Portable appliance testing generates the same handful of questions in almost every workplace. What actually needs testing? Who is allowed to do it? How often? This guide answers the questions that come up most, in plain terms, so you can put a sensible, compliant testing regime in place without the confusion that often surrounds the subject.
What items need PAT testing?
The simple rule of thumb is that any electrical item fitted with a plug that connects to the mains is a candidate for testing. That covers a very wide range: kettles, microwaves and toasters; computers, monitors, printers and chargers; power tools and extension leads; vacuum cleaners, heaters and desk lamps. Extension leads and multi-way adaptors deserve particular attention, because they are heavily used, easily damaged and often overloaded.
Fixed equipment that is wired directly into the installation is treated differently, under installation testing rather than portable appliance testing. If it has a plug and gets moved or used day to day, it falls within PAT.
Who can carry out PAT testing?
Testing must be done by a competent person: someone with the knowledge, training and equipment to inspect and test safely and to interpret the results correctly. Competence is the requirement, not one particular certificate. In practice, that means someone who has had structured training and knows how to spot faults, choose the right tests and judge a borderline result. Formal visual inspection can be carried out by someone with less training than full testing, provided they are competent to recognise faults.
How often should items be tested?
There is no fixed legal interval. Frequency is risk-based, and it depends on the type of equipment and how it is used. A power tool on a building site, exposed to damage and damp, is checked far more often than a computer that sits untouched in an office. User checks happen constantly, visual inspections periodically, and combined testing at intervals set by the risk. The duty holder decides, justifies and records appropriate frequencies.
Do new appliances need testing?
A brand-new appliance is supplied in a safe condition and does not need a full electrical test before first use. It is reasonable, though, to give it a quick visual check, confirm the plug is correctly fitted and fused, and bring it into your inventory and retest schedule. From then on it is treated like any other item, checked on a risk-based cycle.
What is the difference between Class I and Class II?
Appliance class decides which tests apply. Class I appliances rely on an earth connection for safety, so they need earth continuity and insulation testing. Class II appliances are double insulated, with no reliance on an earth, and are tested accordingly. Recognising the class of each item is part of testing it correctly, and it is one of the things a competent tester is trained to do.
Keeping records
Every formal test should leave a record: what was tested, when, by whom, the result and the next test date. Records label passed items, take failed ones out of use, and provide the evidence that you managed the risk if anyone ever asks. Modern testers store results and download them into software, which removes the paperwork and keeps a clean audit trail.
FAQs
Do extension leads need to be PAT tested?
Yes, and they are among the most important items to check. Extension leads and multi-way adaptors are heavily used, easily damaged and often overloaded, so they fail more often than fixed equipment. They are tested as leads, with their own continuity and insulation checks.
Does a new appliance need to be tested before use?
A new appliance is supplied safe and does not need a full test before first use. A quick visual check and adding it to your inventory and retest schedule is good practice, after which it is tested on the same risk-based cycle as everything else.
How do I know how often to test?
Base it on risk: the type of equipment and its environment. Higher-risk items in tough conditions are tested more frequently. There is no single legal interval, so the duty holder sets and documents intervals appropriate to each type of equipment.
If you have more questions or want to test properly, talk to us about the right tester, training and calibration for your workplace.