Portable Appliance Testing

A full PAT test should include both a visual inspection and a more in-depth check using specialist PAT testing equipment. This test includes earth continuity, lead polarity, and insulation resistance checks. Some appliances only need a reduced test, called a PAT insulation test. At the end of a PAT test, every appliance should be marked ‘passed’ or ‘failed’. Ideally there should be a record of the results. Not all electrical items need to be PAT tested. We explain more in the section ‘Which items should be PAT tested?’ There is no definition of what a ‘Portable Appliance’ is in the current legislation, however the standard interpretation is “any appliance that has a plug attached to it and plugs into a wall outlet”. Because of this, the word ‘portable’ is a bit misleading. There are actually 7 categories of appliance which should be considered for PAT testing or, at least, visual inspections: – Fixed appliances – Stationary appliances – IT appliances – Moveable appliances – Portable appliances – Cables and chargers – Hand Held appliances PAT testing is not, in itself, a legal obligation. However, current UK legislation states that businesses must maintain electrical equipment in a safe condition. They also have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of employees and the public. Because PAT testing is one of the most effective ways to do this, particularly for high risk or large, complex environments, it has become a standard way of meeting this legal obligation.