PAT Testing Laptops, Monitors & IT Kit: What You Need to Know

IT maintenance needs to account for the complete power arrangement: the device, its battery where applicable, the power supply and the mains lead.

This guide explains how to include them in the maintenance plan without assuming that every item has the same protection class or test interval.

The basic rule for IT equipment

Include the whole power arrangement in your maintenance inventory: the device, mains supply and detachable leads. A battery-powered device can still have damaged charging connections or other condition problems even when a conventional mains PAT test is not applicable.

The laptop charger trap

A laptop and its external charger are separate parts of the setup. Check the mains lead, charger enclosure and output cable rather than treating the laptop’s battery operation as proof that the complete arrangement needs no attention.

Chargers carried in bags or repeatedly plugged in can develop damage at connectors and cable entry points. Report damage and take the affected equipment out of use; choose electrical checks from the charger’s markings and instructions.

What about monitors?

First identify how the monitor receives power. Some accept a mains lead directly; others use an external power supply. Include the relevant lead and supply in the record and assess them alongside the screen.

Coordinate any disconnection with the user and inspect accessible cables for damage, trapped sections or strained connectors. The monitor’s appearance alone does not determine its protection class or test method.

What testing class is each piece of IT kit?

Identify the appliance from its rating plate, manufacturer instructions and construction. A metal case, plastic case or three-pin plug alone does not establish its protection class. If the class or suitable procedure is uncertain, stop and seek manufacturer information or a competent specialist; do not guess or default to Class I.

Record the class of the actual product, including a separate power supply where applicable. Product families such as laptops, monitors and docks do not all share one protection class.

How often does IT equipment need testing?

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.

Protected desktop equipment may have a different risk profile from chargers carried between offices, homes and classrooms. Review damage and repair history rather than imposing an automatic 48- or 60-month interval.

The high-risk items in an IT setup

Within a typical IT estate, a few items are noticeably higher-risk than the rest and warrant tighter intervals or more careful inspection:

IEC leads

Inspect detachable mains leads for damaged insulation, crushed sections, loose connectors and damaged plug pins. Leads routed near chair wheels, desk edges or frequently moved equipment may need more attention than protected cables.

Remove damaged leads from use and arrange a suitable replacement or competent assessment. Brand or price alone is not a condition check.

Laptop chargers

Modern laptop chargers face the worst working conditions of any IT appliance. They're carried in bags, dropped, twisted, stood on, crushed under heavier items, and the cable kinks at the strain relief from constant flexing. The cable failure point is almost always at one of the two ends, where strain relief has worn through.

Visual inspection of laptop chargers should specifically check the cable at both ends for fraying, exposed conductors or any sign of internal damage.

Extension leads and multi-way adapters

Check the condition, loading and arrangement of extension leads and adapters. Avoid connecting extension leads together and follow the manufacturer’s rating and instructions. See the extension lead inspection guide for more detail.

UPSs and battery backup units

An uninterruptible power supply combines mains equipment with stored battery energy. Its inspection, testing and servicing need to follow the manufacturer’s procedures and the competence required for the unit.

A routine appliance-test result does not establish battery health or remove the hazards of stored energy. Refer internal servicing and battery replacement to an appropriately competent person.

Server room and data centre considerations

Server rooms are usually treated as separate environments from general office space:

• Higher equipment density means tighter physical access
• Continuous operation makes scheduling tests difficult — power-down windows are required
• Higher cumulative current loads put more stress on cables and connectors
• Redundant PSUs mean each unit has multiple mains connections, all needing testing

Plan server-room checks with the system owner. Account for redundant supplies, shutdown arrangements, data protection and manufacturer instructions; maintenance intervals must reflect this equipment’s actual use and risks.

A competent tester needs to understand the operational implications. Testing a server at the wrong moment can take down a production system. This is one area where in-house testing — by somebody who knows the systems — can be significantly safer than bringing in an outside contractor.

Common IT-specific issues that come up in testing

Earth bonding on PCs

An unexpected or failed protective-conductor result needs investigation by a competent person. Do not open a power supply or alter chassis connections as a routine fix based on a blog description.

IEC leads with broken earth pins

A damaged plug pin is a reason to remove the lead from use and have it assessed. A connected appliance powering up does not prove that its protective-earth connection is sound. The visual inspection and applicable electrical checks both matter.

Power bricks failing insulation tests

Cheap third-party laptop chargers (sold via online marketplaces) sometimes fail the insulation resistance test even when brand new. The pass thresholds for Class 2 appliances are demanding, and inferior insulation in budget power bricks doesn't always meet them. A failed brick should be replaced — not "passed because it's new."

Equipment with no clearly defined class

Identify the appliance from its rating plate, manufacturer instructions and construction. A metal case, plastic case or three-pin plug alone does not establish its protection class. If the class or suitable procedure is uncertain, stop and seek manufacturer information or a competent specialist; do not guess or default to Class I.

Charge stations, docking hubs and USB-C-only kit

Record the mains power supply and the connected device separately where useful. Do not assume that every USB-C charger, docking station or charging cabinet is Class II; use the actual product information.

Frequently asked questions

Do laptops need PAT testing?

Assess the laptop, battery, charger and mains lead as appropriate. The mains supply may need electrical testing; visual checks and battery condition still matter for the device.

Are all monitors and chargers the same class?

No. Check the specific model and supply arrangement. An external power brick can have different protection arrangements from another model.

How often should office IT be checked?

Set intervals from risk and previous findings. The IET fifth edition does not supply the fixed 48/60-month table previously quoted here.

Can servers be tested during normal operation?

Agree the method and shutdown requirements with the responsible IT team first. Do not interrupt a production system or use an unsuitable test simply to complete a scheduled round.

Where in-house IT testing makes sense

In-house staff can help coordinate access and identify changed or damaged equipment. Check that they have the competence and equipment for the agreed scope, and use specialists for work outside it.

A PAT course can help develop inspection and testing skills. Competence also depends on practical ability, experience, the equipment involved and understanding the results. Successful learners on our classroom course receive a Skills Training Group certificate within one working day. Check the course scope and arrange additional training or specialist assistance for work outside it. See the course details and available locations.