Fixed vs Portable Appliances: What Counts as a PAT Test Item?

How an appliance is installed and used affects its maintenance. A plug-connected item can remain in one place, while equipment fixed to a wall can still have a plug. The connection and protection arrangements matter more than the everyday name.

This guide explains the categories and where fixed equipment needs additional competence.

Why the categories exist

Equipment can be handheld, portable, movable, stationary or fixed. These descriptions help identify movement, access and damage risks, but do not by themselves prescribe a test sequence or interval.

The five appliance categories

• Handheld: intended to be held during normal use, such as a drill.
• Portable or movable: designed to be moved, including some wheeled equipment. Consider what happens to its cable during use and movement.
• Stationary: normally kept in one position, without being permanently secured there.
• Fixed: secured to a support or location. It may be plug-connected or permanently connected.

Record the manufacturer’s equipment description and the actual installation. Avoid using weight or a plug alone to decide the maintenance procedure.

The fixed/non-fixed distinction matters most

Fixed equipment is not exempt from maintenance. Decide who is competent to inspect it, how access will be obtained, and whether the work involves the fixed installation. An ordinary plug-in PAT sequence is not a universal method for fixed equipment.

How fixed appliances are tested

Permanently connected equipment can require safe isolation, access to electrical connections and specialist testing. This work belongs with a person competent in that equipment and safe isolation; a basic PAT course does not by itself establish those skills.

Agree the scope with the electrical contractor and use the relevant manufacturer procedure. Do not disconnect or reconnect fixed wiring using an abbreviated blog checklist.

HSE guidance on safe maintenance and HSE advice on specialist equipment explain the competence boundary.

Why the distinction matters for record-keeping

Make the inventory useful to the people arranging and carrying out maintenance:

• Record how the equipment is connected, where it is installed and any access constraints.
• Identify work that needs safe isolation, specialist skills or a separate contractor.
• Agree the inspection scope and maintenance schedule rather than assuming every item can follow the same plug-in test sequence.

Where 3-phase equipment fits in

Three-phase equipment may be movable or fixed. Supply arrangements, stored energy, isolation and compatible accessories need specialist consideration. Protective-conductor continuity concerns the protective-earth path, not continuity of each phase conductor.

Use a competent person with the correct instrument and manufacturer-approved procedure for the specific equipment. A plug adapter alone does not make an ordinary PAT tester suitable for every three-phase test.

Edge cases and grey areas

Some appliances don't sit neatly in any one category. The standard approach:

Castor-mounted equipment

Record the actual installation and access needs, then decide the inspection/testing method and interval from the risks rather than a category-based default.

Plug-in equipment in a fixed location

Record the actual installation and access needs, then decide the inspection/testing method and interval from the risks rather than a category-based default.

Hard-wired equipment that could in principle be relocated

A hand dryer is "fixed" because it's bolted to the wall and hard-wired through a fused spur. The fact that someone could in theory move it to another wall doesn't change its category.

Dual-purpose equipment

Some equipment is sold as either portable or fixed depending on installation choice — wall-mountable fan heaters, for example. Categorise based on how it's actually installed in your premises, not on the manufacturer's options.

Battery-charged "portable" equipment

A cordless tool is, technically, a battery-powered device with a separate mains charger. The tool itself isn't tested; the charger is — and the charger's category depends on its own physical characteristics (usually portable).

Why this affects testing frequency

Choose inspection and test intervals from the equipment, environment, use, manufacturer instructions and previous findings. There is no universal annual PAT interval. HSE explains the risk-based approach.

The IET removed the old frequency table from the fifth edition of its Code of Practice; it did not replace it with a new set of fixed intervals. Read the IET explanation.

Frequently asked questions

Are fixed appliances exempt?

No. They need suitable maintenance, with inspection and testing where appropriate. Agree whether this is included in the equipment-maintenance contract or requires a separate specialist visit.

Does an EICR cover every appliance?

An EICR concerns the electrical installation. Ask the inspector what permanently connected equipment is included and separately arrange any equipment-maintenance work that falls outside the agreed scope.

Can a PAT tester assess three-phase equipment?

Only within their competence and using suitable equipment and procedures. The fact that someone tests ordinary single-phase appliances does not establish competence for this work.

The takeaway

Record how each item is used, installed and supplied. Plan risk-based maintenance and arrange specialist assistance where fixed wiring, three-phase supplies or unusual equipment are involved.