Portable Appliance Testing equipment on display

Any portable appliance that is powered between 50 and 415 volts and connected to the electrical mains by a cable and plug is classified as a portable appliance and requires testing.

The IEE Code of Practice gives guidance on the various equipment types which require Electrical testing periodically.

Electrical appliance testing

An electrical appliance of less than 18kg in mass that is intended to be moved whilst in operation or an electrical appliance which can easily be moved from one place to another, e.g. vacuum cleaner, toaster, microwave, food mixer requires testing at periodic intervals.

Movable equipment (transportable)

This equipment is either 18 kg or less in mass and not fixed, such as electric fire or equipment with wheels, castors or other means to facilitate movement by the operator as required to perform its intended use, e.g. air conditioning unit.

Hand held equipment or appliances

This is portable equipment intended to be held in the hand during normal use, e.g. hair dryer, drills etc.

Stationary equipment or appliances

This equipment has a mass exceeding 18kg and is not provided with a carrying handle, e.g. refrigerator, washing machines.

Fixed equipment/appliances

This equipment or an appliance which is fastened to a support or otherwise secured in a specific location, e.g. wall mounted heater.

Information technology equipment

Information technology equipment includes electrical business equipment such as computers and mains powered telecommunications equipment, and other equipment for general business use, such as mail processing machines, monitors and photocopiers.

RB services provide electrical appliance testing, based in the West Midlands RB services provide appliance testing services throughout the UK.