Portable electrical equipment is generally identified as equipment that has a lead or cable and plug and which is normally moved from place to place, such as vacuum cleaners, kettles, heaters, fans, televisions and desk lamps.
It also refers to equipment that could be moved, such as printers, photocopiers, fridges, freezers, televisions and computers.
Leads and plugs, or sometimes the equipment itself, can become damaged. This may result in an electric shock, which in some instances can kill. Damaged equipment can also cause fires.
By looking for visible signs of damage or faults, and putting them right, you will prevent most electrical accidents from occurring. Around 95% of faults or damage can be found just by looking.
Some faults cannot be seen just by looking. Therefore, all earthed equipment, and most leads and plugs connected to equipment should be PAT tested. Read more about PAT testing on the Health and Safety Executive website.
| Equipment/Environment | User checks | Formal visual inspection | Combined inspection and testing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery-operated: (less than 20 volts) | No | No | No |
| Extra low voltage: (Less than 50 volts AC) telephone equipment, low voltage desk lights | No | No | No |
| Information technology: desktop computers and screens | No | Yes, every 2-4 years | No if double insulated - otherwise up to 5 years |
| Photocopiers, print machines: not hand-held. Rarely moved | No | Yes, every 2-4 years | No if double insulated - otherwise up to 5 years |
| Double insulated equipment: not hand-held. Moved occasionally: fans, table lamps, slide projectors | No | Yes, 2-4 years | No |
| Double insulated equipment: hand-held, for example, some floor cleaners | Yes | Yes, 6 months - 1 year | No |
| Earthed equipment (Class 1): electric kettles, some floor cleaners | Yes | Yes, 6 months - 1 year | Yes, 1-2 years |
| Cables (leads) and plugs connected to the above. Extension leads (mains voltage) | Yes | Yes, 6 months - 4 years depending on the type of equipment it is connected to | Yes, 1-5 years depending on the type of equipment it is connected |