Posted By Edward Shyer Just done a google search for this and endedup withloads of differing answers. So my question is what is a portable appliance. regards ted

Posted By Ron Hunter Or any electrical appliance not covered in a fixed wiring test & inspection = also cookers and some water heaters.

Posted By Flic You should also include welding sets (including 3-phase). Since they are operated in a more hazardous environment, it is important not to forget them (although they frequently are forgotted). I do feel that restricting the definition to those things that can be unplugged can lead to real problems. For example, in a University kitchen I came across a domestic iron that had been hard wired in (presumeably to prevent it from being removed!), that had clearly never been inspected, because the insulation had degraded on two of the wires to the extent that they were bare. We should base our definition on NEED and RISK. Flic

Posted By W P F But remember certain aspects of PAT Testing don't apply to some equipment e.g. laptops and other dse equipment. see http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg236.pdf as another source for specific low risk equipment. Regards Waz