Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)

ortable Appliance Testing (PAT) involves the thorough examination and testing of electrical appliances and equipment in the workplace to ensure their safety. While many electrical faults can be identified through visual inspection, PAT testing goes further by detecting non-visible issues, protecting your business from potential electrical hazards caused by faulty equipment. This process applies to a wide range of devices, including computer systems, kitchen and household appliances, small to medium-sized machinery, and power tools.

Visual Inspection
This step involves checking the appliance, its cable, and plug for any visible signs of damage. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), this process can identify over 90% of electrical faults.

Earth Continuity Test
This test measures the resistance between the earthing rods and the connection leads, ensuring proper grounding.

Insulation Resistance Test
This test ensures that the protective earth circuit or earthing conductor of an extension cord or appliance cord set has the appropriate level of insulation.

Protective Conductor/Touch Current Measurement
For Class I equipment, this test measures the current from the internal live components to Earth, while for Class II equipment, it measures the current from the internal live components to accessible surfaces.

Extra Low Voltage Test (SELV)
Defined by the IEC and IET, SELV (Separated or Safety Extra Low Voltage) systems operate at less than 50V. Many modern battery-operated hand tools fall into this category. These tests are typically visual in nature.

Polarity Test/Check
This test ensures that the active and neutral terminals of a plug are correctly connected to their corresponding terminals at the socket.

RCDs/SPDs/Safety Switches
Residual-current devices (RCDs) or residual-current circuit breakers (RCCBs) are safety devices that immediately interrupt an electrical circuit to prevent serious injury from electric shock. Testing confirms that these devices, including Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) and safety switches, are functioning correctly.

Leakage Test (Microwave)
This test checks for radiation hotspots around the microwave door seal while the unit is operating to ensure there is no harmful leakage.

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