Three items, one site visit. On 19 December 2025 we attended a waste-management technology company in Great Shelford to carry out PAT testing on a small group of portable power-tool items: a DeWalt battery charger, a DeWalt drill and an extension lead.
What was tested
The three items are a common combination in any workspace that relies on cordless power tools. The battery charger and drill sit together in regular use, and the extension lead is the kind of item that tends to move around a site rather than staying in one place. That mobility is worth bearing in mind during a PAT inspection, because leads that travel between areas often accumulate wear at the plug end and at any point where the cable flexes repeatedly.
Each item was inspected and tested in line with the IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment. The process for this kind of job covers a visual check of the plug, cable, casing and any strain relief, followed by the appropriate instrument tests for the class of appliance.
What a small job like this looks like in practice
A three-item visit is straightforward to arrange and quick to complete. For a business that holds only a handful of portable electrical items, a small scheduled visit of this kind keeps the paperwork current without requiring a half-day shutdown. Each tested item receives a dated label, and the client gets a record they can keep on file for insurance or audit purposes.
Power-tool chargers are Class II appliances in most cases, which affects which instrument tests apply. Extension leads are Class I and get a different set of checks. Knowing the class of each item before a visit helps the engineer move efficiently through the list, so it is worth gathering that information when booking.
Useful things to consider if you run a similar operation
- DeWalt chargers and similar battery management units often run warm during normal operation. That is expected behaviour, but it is worth confirming with your PAT engineer that nothing is being confused for a fault condition.
- Extension leads used in workshop or site-adjacent environments should be inspected more frequently than the same item in a low-risk office. The right testing interval depends on the environment and how the lead is used.
- Even a short equipment list benefits from a formal record. A dated certificate and label give you a clear audit trail if a question arises later about when an item was last checked.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should power-tool extension leads be PAT tested?
The IET Code of Practice recommends testing intervals based on equipment type and the environment it is used in. An extension lead in a low-risk office might be tested every two to four years, while a lead used in a workshop or site-adjacent space is typically tested more frequently, often annually or every six months. Your PAT engineer can advise on the right interval once they have seen how and where the lead is used.
Does a DeWalt battery charger count as a Class I or Class II appliance for PAT purposes?
Most DeWalt battery chargers are double-insulated and therefore Class II appliances. Class II items do not rely on an earth connection for protection, so the instrument tests differ from those applied to Class I equipment. It is worth checking the labelling on the specific charger, since the class affects which tests are carried out during the visit.
Can PAT testing cover just two or three items, or is there a minimum quantity?
There is no regulatory minimum. A visit can cover any number of items, and for businesses with a small portable appliance inventory a short dedicated visit is often the most practical approach. Bear in mind that call-out charges may apply regardless of item count, so it is worth discussing pricing with your provider before booking.
What documentation will I receive after a PAT test?
Each tested item should receive a dated pass or fail label, and you should receive a written record listing each appliance, its test results and the date of inspection. That record forms part of your evidence of due diligence and may be requested by insurers or during a health and safety audit.