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Portable appliance testing commonly known as PAT is used to describe the examination of electrical appliance checking that they are still safe to use. These tests include visual examination and then on to testing which may discover possible faults that cannot be identified by just simply looking at the appliance. The methods of testing are dependent on the type of appliance being used and the environment in which it is used.

Portable appliances are appliances that can be moved. They can be connected or disconnected from a power supply. They will generally have a lead and plug. A plug is a constant source of problems for electrical appliances and needs to be visually checked and tested along with the appliance itself. Examples of portable appliances are kettles, vacuum cleaners, fans, heaters, irons and toasters. It can also include larger items such as fridges, photocopiers, fax machines and desktop computers. Mains leads and extension leads are sometimes overlooked but these also fall into the portable appliance category.

Read moreHow Often Should I Test my Portable Appliance?

Electricity enables us to work in the first place, powering our homes and businesses so that we can keep connected. It powers our computers, our life-saving medical devices, our air conditioners and our refrigerators as well as many other appliances, and when there is a power failure, without a generator, all activity comes to a standstill.

While electricity is an essential part of our lives, it has also killed and injured many people, started fires and caused major damage to property. An electrical current passing through your body can cause electric shock, and this can result in burns, muscle damage as well as nervous system effects such as fibrillation. The heart can be damaged also because the organ is in the path of the most common routes that electricity takes. All systems, equipment and circuits have to be grounded to protect people from shock and injury.

Electricity is All Around Us

Look around your workspace – there is electricity all around us, and many times computers, monitors, radios, printers, heaters, lighting and other electronics are all working simultaneously in one small office and off one socket. Improper wiring is a major fire hazard with an overloaded circuit. Have an expert install additional outlets if your office has reached the maximum the outlet can take.

Read moreYou’re in for a Shock without Electrical Safety in the Workplace

Marbles are a favourite toy for children, but they can also be used in a wide range of crafts.  If you love the swirling colours in glass marbles but aren’t sure how to incorporate them into your décor, then you’ll be excited to learn that the sky is truly the limit.  Here are five fun and easy ways to add colour, style and texture to your home with marbles and beautiful glass pebbles.

The Fish Tank Substrate

When you start setting up a fish tank, you’ll find that there are countless options for the substrate.  However, marbles are an easy and attractive choice you may not have considered.  The glass can handle being submerged, and the orbs are easy to rinse off when it’s time to scrub the tank.  The shape won’t work as well with an under-gravel filter, but marbles are an excellent option if you’re using a hanging filtration system.  They’re also an excellent choice in very small tanks that are going to be cleaned regularly.  Consider using different sizes of marbles to help eliminate gaps in the substrate, or go with glass pebbles that will nestle together nicely.

Read more5 Uses for Toy Marbles or Glass Pebbles

An Unforgettable Trip, that’s Ireland

The idea of a road trip in a foreign country might seem overwhelming. In many countries, it may prove a confusing or even dangerous experience. But traveling by car in the beautiful country of Ireland is an exception to this rule! Traveling through the weathered countryside of Ireland is not as hard as you might think. Here are some considerations and suggestions for a self drive vacation through the country of Ireland.

Read moreHow to Have a Self-Drive Vacation In Ireland

There are many homeowners that are looking to have a new roof put on their house, but they are unsure as to what factors contribute to the price of a roof.  They may know that there are the obvious factors like, roof tiles, material and labor, but many people overlook other factors such as size and type of roof.  All of these factors, or a combination of them, can be contributing factors to the final price for a new roof being put on a property.

Read moreHow to Work out the Cost of a New Roof