The term 'portable appliance' in PAT testing has a broader meaning than many people realise. It doesn't just mean appliances you carry around — it covers any electrical equipment that is connected to the fixed electrical installation via a plug, whether it's moved regularly or stays in the same place for years.
The IET Definition
The IET Code of Practice defines portable appliances as items of equipment under 18kg that are intended to be moved. It also covers moveable equipment (18–50kg, designed to be moved but not regularly), stationary equipment (over 50kg or fixed to a floor, wall, or ceiling), hand-held equipment, and IT equipment. For practical PAT testing purposes, if it plugs into a socket, it should generally be assessed.
Appliances That Are Often Overlooked
- Extension leads and multi-way power strips
- Phone and laptop chargers
- Desk fans and personal fans
- Floor-standing fans
- Personal desk lamps
- Electric blankets
- Portable radios and Bluetooth speakers
- Small personal appliances brought in by staff (which the employer should consider)
What Is NOT Covered by PAT Testing
- Fixed electrical installation (covered by EICR)
- Medical devices (covered by separate medical device maintenance regulations)
- Purely battery-operated devices with no mains connection
- Fixed luminaires and ceiling lights (covered by EICR and periodic maintenance)
Personal Items Brought in by Staff
Personal electrical items brought into the workplace by employees — phone chargers, personal fans, desk lamps — technically fall within the employer's duty of care under the Electricity at Work Regulations. Employers should either prohibit personal appliances, include them in PAT testing, or have a process for employee self-declaration of appliance safety.
