Types of Electrical Equipment

The term Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) often causes confusion. It’s not limited to items you can carry, and it’s not simply a pass/fail test with a PAT tester. PAT is the in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment, and in most cases, the visual inspection is the most important part of the process.

In practice, PAT is better described as the in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment. Any electrical equipment that is connected, or could be connected, to an electrical supply should be included. That might be something as small as a phone charger, or as large as a three-phase industrial machine.

If you’re unsure what should be included (and what is outside the scope of PAT), see our guide to scope and exceptions.

The visual inspection is the most important part of the process. Most faults are identified by checking the plug, cable and casing for signs of damage. A thorough inspection can also detect issues that electrical testing alone may not reveal.

The IET Code of Practice also distinguishes between formal inspection and testing, and routine user checks. User checks are simple visual checks carried out by the person using the equipment, and they form an important first line of defence in preventing electrical accidents.

The IET groups electrical equipment into categories. These categories are mainly used to help decide suitable inspection and test frequencies, and in some cases they can also affect which tests are carried out and what limits apply.

Portable – Equipment under 18 kg that is intended to be moved, or can easily be moved, while in operation (for example, a kettle).

Hand-held – Designed to be held in the hand during normal use (for example, a hair dryer, iron or drill). Hand-held items are generally higher risk because they are more likely to be dropped or damaged, and because the user is in close contact with the appliance during use.

Moveable – Equipment under 18 kg that is not fixed, or has wheels/castors so it can be moved from place to place. The line between portable and moveable isn’t always obvious: a toaster is typically portable, while a microwave (which is rarely moved in normal use) is often classed as moveable. Moveable equipment may also be referred to as transportable.

Stationary – Equipment over 18 kg that is not easily moved, such as fridges, washing machines and vending machines. Because stationary equipment is rarely moved, it is generally less likely to suffer damage and may require less frequent inspection and testing than hand-held items.

Fixed – Equipment that is fastened in place (for example, a storage heater fixed to a wall), or permanently connected to the electrical supply via a fused connection unit. In some locations, appliances are permanently connected (rather than plugged in) — for example, a kettle in a hotel room wired via a fused spur.

Built-in – Equipment designed to be installed within furniture or cabinetry, such as a built-in oven. These appliances are intended to be used when correctly installed in their housing.

IT – IT and office equipment such as computers, monitors and printers.

Correctly identifying appliance types is essential when deciding what inspection and test regime to apply. If you would like practical, hands-on training in how to classify equipment, apply appropriate tests and interpret results correctly, our PAT testing courses provide the knowledge and experience required to carry out inspection and testing competently in your workplace.