Portable electrical appliance register

If you have a small number of electrical appliances, your system for managing portable appliance testing need not be overcomplicated. Our register form can help with this.

When to PAT?

Portable appliances should be regularly inspected to ensure that they remain in a safe condition. This inspection includes a detailed check that the casing is undamaged, the plug is properly wired and, if applicable, that the correct fuse is fitted. In addition to a formal visual inspection, some appliances also require an electrical test. This process shows up defects which would otherwise not be detectable.

Why use our form?

Businesses with a large number of items will benefit from the latest data logging test equipment. These are heavy pieces of kit wheeled in by your contractor. Appliances are barcoded to enable reports and inventories of your equipment to be generated.

If your organisation is much smaller you can get by with a hired basic tester and a short course for your in-house PAT tester. In this case, you’ll also need a simple inventory form such as our Portable Electrical Appliance Register.

As the HSE is keen to point out, millions of pounds are wasted each year in unnecessary testing. This is because businesses commonly do it annually as this avoids spending time planning. However, much of the work is unnecessary because many items are at a very low risk of damage or deterioration.

Official guidance allows for much longer frequencies between testing for many types of appliance, especially those used in office environments.

For example, the recommended frequency for formal visual inspection of desktop office equipment is two to four years, and a full PAT is only needed if it’s Class 1 equipment - even then you can wait up to five years.

Note. Class 1 equipment has an earth wire, whilst Class 2 is double insulated and un-earthed.

Our form is designed for those who wish to restrict their PAT regime to the minimum. By using it, you can specify which items are to be looked at and when, and the level of inspection or test to be carried out.