What is a Portable Electrical Appliance?

8 January 2019

We know we need to PAT Test; but how do you know how to identify a portable electrical appliance?

The simplest way of determining what a portable electrical appliance is, is whether there is a lead and plug attached to it! If it is hard wired into a wall; it is NOT a portable appliance and must be checked over by a qualified electrician.

The list below shows the types of appliances and their definitions as mentioned in the Institute of Electrical Engineers Code of Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment.

Portable Electrical Appliance

This is an appliance of not more than 18 kg in mass and can be moved while in operation.

Examples are:  Toaster, food mixer, kettle. Pone charger.

Movable equipment (or transportable)

Movable equipment is either 18 kg or less in mass and not fixed. OR; equipment with wheels, castors or other means to facilitate movement by the operator during usage.

Hand-held appliances or equipment

An appliance with a lead and a plug, which you hold in your hand to operate.

Examples are: Chainsaw, drill, hairdryer or iron.

Hand-held appliances can present a particular danger as an electric shock could occur while the user is holding the appliance during use.

Stationary equipment or appliances

These exceed 18 kg in mass and do not have a carrying handle.

Examples are: Dishwasher, washing machine.

Information technology equipment

Computers and other equipment for general business use such as laptops, data terminal equipment, telephones, printers, photocopiers and mail processing machines.

Inspection frequency

The frequency of how often you need to PAT test these portable appliances is dependent on risk. For example, A heavily used drill in the construction industry is high risk. A freezer positioned in a corner of a kitchen for many years; would be lower risk as it is static. Therefore the frequency of inspection will be more for the drill.

Free PAT Testing advice and Technical Support

Lots more information is available for free from the HSE (Health and safety Executive) here 

You can purchase the IET Inservice inspection 4th edition from any good retailer.

https://electrical-shop.theiet.org/books/related-guides/in-service-inspection-4th-ed.cfm

Parker Bell will give you free technical advice and support. You can call them on 01392 364933 Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm. You can email sale@parker-bell.co.uk or complete the contact form here.