Vacuum/Appliance Safety Tests

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ultimatevacman

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 20, 2012
Messages
1,230
Location
Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
Hi Everyone,

I'm just wondering, when you see appliances in Schools, Hospitals, Hotels etc. I've noticed the little "safety test passed" stickers on them. It shows who it was tested by, when it was tested and when it's due to be tested again. And this brings me to vacuums.

When they test the vacuums, how do they test them? Do they leave the machine running for 5 minutes and then assume it's safe? Or do they open the machine up and make sure everything is in working order? Or do they actually use the machine and test the suction? Or do they just leave it running for an hour or so?

It just came into my head, and I've been wondering about it.

Thanks,

- Joe

ultimatevacman++5-1-2013-09-57-34.jpg
 
I think they check them because when I saw a Dyson on ebay,DC07 I think, the seller said it failed the safety test cus the wire was damaged
Hope this helped mate :)
 
Yeah they check all the electrical side of things, not too see if the brushroll is worn or anything:P just like the wires and stuff, some of them actually turn the vacs on but not all do
 
Thanks George and Tayyab!

I wish they would all try the vacuum itself :(

Just because the wire is ok it doesn't mean the vacuum is safe! You could get a vacuum with a motor that's about to burst into flames, but because the wire is ok, that makes it safe? A pretty extreme example I know lol

Thanks again :)

- Joe
 
We don't have inspections for appliances over here, but it seems like a good idea. We only have inspections on cars in some states, and I think that should also be done everywhere, there are a lot of very unsafe cars driving around (I drove one for over a year myself, the frame was rusted through/ broken)
 
Your Welcome Joe :)
And, another thing is that it might look good, but the clutch, or plastic can be broken, and if it sucks in the main body's crack, the Person's Loose clothing could get sucked in and maybe... um uno, I think its safer to have the filters not in the cyclone, but somewhere like the DC07, DC01, 33, etc
 
The hospitals here inspect everything that is in contact with people. You can't even bring in a fan without someone from physical plant inspecting it for safety. The inspections range from checking if there is any sparking, as all rooms have live oxygen available to them.

Wiring is checked for fraying, and tip hazards are also assessed. I believe they also check and if the item doesn't have a ground plug it will be rejected. If it doesn't have a tag or sticker it can't be in the room.

Schools and a lot of public entities are the same way. Has to be inspected or reviewed on initial instillation and on periodic intervals.
 
Case leakage

A very important test is case leakage. A passing test ensures that insufficient current is leaking to external metal parts to shock you.
I handle this issue all the time with televisions. I use either a commercial leakage meter or I make up a resistor/capacitor network coupled to a voltmeter.
I don't know the official case-leakage test procedure for a vacuum cleaner. It is probably in the service manual.
However I would be very interested if someone would post any vacuum cleaner manufacturer's case-leakage test. I am sure all vacuum cleaners have one but all-metal vacuum cleaners would probably put great emphasis on the test in their service manuals.
 
U.K. safety tests

The Portable Appliance Test (PAT) is purely a check of the insulation resistance, physical condition of the cable/casework, and the fuse rating. it is highly unlikely that a person carrying out the test would actually switch the appliance on. Please do not think of it as a 'kind of appliance M.O.T.' A 'functional test' is not included.

Dave T (certified PAT tester)
 
Well they certainly turned on our office kettle and deemed it unsafe! Pat testing varies in my experience. A lot in Scotland tend to check the wiring for any defects from use, and a lot of the vacuums are passed, having been switched on, checking the wiring and also the quality of the cord for any nicks.

But then I think PAT testing changes per industry - particularly in schools and hospitals where appliances have to be of the utmost safe compared to PAT testing in other areas of employment.
 
PAT testing

Most of my PAT testing work is in the entertainment industry. Most equipment is well out of reach of the public. It's mostly for fire protection in our case. I know that some schools can go to ridiculous lengths.

All best

Dave T
 
Speaking of damaged cords etc. I remember once, I was about 5 or 6 years old, and my dad had this lawnmower with a dodgy cord, and he plugged it in while I was holding the cord, and I got electrocuted! 240 volts! I was fine afterwards, but that will always be a memory that sticks with me.

- Joe
 
OH NO, don't even bother - Despite what Karcher would have you believe, the plastic quality on their tub vacuums are lesser than Numatic and other German company SEBO. Karcher are a rather hit and miss affair where quality is concerned in my experience.
 
When you carry out an insulation test....

THE APPLIANCE MUST BE SWITCHED ON!!!!!!
Otherwise the insulation is only tested as far as the switch....
Seamus
 
PAT tests...

Yes, Seamus, the power switch must be 'on', but that does not mean it gets 'powered-up' and 'functionally tested', it just gets a few microamperes at 500v DC up it....... ;)

The principal reason for PAT testing seems (to me) to be to raise revenue for the Government by providing another ever-increasing pile of paperwork to be chased by civil servants, and more compulsory training to be administered by their 'quango's..... ;)


Ever the Cynic ;)

Dave T
 

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