testing household elec items

Not sure I'm afraid, but St Luke's local to me do PAT test, and will therefore take most things.

What they don't do, though, is check that they actually work

no. Not unless you buy the equipment, do the course and are already familiar with basic electrical concepts. And tbh the courses seem often open to question.

PAT test

either give them to a charity that sells electrical goods, or pay to have them pat tested. It's not much.

NT

British Heart Foundation take electrical goods, at least down here in the Surrey/Sussex area.

HTH.

PAT testing: worth posting on FB if there is a local page, and asking around if you have any contacts in Rotary, U3A, British Legion, Lions, etc. I have a couple of mates who have the kit and qualifications, one because his wife used to have a shop, the other who has a small business. Both found it worth doing from the business viewpoint, and they are now happy to do it free for friends, family, and good causes.

Yes, but that won't satisfy the charity shops.

and

The standard PAT tests

as they are binning quite a few that they

Usually they need a proper PAT to be resold by the shop. Some have access to a tame tester, but many don't.

Isn't a functional test part of the inspection and testing procedure?

Owain

They have tried several places and they wouldnt take electrical goods, I think most are low income and wont be able to afford to pay for testing but just want to help others.

And what about those who do not care if it works and just want it for spares?

Problem solved the local councillor is taking them to distribute to those in need.

If the item is a computer, are they going to test every function?

From an electrical point of view a computer just needs to be switched on to be considered fully functional.

Something like a food processor needs to be tested for safety interlocks etc working. This is not just for "PAT Testing" but also for product safety where the item is to be sold.

Owain

Well, how long is a piece of string, and how long have you got.

Basically, if its got a moulded on plug and the correct fuse is in it and there is no sign of damage, then you can sell stuff, and I've done so myself, showing it working. However it gets more complicated for charities and shops. I think shops like cash converters and real second hand shops do test for insulation and any problems or if the device has been recalled and the item they have was not modified.

Personally, if you are giving to charity shops, and the device is older than about 10 years or was not bought in this country, best not to do much with it. Things like lights can and do lead a rough life and the wiring has to be double insulated. I mean I have a table lamp. its made of granite and plastic, yet its cable is only single insulated two core. Nobody wants it.

I guess its insurance for small companies and charity shops. they do not have it.

It has been my experience though that the most dangerous things in the electrical goods line is the wall wart. I've had them come apart, go literally up in smoke and flames and the wires to the appliance actually catch fire. In one case a psu managed to weld itself to a coffee table. Another dell laptop supply set fire to the carpet. Brian

I think its very complicated. If its a very complex device, say a set top box smart tv or computer, asll they can really do is prove it powers up and does something and is safe.. Brian

Yes well OK but I do hope he has public liability cover or he might find him/herself being sued for damages or manslaughter if its fatal. Brian

Purely electrical tests (eg PAT tester) show that the appliance is OK at that instant in time. Which is better than nothing. A proper additional inspection, especially of any earth wires and safety is much better but the same rule applies.

They do not, and the appliance must be inspected BEFORE it is tested, to ensure (as far as reasonably practicable, in accordance with the guidelines) that it is safe to test without harming the person doing the testing.

Owain

Proper inspection of the item is part of the PAT testing process. That includes both visual and electrical checks on the cable condition and earth continuity.

And to be able to answer (truly) the inevitable question "Does it work?"