The Short Answer
If the electrical appliance in question can be hand held whilst being connected to the mains supply, or is intended to be moved whilst connected to the supply, or is capable of being moved without undue difficulty whilst connected to the supply.
It is usual for this equipment to be connected to the supply via a plug and socket, however this is not a requirement for electrical equipment to be deemed portable or transportable.
It is common to define a portable appliance by saying that it is 'anything with a plug which can be easily moved whilst connected to the mains supply.
The Long Answer
The National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers (NAPIT) define a portable appliance as "any electrical item which can or is intended, to be moved whilst connected to an electrical supply."
The IEE Code of Practice has this to say on equipment types:
"An appliance of less than 18kg in mass that is intended to be moved whilst in operation or an appliance which can easily be moved from one place to another."
Movable equipment (transportable).
- 18 kg or less in mass and not fixed.
- Equipment with wheels, castors or other means to facilitate movement by the operator as required to perform its intended use.
- Hand Held equipment or appliances (equipment intended to be held in the hand during normal use).
Stationary equipment or appliances.
- A mass exceeding 18kg and is not provided with a carrying handle.
Fixed Equipment or appliances.
- Equipment or appliances which are fastened to a support or otherwise secured in a specific location.
Information technology equipment.
- Information technology equipment includes electrical business equipment such as computers and mains powered telecommunications equipment, and other equipment for general business use, such as mail processing machines, VDU's, photo-copiers, etc.