The Care Home will have far more domestic electrical appliances than "commercial" ones (check the PAT Register!). Respectfully, any suggestion that this is illegal or contrary to your Insurer's requirements, is just plain daft. I think the point about invalidating the manufacturer's warranty is well made.

To add a thought on here. I used to work in a care home that had its own commercial kitchen and a residents kitchen with a domestic dishwasher which I would think is a usual feature in a lot ofcare/residential homes. However it was common practice for the domestic dishwasher to be used to wash all the plate, bowls, cutlery, cups, utensils for 20 people everyday. on average i would say that the dishwasher was put on for a full cycle at least 4-5 times a day (not always with a heavy load). Items rarely came out clean, there were always blockages and it smelt to high heaven. It had to be replaced every 18 months as well due to it just breaking down. I would suggest that you incorporate the usage factors as well and ensure that someone is responsible for ensuring its upkeep ie. checking it has enough salt and rinsade etc. (dont rely on the day shift or night shift as they will just pass the buck to the other)

They need to achieve a temperature that cleans and sanitisers, so they dont need to be commercial SB

Hi, I concur with the above - I can’t see any problem using a domestic dishwasher other than the fact that it won’t last long if used as commercial equipment. Basically the manufacturer’s instructions for installation, use, maintenance etc should be followed. RA for safe use in care home setting. Cheers Steve

Sorry to be a fly in the ointment but.... Whether the domestic unit is capable of doing the job is not the issue; there needs to be a 'Type A' air gap created by a breaktank which normally is KIWA standard approved. This prevents any backflow into the normal water supply. Also the commercial units raise the water to a higher temperature than domestic units. The mechanical backflow fluid control needs to be class 5 which domestic units do not achieve. http://www.rwc.co.uk/public/training/QAjune03.pdf We have just had a new commercial dishwasher installed in a renovation of the renal unit in the Trust where I work and it HAD to be a commercial unit for the reasons given above, even though only plates, cups and saucers are to be used in it. And also that it is on healthcare premises. Cheers Martin