Posted By Peter How Andy Although you are a public area (more risk) 240v is acceptable. The RCDs will deal with any residual risk (of cord damage and electrocution). You should have a service agreement with an electrical contractor to do PAT testing (portable appliance testing) which verifies that your appliances are electrically safe, and you get a little stickers. However if you have a swimming pool (wet) area then very special rules apply and no 240v allowed. Require Extra low voltage or isolated earth requirements. I once witnessed an "Aquarobics" teacher have a 240v extension run out of a plant room, wander along to the pool side with a 240v plug /socket to power her CD player and microphone amplifier approx 24in from the waters edge!! -20 dead people?. I got to see the manager very quick to shut it down! regards Peter

Posted By Ian Gardner Alan, there is no 'have to be' at all. The frequency of test and inspection should be determined by the equipment owners and testers, and factors such as usage environment, frequency of usage, equipment type (hand-held, portable, stationary etc.) and appliance construction class all have a bearing. Also, users of the equipment should always check, by way of a brief visual check, to satisfy themselves that it appears to be safe to use (especially with things such as cleaning equipment). The IEE Code of Practice gives guidance on this, particularly 'TABLE 1', which gives *Suggested Initial Frequency* of test and inspection, subject to ongoing assessment.