Electrical devices play a huge part in our everyday lives, whether helping us work or relax.
If the tools of your trade fall into this category, it’s vitally important that you keep all your equipment in optimum condition, especially if you are one of the four million-plus self-employed workers in the UK.
Whether it’s to keep your business operational or just keep the kids happy when they get home from school, here are some top tips on keeping your devices in tiptop shape.
Use Devices Sensibly
Domestically, don’t overload sockets and be wary of running high-energy devices and appliances for too long.
Always turn appliances off when not in use – if you want to save energy, consider forgoing standby modes too and switch things off at the wall.
If you’re working with electrical tools, make sure to have backup batteries and enough manual tools to help out when times get tough. Pushing your tools beyond their capabilities could easily result in damage.
Keep Proper Records
Crucial if you’re using your electrical equipment for work, keeping inventory records will keep you fully abreast of where your tools and equipment are at.
Purchase dates, warranties and any service plans should all be noted while keeping a ledger of works completed will give you an idea of how many times each piece of kit has been used.
This is something you can utilise at home as well, knowing exactly when your bits of equipment are coming to the end of their warranty may well prompt you to make a switch.
Use A PAT Tester
Ever spotted those little stickers around your workplace or an office that say “PAT Tested”? Bet you do next time you’re in!
Portable Appliance Testing combines visual checks with mechanical processes to determine electrical devices are safe to use.
Of course, you can carry out those visual checks yourself – is the casing damaged, are wires frayed? It’s also possible to pick up a PAT tester of your own so you can be sure of safe use in the future.
Know When To Upgrade
You can take great care of any piece of electrical equipment and it might eventually break down, especially if you’re using tools every day for work.
Manufacturer and extended warranties can often keep you in with replacements for less, but when these run out and your bit of kit starts to lose its juice, you may well be better off cutting your losses and buying new.
Not only will it cost less in the long run than repairs and an eventual replacement, but you might even find that the added power of a new device helps boost your productivity, whether it’s the latest client order or a bit of DIY around the house.
