The plug connections and condition should be inspected during the Visual Inspection. One of the most common reworks conducted by JPS is rewiring of the plug and fuse replacement. Some of the following checks may not be possible for equipment fitted with a non rewirable plug.
(i) check that the detachable power supply cords to Class 1 equipment incorporate a continuous protective conductor.
(ii)look for signs of overheating - this may be caused by a fault in the plug ( e.g a loose connection) or by a faulty socket outlet (or connection)
(iii)remove the cover of the plug. Check that the flexible cable is properly secured in the cord anchorage - gripping the sheath so that there is no strain on the cable cores or the terminations.
(iv)If the plug is of the non rewirable type , the cable grip should be tested by firmly pulling and twisting the cable. No movement should be apparent.
(v)check that the cable core terminations are tight, the plug is correctly connected, there is no excessive removal of insulation, that there are no loose strands and that the cable cores are not strained.
(vi)the fuse should be securely gripped, and should not show any signs of overheating. Check that the fuse is to BS 1362 and is approved - an ASTA mark shows that it has been approved for safety. Check the rating of the fuse - most appliances upto about 700W should have a 3A fuse fitted (red). For appliances over about 700W fit a 13A fuse (brown). Non rewirable plugs will have the appropriate fuse rating marked on them. It should be stressed that the fuse is solely in place to protect the flex. The flex should have the csa marked on it. A table showing the maximum current capacity of the different flex sizes can be found here.
(vii)when replacing the plug cover check that it fits properly and will not come loose during use
(viii)check the flexible cable connections and anchorage at the equipment, if practicable
JPS Calibration Services Ltd
13 St Giles Close
Wendlebury
Bicester
Oxfordshire
UK
OX25 2PZ
Tel +44 (0)845 17025 00
Fax +44 (0)845 17025 01
email enquiries@JPS-Cal.co.uk
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