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 - see aerial appliance.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
From studies, to books to a new project, with founder Emma Walshaw.
Types of drawings for building design
Still one of the most popular articles the A-Z of drawings.
Who, or What Does the Building Safety Act Apply To?
From compliance to competence in brief.
The remarkable story of a Highland architect.
Commissioning Responsibilities Framework BG 88/2025
BSRIA guidance on establishing clear roles and responsibilities for commissioning tasks.
An architectural movement to love or hate.
Don’t take British stone for granted
It won’t survive on supplying the heritage sector alone.
The Constructing Excellence Value Toolkit
Driving value-based decision making in construction.
Meet CIOB event in Northern Ireland
Inspiring the next generation of construction talent.
Reasons for using MVHR systems
6 reasons for a whole-house approach to ventilation.
Supplementary Planning Documents, a reminder
As used by the City of London to introduce a Retrofit first policy.
The what, how, why and when of deposit return schemes
Circular economy steps for plastic bottles and cans in England and Northern Ireland draws.
Join forces and share Building Safety knowledge in 2025
Why and how to contribute to the Building Safety Wiki.
Reporting on Payment Practices and Performance Regs
Approved amendment coming into effect 1 March 2025.
A new CIOB TIS on discharging CDM 2015 duties
Practical steps that can be undertaken in the Management of Contractors to discharge the relevant CDM 2015 duties.
Planning for homes by transport hubs
Next steps for infrastructure following the updated NPPF.