Detailed Information about our Installation Services

Firstly, there are very specific safety tests which should always be carried out prior to first use – for more information, see the next section – These safety tests should only ever be performed using suitably calibrated, professional meters.

Secondly, each electrical appliance is manufactured in accordance with British Standards and E.E.C. directives –73/23 (Low Voltage Directive) and -89/336 (Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive) and should only be connected to electrical (and water) connections that comply with the installation instructions. Likewise, in the interest of the environment, the drainage on washing machines and dishwashers should be connected to the FOUL drainage system; the water will then be taken to a sewage works for treatment before being discharged safely into a river. It is essential that these appliances are not connected to the surface water drainage system as this water is discharged directly into a river or stream and may cause pollution. By providing the installation service on all appliances, our engineers will be in a position to perform visual checks and where possible will advise customers on environmentally hazardous drainage.

Thirdly, all domestic appliances have important pre-operational guidelines, which should always be observed to ensure optimal performance and lifespan of the machine. Should these guidelines not be observed, serious damage can be caused to the appliance, which can radically affect its operation. By providing the installation, we can ensure that when the product is first operated, it is in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. Here is an example of the pre-operational guidelines for refrigeration products: When installing the appliance, it should be left to settle for several hours before operation as transportation can sometimes cause oils from the compressor to mix with the gases in the circulation system, potentially causing a blockage.

Fourthly, all appliances are heavy and care should always be taken when moving them. Our engineers are provided with appropriate health and safety advice with particular reference to lifting operations and electrical safety.

Fifthly, with some products, the manufacturer’s guarantee would be invalidated if it were not installed to the correct specification. This is particularly important with gas appliances, as if a service engineer is called out to perform a repair on an appliance that has been poorly installed or not installed by a CORGI-registered engineer, they will be unable to complete the repair.

Sixthly, the installation of an electrical domestic appliance can directly affect the energy consumption of the product. Where an appliance is poorly installed, the energy consumption may be increased resulting in the product not being as efficient as it should. This can mean that the good intentions of purchasing an “A”-rated appliance are all in vain when the product is actually used. An example of how an installation can affect the consumption of electricity follows: On a washing machine: Where a drain hose is kinked during installation, or extended to reach the outlet, the pump will be required to work longer and harder to drain the water, thus lengthening the program cycle, resulting in greater consumption of electricity. On a fridge-freezer: If the appliance is sited in direct sunlight or near a radiator/boiler, the ambient temperature will cause the appliance to gather frost and will require the compressor to operate longer, in some cases constantly – All these things will also lead to premature failure.

And finally, our customers feel happier to have an experienced, competent engineer installing their new product rather than attempt to do it for themselves.

Safety Tests

Prior to first use, all electrical appliances must be tested for safety. For this reason, our installation engineers will always take readings from the appliance and the electrical supply and also perform a polarity test on the socket. Where appropriate, the engineer will always perform one or more of the following tests:

• Earth Loop Test
• Earth Continuity Test
• Insulation Test

Gas appliances will also be checked after installation with a gas soundness test, to ensure that there are no leaks from the connections to the supply or within the appliance.
The final test on all products is to commission the appliance and ensure that they are fully operational. With some products, the engineer will undertake a diagnostic test, with others they will just perform a manual operation.

Removing and Recycling Defunct Product

Once the engineers have completed the installation, the old product will be removed from the property with as much care as the new one was taken in. The old appliance will then be returned to the regional distribution centre.

From the distribution centre, the appliances will be transported to a local depot of European Metal Recycling (EMR), the largest recycling company in the UK and one of the largest globally. EMR will carry out the treatment and recycling of the electrical waste, as they already do with over 300,000 tonnes a year.

It is important to note that with the introduction of European Legislation at the beginning of January 2002, the CFC gases contained within defunct refrigeration products are classed as hazardous waste and must be disposed of in accordance with governmental regulations. We can provide this service within the UK, using dedicated treatment plants, at a small charge.