PAT is the examination of all electrical appliances/equipment to ensure users safety. The vast majority of electrical malfunctions will be found via visual inspection. However, some appliances require further testing. The Electricity
at Work Regulations (1989) enforces all electrical equipment which can cause harm must be maintained to a safe level.
Electrical items that would require testing include computers, kettles, fans and microwaves. Primarily, this consists of any device with a power lead and plug, intended to be plugged in and energised.