Appliance
An ‘appliance’ is a piece of equipment designed to perform a specific task, often used to refer to powered equipment such as a gas appliance or an electrical appliance. It generally associated with performing domestic or kitchen functions, such as a washing machine, boiler, microwave, toaster, kettle and so on. Generally appliances are of standardised sizes and types.
Where an industrial function is being performed, the terms ‘equipment’, ‘machinery’, ‘plant’ or ‘tool’ might be more appropriate. Very broadly, the term ‘tools’ refers to instruments that are used by hand, ‘equipment’ refers to a set of tools used for a single purpose and ‘plant’ refers to heavy machinery. At the smaller scale, there may be some overlap between what is considered to be plant, small plant, tools, small tools, light equipment or equipment.
The term appliance may also refer to a fire engine.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Heat pump announcements, what homeowners need to know
An 'ultimate guide to heat pumps' from a heating company.
Construction contract awards reach £7.1bn in February
Their highest level in seven months.
The journey to sustainability in heritage
Research is the key to better understanding.
Heritage approaches to adaptation, mitigation and loss.
Bridging the gap between policy, finance and installation.
Development on brownfield land
Definition, background, policy and the latest consultation.
With the Design Framework for Building Services.
Retrofit of Buildings, a CIOB Technical Publication
Pertinent technical issues, measures and the roles involved.
ECA joins HSE campaign to support mental health
Working Minds’ five simple steps based on risk assessment.
Mental health in the construction industry
Mental health issues in brief with related articles.
Transitional arrangements, Building Control and the BSR.
For pre-October buildings with substantial progress by April.
How to write an inspection and test plan
ITPs for quality control and assurance particular elements.
Why quality counts in domestic ventilation systems
From products, to systems to the installation.
Empowering the Future with CIOB Academy
Lifelong learning, upscaling, and reskilling for the built environment.
Winners of the 2024 ASBP Awards
Project, Product and Initiative according to the 6 pillars.