are paramount in preventing electrical hazards such as electrocution, fires, and appliance damage. The process aims at ascertaining the safety of electrical appliances, and it should be carried out by qualified electricians. After the equipment has been tested, it is tagged as safe for use. However, equipment that fails to meet the test standards are deemed to have failed the test and is marked unsafe for use. What happens to such equipment? Read on to find out.

Confirmation test

Once the electrical equipment fails a test, the electrician should undertake a verification test. They should ensure that the equipment is properly connected to the test machine as a disconnection can give inaccurate results. If the same results are obtained, the appliance will be marked as unsafe for use. This means that it should not be used before any action is taken as this can pose an electrical hazard to the users of the equipment or even the entire building.

Equipment repairs

The test and tag electrician will also try to find the fault in the equipment and undertake the necessary repairs and replacement of parts to restore its functionality. Once the repairs are done, another test is taken to confirm that the equipment no longer poses an electrical hazard. If the test is passed, it will be tagged as safe. However, if the attempts to repair it are unfruitful due to extensive damage or expiry of its usable period, the equipment will not be qualified for use. Such appliances should be thrown away or removed from service.

Note that there are some electrical appliances, especially in commercial buildings, which may not qualify for immediate repairs by the test and tag electrician. An example of such is an electrical appliance with missing pieces of casings that leave exposed live wires. In such an instance, the equipment should be stored away until it's repaired. Also, it should not be restored to service before it is tested and tagged again.

Equipment replacement

If it is ascertained that no amount of repairs can qualify the equipment for use, you will be required to replace it with a new one. Note that new electrical equipment does not have to be tested and tagged before use. However, if you acquire second-hand equipment, it must be tested and tagged beforehand to ensure that it is safe for use.

If any of your electrical equipment fails a test, you should attempt repairs by hiring an electrician. If there is no hope of restoring them, ensure that you replace them as per the advice of the test and tag electrician to avoid electrical hazards in your premises.


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About Me
Exposed Wires: The Complexities Of Electrical Installation

Jonathon here. I am currently completing my electrical apprenticeship and I have to say, it has been a challenge. Before I started, I didn’t realise that there was so much involved in wiring a house or building. Safety, efficiency, aesthetics and costs all have to be taken into account. My boss is so patient. One customer asked us to leave electrical wires exposed because he wanted an “industrial effect”. My boss explained that it would be illegal and they compromised. I have really learnt that electrical installation is one area in which people should not take short-cuts or undertake home handiwork. This blog should help you to gain a little more insight into electrical installation and its intricacies. I hope you find it enlightening. Thank you for stumbling into my corner of the blogosphere.