Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) exists in a confusing legal space. While it’s not specifically required by name in UK legislation, maintaining safe electrical equipment is. This creates a lot of questions for businesses and landlords trying to do the right thing.
Let’s clear things up and explore what PAT testing involves, who needs it, and how often you should be doing it to keep your premises safe and legally compliant.
Key Takeaways
- PAT testing helps prevent electrical accidents and fires by identifying hazards before they cause harm.
- Testing frequency should be based on risk assessment, not fixed schedules.
- Good record-keeping is essential as proof of compliance with electrical safety regulations.
What is PAT Testing
PAT testing is examining electrical appliances to ensure they’re safe to use. The process combines visual inspections with electrical tests to identify potential hazards before they cause harm.
A typical test examines everything from plugs and cables to internal components. It aims to catch electrical faults that could lead to shocks, fires, or other dangerous situations.
“Portable appliance” might sound like it only covers small items, but it includes anything with a plug that connects to a wall socket. This covers everything from kettles and laptops to larger equipment like refrigerators and vending machines.
Importance of PAT Testing
The statistics tell a sobering story. Electricity causes about 16% of fires in non-domestic buildings. Nearly 30% of accidental home fires result from appliance misuse.
In workplaces, electrical problems lead to approximately 1,000 accidents and 25 deaths annually. That’s a high price to pay for skipping some simple safety checks.
For businesses, PAT testing protects employees and customers while safeguarding valuable assets. It also keeps you on the right side of insurers and safety inspectors.
Landlords who maintain safe, tested appliances build trust with tenants and avoid potential legal headaches. Nobody wants a call about a tenant injured by faulty equipment.
Regular testing also helps equipment last longer. Problems caught early often mean simple repairs rather than complete replacements.
Legal Requirements for PAT Testing in the UK
Here’s something that surprises many people: no UK law specifically mentions “PAT testing” by name. Yet several regulations make it practically necessary.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places a general duty on employers to ensure safety. This includes providing and maintaining safe electrical equipment.
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 specifically require that all electrical equipment that could cause danger must be maintained in a safe condition. PAT testing provides the evidence that you’re doing just that.
PUWER 1998 (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations) extends this duty by requiring proper maintenance and inspection of work equipment.
Who Needs PAT Testing?
PAT testing applies to several groups:
Employers
All employers have a legal duty to maintain electrical equipment used by employees. This applies to offices and retail businesses, manufacturing facilities, hotels and restaurants, schools and educational institutions, hospitals and healthcare settings, and construction companies.
Landlords
Landlords face additional requirements under various regulations. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations 2020 make five-yearly electrical installation checks compulsory, with PAT testing “strongly recommended” for any appliances provided.
The stakes are high. Failing electrical safety duties can trigger fines up to £30,000 per breach. One landlord recently faced this maximum penalty after tenants suffered burns from an untested appliance.
Self-Employed Individuals
If you’re self-employed and your work involves electrical equipment that could pose a risk to others, you also need to ensure it’s properly maintained.
How Often Should PAT Testing Be Done?
One of the biggest misconceptions about PAT testing is that there’s a fixed schedule everyone must follow. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is clear that there is no legal testing interval.
Instead, testing frequency should be based on the type of equipment, how it’s constructed, how it’s used, where it’s used, and previous test results and appliance history.
The HSE and IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) guide suggested intervals. Here’s a simplified overview:
| Risk Level | Environment Example | User Checks | Formal Visual Inspection | Combined Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low-Risk | Offices | Monthly | Every 2-4 years | Every 5 years |
| Medium-Risk | Hotels | Weekly | Every 6-12 months | Every 1-2 years |
| High-Risk | Construction sites | Before each use | Every 3 months | Every 3-6 months |
Remember, these are guidelines, not legal requirements. The key is to conduct and document a proper risk assessment to justify your testing schedule.
How to Conduct a PAT Test
PAT testing involves several levels of checking, depending on the equipment and its risk level.
User checks form the foundation. These simple look, listen, and smell inspections before using equipment can catch over 90% of problems in office settings. Training staff to perform these basic checks creates an ongoing safety culture.
Formal visual inspection goes deeper. A trained person examines plugs, fuses, and cables thoroughly. This step alone identifies many potential hazards.
Combined inspection and testing bring in specialised equipment. PAT instruments measure earth continuity, insulation resistance, and other electrical parameters. This catches issues invisible to the naked eye.
After testing, passing equipment typically receives a label showing when it was tested and when the next test is due. Failed items must be removed from service until fixed or replaced.
The process sounds technical, but it’s really about common sense: check equipment regularly, look for obvious problems, and use proper tools to find hidden issues.
What are the Test Results of PAT Testing?
Test results are straightforward: pass or fail. A pass means the appliance meets safety standards and can continue in service until the next scheduled test.
A fail indicates a safety issue requiring immediate attention. This equipment should be taken out of use until properly repaired or replaced.
Here are common reasons appliances fail PAT testing and how these issues can be addressed:
| Common Failure | Potential Causes | Solutions | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaged Cables | Physical strain, age, and improper storage | Replace cable, add strain relief | High |
| Failed Earth Continuity | Broken earth wire, loose connections | Rewire plug, repair connections | High |
| Poor Insulation Resistance | Water damage, component deterioration | Dry thoroughly, replace components | High |
| Incorrect Fuse | Wrong replacement, tampering | Install correctly rated fuse | Medium |
| Damaged Plug | Physical impact, poor quality | Replace plug | Medium |
| Internal Wiring Faults | Age, overheating, and moisture | Professional repair or replacement | High |
| Reverse Polarity | Incorrect wiring during repair | Rewire the plug correctly | Medium |
Good record-keeping is essential. The HSE no longer requires physical labels on all tested equipment, accepting electronic asset registers as valid documentation.
These records prove you’re taking safety seriously. They also help track equipment history and plan maintenance, potentially saving money in the long run.
Think of test records as insurance. You hope you’ll never need them to defend your safety practices, but if questions arise, you’ll be glad you have them.
Who Can Perform PAT Testing?
The regulations require that PAT testing be carried out by a “competent person” but don’t specifically define who that is.
According to the IET Code of Practice, a competent person is someone with adequate knowledge of electricity, the ability to inspect equipment for damage and recognise faults, and the ability to determine when to test and when to take equipment out of service.
No specific qualifications or licenses are legally required, though many commercial PAT testers hold relevant certifications.
Unlike other providers, PAT testing and electrical inspections aren’t just about ticking a box to us — they’re about protecting lives, property, and your business.
Hiring a qualified, professional electrician ensures your equipment is properly tested, your records are compliant, and no corners are cut.
At West Yorkshire Electrical, we’re NICEIC approved, CHAS certified, and committed to delivering thorough, trustworthy service.
Protect your business and your peace of mind — contact us today to arrange professional PAT testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PAT testing a legal requirement?
PAT testing itself isn’t named in legislation, but maintaining electrical equipment safely definitely is. PAT testing has become the recognised method to demonstrate compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
Do I need to keep records?
Yes. The HSE accepts electronic asset registers as valid documentation. Comprehensive records demonstrate compliance and help plan maintenance. They’re your evidence of due diligence if questions arise.
Do new appliances need PAT testing?
No. But new appliances should be safe by design, so it’s good practice to visually inspect them before first use and include them in your testing schedule.
What happens if equipment fails a PAT test?
Failed equipment should be immediately removed from service, repaired by a qualified person, or replaced. It’s illegal to continue using equipment known to be unsafe.
