Testing Appliances (PAT)
Testing falls into two areas; periodic reporting (PIR) and portable appliance (PAT):
PIR involves testing the electrical circuits and systems that distribute electricity around a building. All electrical 
circuits in a building that are fixed, such as lighting, socket outlets, supplies to air conditioning and other fixed plant need to be tested.
PAT is the systematic checking of any equipment which has a plug. This testing involves visual checks and combined inspection and testing using a PAT test meter. Portable appliances are categorised as ‘stationary’, ‘IT’, ‘moveable’, ‘portable’ and ‘handheld’.
There is published guidance on both fixed wire testing and PAT from the IET.
Competence
What is important is that a ‘competent person’ carries out the testing and reports back on any findings that would render the installation or appliances ‘unsatisfactory’. The definition of a ‘competent person’ (Reg 621.5) is ‘a person who possesses sufficient technical knowledge, relevant practical skills and experience for the nature of the electrical work undertaken and is able at all times to prevent danger and, where appropriate, injury to him/herself and others’.
Reporting
Test reports codify faults found and Code One, ‘requires urgent attention’, used to indicate that persons using the installation are at risk and Code Two, ‘requires improvement’, indicating that the observed deficiency requires action to remove potential danger. As part of reporting, the test engineer must notify the commissioning contact in writing that day of any Code One faults and give advice that remedial action should be taken without delay.
Compliance
Compliance with the regulations requires not only testing to be carried out but any necessary remedial work to be completed, subsequent to that testing. Any fault reported as Code One or Code Two must be remedied.
Frequency
Guidance on frequency of test is available from the IET. For PAT reference The IEE Code of Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment, 3rd Edition. For fixed installations consult The IEE Guidance Note 3: Inspection & Testing.
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