PAT Testing (Portable Appliance Testing) — A Practical Safety Guide

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) helps reduce the risk of electrical faults that can cause shocks, burns or fires. This practical guide explains what PAT is, who’s responsible, how to combine visual inspection with testing, record-keeping best practice, and the training employers need to stay compliant and keep people safe.

What is PAT testing?

PAT combines a competent person’s visual inspection of electrical appliances and, where appropriate, electrical testing using PAT test equipment. Visual checks look for damaged plugs, cables or enclosures; testing can include earth continuity, insulation resistance and polarity checks depending on the appliance type.

Who is responsible for PAT?

There is no single UK law that says every appliance must be PAT tested — but employers and duty-holders must ensure electrical systems and equipment are safe under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. That means employers, landlords and premises managers should make sure portable electrical equipment is maintained, inspected and tested as necessary by a competent person.

Inspection vs Testing — what’s the difference?

  • Visual inspection (daily or routine checks) — quick checks by users or supervisors to spot obvious damage or wear before use.
  • Formal visual inspection — a more detailed check by a trained person, recorded on an asset list or inspection log.
  • Electrical testing (PAT) — carried out with test instruments to verify earth continuity, insulation, polarity and safe current leakage where applicable.

Which appliances need testing?

Focus on portable and movable electrical equipment used at work — e.g. kettles, laptops and chargers, extension leads, power tools, floor polishers and small kitchen appliances. Items permanently connected to fixed wiring (e.g. ovens or immersion heaters) are usually covered by fixed electrical installation inspection (EICR) rather than PAT.

How often should PAT be carried out?

There is no one-size-fits-all interval. Frequency depends on:

  • type of appliance (hand-held power tools vs office equipment);
  • environment (construction site, workshop, office, kitchen);
  • how often the item is moved or used; and
  • results of previous inspections and tests.

Use a risk-based approach: high-risk and movable equipment in harsh environments normally needs more frequent checks than infrequently-moved office equipment. Document your rationale in the maintenance schedule.

What records should you keep?

Good record keeping demonstrates due diligence. Keep:

  • a register of appliances (asset list with location and description);
  • formal visual inspection records and dates;
  • PAT test results, pass/fail status and any remedial actions taken; and
  • details of the person/company who carried out testing (competence evidence).

Who is a competent person?

A competent person has the knowledge, training and experience to undertake inspection and testing safely. They may be an in-house technician who has received PAT training and competency verification, or an external PAT provider. Competence should cover safe use of electrical test equipment, interpretation of results, appliance knowledge and record management.

Training and qualification

Ensure staff tasked with PAT or formal visual inspections receive appropriate training and refresher updates. Relevant course topics include:

  • portable appliance testing theory and practical use of PAT testers;
  • electrical safety and hazard awareness;
  • visual inspection procedures and fault recognition;
  • record keeping and asset management;
  • safe working practices and basic electrical principles.

PAT Training

Choosing a PAT testing provider

When outsourcing PAT, check the provider for:

  • evidence of competence and insurance;
  • clear test and reporting methodology;
  • sample test certificates and asset register format;
  • availability of remedial repair or replacement services;
  • transparent pricing and scheduling.

Practical PAT checklist

  • Create an asset register and risk-based test schedule.
  • Train staff in daily visual checks and how to report faults.
  • Assign a competent person for formal inspections and PAT testing.
  • Test and tag equipment when required — and record the results.
  • Repair or withdraw failed items promptly and retest after repair.
  • Review inspection frequency annually or after incidents.

Common myths about PAT

  • Myth: All appliances must be PAT tested annually. Fact: Frequency should be risk-based, not arbitrary.
  • Myth: Only electricians can do PAT. Fact: Trained competent staff or contractors may carry out PAT.

Further information and guidance

Follow HSE and industry guidance on electrical safety and maintenance. Use a proportionate, documented approach to inspection and testing that balances safety, cost and disruption.

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