Electrical Equipment Safety: Certified Portable Appliance Testing
EDURISE
Gain the skills to identify hazards, reduce risks, and meet industry standards
Summary
- Reed Courses Certificate of Completion - Free
- Final Evaluation: Portable Appliance Safety and Compliance (included in price)
- Tutor is available to students
Add to basket or enquire
Overview
Certificates
Assessment details
Final Evaluation: Portable Appliance Safety and Compliance
Included in course price
Curriculum
Description
Course Description:
The Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) – Electrical Engineering Course is a structured, skills-based training program designed to develop professional competency in the inspection, testing, and certification of portable electrical appliances. This course addresses both the theoretical and hands-on elements required to carry out PAT in line with national safety regulations and standards. It is ideal for electricians, maintenance professionals, health and safety officers, and anyone responsible for electrical compliance within the workplace.
The course begins with Module 1: Introduction to PAT and Electrical Safety, where learners explore the importance of PAT in maintaining electrical safety in public and private spaces. It explains what portable appliances are, the types of environments in which they are used, and common causes of appliance-related incidents. This foundation introduces the need for inspection and testing procedures as part of a larger risk control strategy.
In Module 2: Understanding Statutory Provisions and Compliance, learners delve into legal obligations surrounding PAT. This includes detailed coverage of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, the Health and Safety at Work Act, and BS 7671 wiring standards. Students learn the roles of duty holders, the responsibilities of employers and employees, and the consequences of non-compliance, including penalties and insurance risks. The module also introduces relevant guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Module 3: Comprehensive Risk Assessment and Control teaches learners how to identify and assess electrical risks in various settings. Emphasis is placed on evaluating environments, frequency of appliance use, exposure to physical damage, and user behaviour. Learners are introduced to standard risk assessment models and taught how to recommend appropriate control measures such as scheduled testing intervals, user checks, or equipment replacement.
The course then progresses to Module 4: Classifying Electrical Units and Reducing Hazards, where participants gain a deep understanding of appliance classes (Class I, II, III), insulation types, and how classification affects test requirements. Learners also explore how environmental hazards—such as dust, vibration, moisture, or mechanical strain—impact appliance safety, and how classification helps determine the most suitable testing methods and safety checks.
In Module 5: Conducting Initial Visual Inspections, learners are trained in one of the most crucial stages of PAT: visual assessment. Participants learn how to examine plugs, fuses, cables, sockets, casings, and switches for visible signs of damage, overheating, or modification. They’re guided in using visual inspection checklists and identifying signs that call for immediate appliance withdrawal or further testing.
Module 6: Using Testing Instruments and Equipment Inspection introduces learners to the main tools used in portable appliance testing. This includes insulation resistance testers, earth continuity testers, leakage current testers, and multifunction PAT machines. Learners are taught how to calibrate equipment, run standard test procedures, interpret test data, and ensure their instruments are safe to use. The module includes hands-on guidance on testing Class I and Class II devices.
To ensure that testing is performed safely, Module 7: Safety Protocols in Electrical Installation Testing emphasizes safety standards and protective measures. Topics include PPE (personal protective equipment), Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, electrical isolation methods, and emergency response steps for electrical injuries. Real-world scenarios are used to demonstrate how to handle live circuits, prevent re-energisation, and control human error during inspection and testing.
The final section, Module 8: Effective Reporting and Record-Keeping for Compliance, focuses on documentation and audit-readiness. Learners are trained to create compliant test records, apply equipment labelling, schedule retesting, and maintain historical testing logs. The module introduces both paper-based and digital PAT management systems, including barcode tagging and cloud-based software solutions that ensure traceability, accountability, and easy access during audits or incident investigations.
Throughout the Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) – Electrical Engineering Course, real-world relevance is emphasized. Each module connects theory to field application, allowing learners to build confidence in every stage of the PAT process. By integrating legal knowledge, hazard recognition, instrument handling, and data reporting, the course produces safety-conscious technicians equipped for modern testing challenges.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) – Electrical Engineering Course, learners will be able to:
Understand the purpose and scope of PAT and its role in preventing electrical incidents
Identify and classify different types of portable appliances and insulation systems
Apply statutory regulations and standards in workplace settings
Conduct visual inspections and detect visible faults
Use electrical test instruments safely and interpret test results accurately
Implement safety procedures and emergency protocols during testing
Maintain detailed PAT records and produce professional compliance reports
Support a culture of electrical safety and regulatory adherence
Who is this course for?
The Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) – Electrical Engineering Course is ideal for individuals and professionals who are responsible for ensuring the safety and compliance of electrical equipment in the workplace. This includes:
Electricians and Electrical Apprentices – seeking to add PAT certification to their qualifications or specialize in inspection and compliance work.
Facilities and Maintenance Personnel – tasked with routine testing and safety assurance of equipment in schools, offices, factories, and public buildings.
Health and Safety Officers – needing formal training to manage and oversee electrical risk assessments and PAT schedules.
IT Technicians and Equipment Managers – who work with portable devices and require skills in electrical inspection and fault detection.
Landlords and Property Managers – responsible for the safety of tenants and legal compliance regarding electrical appliances in rental properties.
Contractors and On-site Workers – operating in environments where PAT certification is a legal or contractual requirement.
This course is suitable for both beginners and experienced professionals, offering a blend of theory, regulation, and hands-on practice to ensure safety, legal compliance, and job readiness.
Career path
Completing the Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) – Electrical Engineering Course can lead to roles such as PAT technician, maintenance electrician, or safety compliance officer. Entry-level positions typically earn $35,000–$50,000 annually, with experienced testers earning $60,000+. Freelancers can charge $2–$5 per appliance, making PAT a profitable niche in safety and facilities services.
Questions and answers
There are currently no Q&As for this course. Be the first to ask a question.
Reviews
Currently there are no reviews for this course. Be the first to leave a review.
Legal information
This course is advertised on Reed.co.uk by the Course Provider, whose terms and conditions apply. Purchases are made directly from the Course Provider, and as such, content and materials are supplied by the Course Provider directly. Reed is acting as agent and not reseller in relation to this course. Reed's only responsibility is to facilitate your payment for the course. It is your responsibility to review and agree to the Course Provider's terms and conditions and satisfy yourself as to the suitability of the course you intend to purchase. Reed will not have any responsibility for the content of the course and/or associated materials.