Things that happen during an in-service electrical inspection

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) involves both visual inspection and electrical testing to ensure equipment is safe to use in the workplace.

At EdiSeven, every appliance goes through a structured inspection process to identify potential hazards before they become a problem.

Here are the 7 key checks carried out during a standard PAT test.

Button

Visual Inspection of the Appliance

• Damage to the appliance casing
• Signs of overheating or burning
• Loose parts or exposed wiring
• Evidence of liquid ingress

Many electrical faults can be identified during this stage

Button

Plug Inspection

The plug is inspected to ensure it is safe, correctly assembled and compliant with UK safety standards.

This includes checking:

• The correct fuse rating is installed
• The plug is securely assembled
• The cable grip is holding the cable correctly
• Internal wiring is correctly connected

Incorrect wiring or the wrong fuse can significantly increase the risk of electrical faults.

Cable and Flex Check

The appliance cable is inspected for damage and safety.

We check for:

• Cuts or exposed conductors
• Damaged insulation
• Loose cable entry points
• Signs of stretching or strain

Damaged cables are one of the most common electrical safety risks in workplaces.

British Safety Plug Compliance

UK plugs must include insulated plug pins to reduce the risk of electric shock, particularly where children may be present.

We check that:

• Plug pins are correctly insulated
• The plug complies with UK and European safety standards
• The plug housing is undamaged and secure

This helps ensure the appliance meets modern safety expectations.

Earth Continuity Test
(Class I Appliances)

For Class I appliances (equipment with metal casings), we perform an earth continuity test.

This confirms that:

• The earth connection is present
• Fault current can safely travel to earth
• Protective earthing is functioning correctly

This is a critical safety test for equipment such as kettles, microwaves, and metal-cased appliances.

Insulation Resistance Test

An insulation resistance test checks that electrical current cannot leak from internal wiring to the outside of the appliance.

This helps detect:

• Damaged insulation
• Internal wiring faults
• Moisture contamination inside equipment

This test ensures that the appliance is properly insulated and safe for use.

Polarity and Functional Testing

Where appropriate, we verify that:

• The live, neutral and earth connections are correctly wired
• The appliance functions safely when powered
• Extension leads and power strips are wired correctly

Extension leads and multi-socket adapters receive additional checks due to their high usage in workplaces.

Need PAT Testing for your workplace?

Book now >