The formal visual inspectionWhat are you looking for before any test?

Free from the notes: Sparky’s video on it, the section word for word as members see it, and a PDF to keep.

Watch · 1:34
The notes
Get the full notes

From Sparky’s full video lesson. Members get the whole lesson on every notes page.

The notes

Exactly as they are on the site.

Download these notesPDF · free to keep

No testing at this stage — you're looking, and writing down what you find. The book gives you the checklist.

Check	Looking for
Suitability	Right equipment for the task and the environment. Manufacturer's instructions being followed
Environment	Mechanical damage, weather, natural hazards, high or low temperature, ingress of moisture
Switching and isolation	Can it be turned on and off for normal use, disconnected for maintenance, and isolated in an emergency?
Good housekeeping	Cables not run over by trolleys, trip hazards covered, adequate ventilation, no cups or plants on equipment
Guards and covers	Protective covers in place — drills, angle grinders, machinery
The flex	No nicks, cuts or splices. Right length for the job. Properly secured in the cord grip
The socket	No signs of overheating, no cracks, not loose
User feedback	Ask them first

Manufacturer's instructions can outrank the book. As in BS 7671, where the manufacturer specifies something, that generally supersedes the general rule.

✋A faulty socket outlet is not an appliance fault. If the socket is damaged or the fuse holder falls out, you can't test into it. The appliance is taken out of use and the duty holder gets an electrician to replace the socket — that's a separate job, and not yours as the PAT inspector.

Failed equipment is labelled and removed from service, and stays out until it's been put right.

And a reality check from the book: frequent inspection won't prevent damage. Equipment used in the wrong place or the wrong way will break quickly no matter how often it's looked at.

Section 8 · formal visual inspection checklist Appendix 6 · user check and FVI table

Free section from Sparky Study Notes. The full Level 3 notes, 1,463 practice questions and the video lessons: sparkystudynotes.co.uk

Test yourself on it

The tests are in the members’ area. Get one wrong and it shows you why, and where to revise.

Get access

Get new notes and exam tips from Sparky

About one email a fortnight. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy notice

That was one section. There are 583.

Sparky Study Notes is the whole Level 3 syllabus written up like this: the explanation, the worked example, and where it is in your book. With a video lesson for every part and a practice paper for every exam.

583sections of written notes
35video lessons
1,463practice questions
146diagrams, redrawn

18th Edition
Building Regs
PAT
Fundamental Inspection & Testing
Initial Verification
Periodic Inspection & Testing

Get access — £100 12 months. One payment. See what’s inside