Introducing AI-Powered PAT Testing: Scan Appliances in Seconds with iCertifi PAT Pro
AI appliance scanning that captures details instantly — so you can spend less time on data entry and more time testing.
Tired of manually typing appliance details for every single PAT test? Spending hours on data entry instead of actual testing? If you’ve ever stood in a busy office or workshop, clipboard in hand, squinting at a model number on a label that’s half worn off — you know the pain.
Every appliance means the same tedious routine: type the description, work out if it’s Class I or Class II, note down visual defects, fill in the certificate fields. Multiply that by thirty, fifty, or a hundred appliances a day, and you’ve lost hours to admin that could’ve been spent on actual testing.
There’s now a faster way. iCertifi PAT Pro introduces AI-powered appliance scanning — take a photo, let the AI identify the appliance, and confirm the pre-filled details. What used to take minutes now takes seconds.
What Is PAT AI Scanning?
PAT AI Scanning is an intelligent recognition feature built into iCertifi PAT Pro. It uses advanced AI vision technology to analyse a photograph of any portable appliance and automatically identify key details — the appliance type, its electrical class, and any visible defects — then pre-fills the relevant certificate fields for you.
It works with thousands of common appliances that PAT testers encounter every day, from kettles and extension leads to power tools and office equipment. The AI handles the data entry so you can focus on what matters: the actual electrical testing.
You’re always in control. The AI provides its best identification, but the engineer always has the final say. You can review, edit, and adjust any detail before confirming — the AI assists your workflow, it doesn’t replace your professional judgement.
Key Benefits
1. Save Serious Time on Every Job
What used to take 2–3 minutes of typing per appliance now takes roughly 5 seconds. On a job with 100 appliances, that’s potentially over 3 hours saved on data entry alone. That’s time you can reinvest in completing more jobs, or simply finishing earlier.
2. Improve Accuracy Across the Board
The AI correctly identifies whether an appliance is Class I or Class II, ensuring the right testing procedures are applied from the start. No more second-guessing whether that power tool has an earth connection or relying on memory for uncommon equipment. The AI references known appliance data to get it right first time.
3. Spot Visual Defects Before You Start Testing
The AI doesn’t just identify the appliance — it examines the image for visible defects too. Frayed cables, cracked plugs, burn marks, damaged casings — these are flagged during the scan, before you even connect your test instrument. It’s an extra pair of eyes on every inspection.
4. Consistent Standards on Every Certificate
Every scan follows the guidelines set out in BS 7671:2018 and the IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment. Descriptions are standardised, classifications are consistent, and your certificates maintain a professional standard throughout — no matter how many appliances are on the job.
The Result: Faster jobs, fewer errors, more professional certificates — all from a single tap.
How It Works
AI scanning in iCertifi PAT Pro is designed to be as simple as taking a photo. Here’s how it works in three straightforward steps:
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Step 1: Tap the AI Scan Button
Open any appliance certificate in iCertifi PAT Pro and tap the AI scan button. Your camera will activate, ready to capture the appliance.
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Step 2: Take a Photo of the Appliance
Frame the appliance so the plug, cord, and body are visible. The clearer the photo, the more detail the AI can extract. A quick snap from arm’s length is usually all you need.
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Step 3: Review and Confirm
The AI identifies the appliance type, class, and any visible defects, then pre-fills the certificate fields. Review the details, make any adjustments, and confirm. Done.
Real-World Example: Before and After AI Scanning
Let’s say you’re testing a plastic 4-way extension lead. Here’s the difference AI scanning makes:
❌ Without AI Scanning
Manually type: “Plastic 4-way extension lead, Class II, 13A fuse, white, 2m cable, visual inspection shows good condition, no damage to plug, cable or body”
Time: ~2 minutes per appliance
✅ With AI Scanning
Tap scan, take photo, AI identifies it as a “4-way extension lead, Class II, white, 2m cable” and flags condition as good. Confirm and move on.
Time: ~10 seconds per appliance
The Maths: On a 100-appliance job, AI scanning could save you over 3 hours. That’s an extra job you could fit in — or an earlier finish.
Technical Details
For those who want to know what’s under the bonnet, here are the technical specifics behind PAT AI Scanning:
AI Engine: Powered by GPT-4 Vision API — the same technology behind the most advanced AI image recognition systems available today.
Privacy & Security: Images are processed on iCertifi’s secure servers and are not stored or shared. Your clients’ data stays private.
Offline Support: No signal on site? No problem. Take photos offline and the AI will process them when your connection returns.
AI Credits: Each scan uses 1 AI credit. Credits are included with your subscription, or you can purchase additional credit packs as needed.
Common Appliances It Recognises
The AI has been trained to recognise the appliances PAT testers encounter most frequently. Here’s a snapshot of what it handles:
🔌 Extension Leads & Power Strips
2-way, 4-way, 6-way, cable reels, surge-protected strips
🔧 Power Tools
Drills, angle grinders, sanders, jigsaws, circular saws, heat guns
🖥️ Office Equipment
Monitors, desktop computers, printers, scanners, shredders
☕ Kitchen Appliances
Kettles, toasters, microwaves, fridges, coffee machines
🌡️ Heating & Cooling
Portable heaters, desk fans, tower fans, oil radiators, air conditioning units
🔋 Chargers & Adapters
Phone chargers, laptop chargers, USB hubs, power adapters
Optional: Plug Detail Scan
AI scanning doesn’t stop at the outside of the appliance. iCertifi PAT Pro also offers an optional plug detail scan — remove the plug cover, take a photo of the internal wiring, and the AI will verify key safety points:
- Correct wire colours — Brown (live), blue (neutral), green/yellow (earth)
- Tight terminal connections — No loose wires or stray strands
- Proper cable grip — Cord grip securing the outer sheath, not individual conductors
- Correct fuse rating — Appropriate fuse for the appliance’s power rating
Pro Tip: The plug detail scan is particularly useful for older appliances where rewirable plugs may have been fitted incorrectly. It gives you an extra layer of confidence before signing off the certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the AI replace my professional judgement?
No. The AI provides a suggested identification and pre-fills fields to save you time, but you always review and confirm before the data is saved. You have full control to edit any detail. Think of it as a very fast assistant, not a replacement.
How accurate is the AI?
The AI is highly accurate for common appliances and improves with clear, well-lit photos. For unusual or heavily modified equipment, you may need to adjust the details — but even then, the AI typically gets you 80–90% of the way there, saving significant typing.
Does it work without an internet connection?
You can take photos offline and they’ll be queued for processing. When your phone reconnects to the internet, the AI will process the images and pre-fill the certificate fields automatically.
How much does it cost?
Each AI scan costs 1 credit. Credits are included with your iCertifi PAT Pro subscription. If you need additional credits for high-volume jobs, credit packs are available for purchase within the app.
What about data privacy?
Appliance images are processed securely on iCertifi’s servers and are not stored or shared with any third parties. Your data privacy is fully protected.
Available Now in iCertifi PAT Pro
AI-powered PAT testing is available right now on iCertifi PAT Pro for iOS. Download the app, start a PAT certificate, and try your first AI scan on a real job. You’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.
Try AI Scanning on Your Next PAT Job
Download iCertifi PAT Pro from the App Store and see how much time you save.
Watch our tutorial video to see AI scanning in action.