Class 1 vs. Class 2 Electrical Appliances - A Guide

Class 1 vs. Class 2 Electrical Appliances: A Guide

Electrical appliances fall broadly into three categories of protective classification: I, II, and III. Each classification has different requirements for testing and inspection, to ensure the appliance continues to function safely. 

Before an electrical appliance can be released for consumer use, PAT tests must be conducted, in line with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

What is PAT testing?

PAT testing is the term used to describe the process of testing undertaken for all portable electrical appliances in order to determine whether or not they are safe to use.

For most landlords and business owners, it may be that regular visual inspections of the equipment will suffice, supported by formal PAT testing at appropriate intervals.

The regularity you should seek to have PAT tests conducted on your equipment will be dependent upon a number of factors, including the type of equipment, how often it’s used, and how old it is.

Whether your appliances are labelled Class I or Class II, they will require regular PAT testing. The slight differences between these two classifications of appliance means that different testing methods are used for each.

Class I vs. Class II electrical appliances

Both Class I and Class II appliances are mains powered. As a result, both types of appliance are required by law to provide at least two levels of protection for the end user. A PAT test is required to make sure that both levels of protection are working effectively so that the appliance can be used safely without the risk of electrical shock.

Class I appliances are those which protect the user by relying upon a combination of basic insulation and an earth connection.

Examples of a Class I electrical appliance include:

  • Fridges
  • Microwaves
  • Kettles
  • Irons
  • Toasters

On the other hand, Class II appliances protect the end user through effective insulation alone; they are double insulated.

Examples of a Class II electrical appliance include:

  • Hair dryers 
  • Televisions
  • Computers 
  • Plastic power tools 
  • Photocopiers

What is a Class III electrical appliance?

Class III appliances offer protection to the user through being fitted with an isolation transformer, which transfers electrical power from an AC (alternating current) source to a piece of equipment or an electrical device while isolating the device from the power source. 

Examples of a Class III electrical appliance include: 

  • Laptops 
  • Mobile phones 
  • Low-energy light bulbs 

PAT testing services Yorkshire

At Citi Group, our qualified teams of electrical engineers, based in West Yorkshire, perform all the necessary tests for PAT certification with minimal disruption to your working environment, allowing you to rest assured that your staff and facilities are protected against accidents caused by electrical malfunction.

Still have questions about electrical appliances and PAT testing? Read our FAQs here, or call our team on 01924 235057 to discuss your electrical inspection needs!

PAT testing services Yorkshire

At Citi Group, our qualified teams of electrical engineers, based in West Yorkshire, perform all the necessary tests for PAT certification with minimal disruption to your working environment, allowing you to rest assured that your staff and facilities are protected against accidents caused by electrical malfunction.

Still have questions about electrical appliances and PAT testing? Read our FAQs here, or call our team on 01924 235057 to discuss your electrical inspection needs!