Mail*Link(r) SMTP FWD>RE>FW: Electrical Safety To John of Good Will:
I disagree with Tania, at least in the United States. First, you need no one's permission to check a toaster to see if it works or shocks. Tania's advice about UL and CSA restrictions only applies if you replace parts or otherwise modify the product. If you do refurbish and sell agency-approved products, you are required to either obliterate the approval mark or go through the procedure Tania describes. Second, I have discussed the applicability of the US National Electric Code (NEC) with other compliance engineers. The wide consensus is that the NEC applies to hard-wired or permanently installed products, but NOT to line-cord connected appliances. Nationally Recognized Test Laboratory, (NRTL) approvals of such appliances is not required by the NEC. Government agencies and municipalities often have regulations requiring NRTL approvals for products they purchase or allow in their facilities. Thus it is legal in the United States to sell unproved products, whether new, used or reconditioned. But most public agencies will not (do not allow themselves to) purchase such products. I think the original request was for information on a safe work environment for the checking (and possible repair) of appliances. NEC regulations apply to the installation, and I highly recommend GFI protectors on outlets. OSHA requirements also apply, but I'm not familiar with them. Safety means such as non-conductive work benches, rubber mats, isolation transformers, and proper training are very important, and liability issues must be addressed. I wish you well. It must be hard to operate a sheltered-work recycle-intensive business in a land ruled by litigation. [Usual disclaimer, especially applied to the last phrase, which is a purely emotional response supported by no legally-binding facts :-) ] -------------------------------------- From: [email protected] ... You are grossly afoul with UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or other U.S. and Canadian safety agencies as well as with the NEC ... -------------------------------------- To: Multiple recipients of list SAFETY From: John Male, Goodwill Industries of Northern New England Subject: Electrical Safety Electrical safety is not my strong suit. Our agency receives donated electrical appliances which are then sold to the public. We want to write some policy and procedures for testing the appliances. Does anyone have any guidelines about testing for defects, the use of GFI's, and the need for a grounding rubber mat. Thanks.
