an electric car, a fan, a computer, a heater, a microwave, a drill, a mobile phone charger….
We get asked these questions all the time! The easiest way to approach PAT Testing is to ask yourself these questions before you get started:
The definition used by the HSE (Health & Safety Executive) is:
A portable or movable electric appliance is any item that can be moved either connected or if disconnected from an electrical supply. A portable or movable item usually has a lead (cable) and a plug.
Portable and movable equipment includes the following electrical equipment that can be easily moved around:- Kettles, vacuum cleaners, floor polishers, portable heaters, fans, desk lamps, some TVs, radios, some small electric cookers, PC projectors. Other small appliances such as irons, hair dryers and kitchen equipment including food mixers, toasters etc;
Larger items that could be moved (but only rarely), e.g. water chillers, fridges, microwaves, photocopiers, vending machines, washing machines, electric cookers, fax machines, desktop computers, electric beds etc are considered to be movable items;
Hand-held items, such as hairdryers, that do not have a plug but have been wired in (or fixed) are still considered to be portable appliances, but large electrical items, such as water boilers that are wired in, are not portable appliances as they are not designed to be moved and would come under the scope of fixed installation maintenance;
Mobile phone and other battery-charging equipment that is plugged into the mains. The phones themselves and any other battery-operated equipment is not included.
Extension leads, multi-way adapters and connection leads.
Portable electrical appliances are designed to keep you safe in two ways. Either they have an earth wire, (Class I) or have double insulation. (Class II) Appliances can usually be identified simply with the square within a square symbol (right) on the manufacturer’s label Class II appliances will only have two wires in the plug (the live and the neutral). A Class I appliance has 3 wires (the earth in addition to the live and neutral.) You can see more in the excerpt from our free online PAT Testing course below.
The visual inspection is where you check that the appliance has no visible damage. This includes inspecting the plug, the cable or lead and the appliance itself. Watch the excerpt from our free course below to see exactly what is involved.
If you have any questions PAT Testing; just ring us 01392 364933. Or email Dale at dale@parker-bell.co.uk. You can also complete our online contact form here