Portable Appliance Testing or PAT is the examination of electrical appliances and equipment to make sure that they are safe to use.

As stated in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard,  “Electricity is widely recognized as a serious workplace hazard, exposing employees to electric shock, burns, fires, and explosions. Underlying causes are listed as work involving unsafe equipment and installations, workplaces made unsafe by the environment, and unsafe work performance. Hazards stemming from faulty equipment are further identified as faulty insulation, improper grounding, loose connections, defective parts, ground faults in equipment, unguarded live parts, and underrated equipment.” 

The best way to ensure electrical safety is by routine visual examination, electrical testing and documentation.