ABSTRACT
This chapter helps the readers to undestand how equipment construction and classification reduces the risk of electric shock. It provides a little information on how electrical equipment and appliances are constructed. The chapter provides the assessment criteria for portable appliance testers (PAT): stating the classification of equipment construction and identifying the types of electrical equipment. Although the law makes no such distinctions, the IET Code of Practice separates electrical equipment and appliances into 'types'. A key starting point for identifying equipment as 'portable' is that it must weigh less than 18 kg. Portable equipment is also usually intended to be moved while in operation or can be easily moved from one place to another. In an effective PATs testing system particular attention should be paid to high-risk items, such as hand-held equipment, as strict management of these appliances will make a big contribution to the overall electrical safety.
