Safety

Safety is very important to us.

Virtually all electrical equipment has the potential to be dangerous. Even the most carefully and cautiously designed equipment can deteriorate and become unsafe.

If you have an electrical device that hasn’t been inspected by a competent person recently, is showing any sign of deterioration, damage, or hasn’t been used for some time, get it inspected by a competent person, before plugging it in.

Due to use, defect, or just old age, electrical equipment can fail, sometimes in dangerous ways. Many electrical components have a limited lifespan. As they get older, they are more likely to fail, possibly leading to safety issues. Don’t assume that if your device still works, it is still safe.

We aim to return every device to you in at least as safe a condition as it left the factory. Due to their design, some vintage electrical items don’t meet modern safety standards. We will advise when this is the case and discuss further action with you. We may refuse to repair or restore a device, if we feel it can’t be made adequately safe.

Inspection and safety testing

All items undergo a detailed safety inspection and Portable Appliance Test if appropriate, before leaving the workshop. For Class 0 Safety

Inspection:

  • Inspect the condition of the power cord, plug and fuse.
  • Check internal safety fuses are fitted and are the correct values.
  • Inspect and test transformers if fitted, for overheating.
  • Inspect condition of internal wiring.
  • Inspect components for signs of overheating or leakage.
  • Check any potential for shorts to other components or chassis.
  • Inspect the case for damage and any weaknesses that could allow someone to come into contact with live parts.
  • Test insulation of any exposed metal parts.
  • Check isolation of any connectors.
  • Check capacitor discharge circuit operation.
  • If the device has a live chassis, make sure the neutral wire is connected to the chassis and cannot be connected incorrectly.
  • Ensure the power switch is connected to the live (line) wire.
  • Check for any other hazards.
  • Soak test.

For Class 1 Safety Inspection / PAT Test:

  • Inspect the condition of the power cord, plug and fuse.
  • Check the safety fuses are the correct values.
  • Inspect and test transformers for overheating.
  • Inspect condition of internal wiring.
  • Inspect components for signs of overheating or leakage.
  • Check any potential shorts to other components or chassis.
  • Inspect the case for damage and any weaknesses that could allow someone to come into contact with live parts.
  • Test insulation.
  • Check isolation of any connectors.
  • Check capacitor discharge circuit operation.
  • Perform earth continuity tests on all exposed metal parts.
  • Check for any other hazards.
  • Soak test.

For Class 2 Safety Inspection / PAT Test:

  • Inspect the condition of the power cord, plug and fuse.
  • Check the safety fuses are the correct values.
  • Inspect and test transformers for overheating.
  • Inspect condition of internal wiring.
  • Inspect components for signs of overheating or leakage.
  • Check any potential for shorts to other components.
  • Make sure there are always two layers of protection between live parts and the user.
  • Check isolation of any connectors.
  • Check capacitor discharge circuit operation.
  • Perform insulation test.
  • Check for any other hazards.
  • Soak test.

All electrical devices in the UK have to meet the ‘The Low Voltage Electrical Safety Regulations 1989.’

In extreme cases, we may refuse to restore a device if we feel it can’t be made adequately safe.

Common Safety Issues

Power Cables (Flex)
Power cable (flex) damage or deterioration is one of the most common causes of electric shock. If your cable is showing any damage, or is more than 30 years old, we would strongly recommend replacing it. For devices with permanently attached cables, we offer a fixed price replacement service.

Other things to watch out for

Old cloth covered cables.
Many electrical items made before the 1960’s were originally fitted with cloth covered rubber power cables. These have now become very dangerous and will likely cause electrocution or fire if used. These cables will often feel very stiff or crackle when moved. If you are concerned, please contact us.

Green Slime
If your cables are leaking green slime, this is the di-octyl phthalate in the plastic insulation seeping out. It can damage the copper in the cable and potentially, other parts in your device. It should not be ingested or allowed to contact the skin. The cable should be replaced as soon as possible.

Capacitors
Capacitor failure is probably the single biggest cause of vintage electronics failure. These components can fail in a variety of ways, which can even leave parts of the case live or cause the capacitor to explode. They are particularly prone to failure when a device is powered up after a long time out of use. Capacitors can hold a substantial charge, because of this it is still possible to get an electric shock even after a device is switched off.

High Voltages
Many electronic devices contain potentially lethal voltages. Valve (tube) based equipment can have as much as 600V DC. Capacitors in a device can hold a substantial charge, even after the power has been off for several minutes. Please don’t put your hand inside if you don’t know what you are doing!