PAT Testing Basics
What the service is and which equipment may be included.
What is PAT testing?+
Portable Appliance Testing, commonly called PAT testing, combines a formal visual inspection with suitable electrical tests where appropriate. It is used to help determine whether electrical equipment remains safe for continued use.
What is a portable appliance?+
The term can include more than equipment that is easily carried. Portable, movable, hand-held, stationary and certain plug-in appliances may all fall within an electrical equipment maintenance programme, depending on their design and use.
Which appliances can be tested?+
Typical examples include computers, monitors, printers, kettles, microwaves, extension leads, portable tools, lamps and landlord-supplied electrical equipment. The exact scope depends on the premises and equipment present.
Does every appliance need the same tests?+
No. The suitable checks depend on the appliance's construction class, design, condition and intended use. For example, Class II equipment does not rely on a protective earth, so an earth continuity test is not appropriate.
Frequency and Legal Duties
How often testing is needed and what the law actually requires.
Is PAT testing a legal requirement?+
UK law requires electrical equipment used at work to be maintained so that it does not present a danger. The law does not prescribe one compulsory test called a PAT test, but inspection and electrical testing can form part of a suitable maintenance system.
How often should PAT testing be carried out?+
There is no universal fixed interval. Frequency should reflect the equipment type, how often it is used, the likelihood of damage, the operating environment and previous inspection results.
Does every business need annual PAT testing?+
No. Annual testing is not automatically required for every appliance or business. Some equipment may require more frequent checks, while low-risk equipment may require less frequent inspection.
Do PAT testing records expire?+
Testing records do not have one universal legal expiry date. The next inspection date should be selected according to risk, use, environment and the organisation's maintenance arrangements.
The Testing Process
What happens during a professional testing appointment.
What does a PAT test consist of?+
A professional assessment normally begins with a visual inspection. Suitable electrical tests are then selected according to the equipment.
- Plug, fuse, cable and casing inspection
- Earth continuity testing where appropriate
- Insulation resistance or leakage testing where suitable
- Lead continuity and polarity checks where relevant
- Recording of passes, failures and observations
How long does PAT testing take?+
The duration depends on the number and type of appliances, their condition, how they are distributed around the premises and how easily they can be accessed. An appliance quantity allows the visit to be planned more accurately.
Will PAT testing damage sensitive equipment?+
Testing should not damage equipment when the correct methods are selected and the work is completed competently. The engineer should choose tests that are suitable for the appliance and its electronic components.
Who can carry out PAT testing?+
The work should be completed by a competent person with sufficient knowledge, training and practical ability to inspect the equipment, select suitable tests, interpret the results and avoid danger.
Landlords and Properties
Questions about furnished rentals and supplied appliances.
Do landlords require PAT testing?+
Landlords should ensure that electrical appliances they supply are safe. PAT testing is one practical method of inspecting and recording the condition of those appliances, but there is no universal rule requiring every rental appliance to be tested annually.
Is a PAT test the same as an EICR?+
No. An EICR assesses the fixed electrical installation, including wiring, circuits and accessories. PAT testing concerns portable or movable electrical appliances supplied for use within the property.
Can several properties be tested together?+
Yes. Testing can be coordinated across several addresses. Provide the property locations, access arrangements and approximate appliance quantities so the work can be planned efficiently.
Results, Failures and Records
What happens after equipment has been inspected and tested.
How do I know whether an appliance has passed?+
The result should be recorded in the testing documentation. Labels may also be applied to help identify the status of individual appliances, but the full record provides the clearest evidence of what was checked and when.
What happens when an appliance fails?+
Unsafe equipment should be removed from use and clearly identified so that it is not used accidentally. It can then be repaired by a competent person or replaced as appropriate.
Does a pass mean an appliance is safe forever?+
No. A pass reflects the condition of the equipment at the time it was inspected and tested. Damage or deterioration can occur later, so users should continue to report visible defects and equipment should remain within an appropriate maintenance programme.
Can PAT testing affect an insurance claim?+
Insurance terms vary between policies. Testing records may help demonstrate that reasonable equipment maintenance has been carried out, but PAT testing does not automatically guarantee insurance cover. Businesses should check their policy requirements directly with their insurer.
How much does PAT testing cost?+
Pricing depends on factors such as the appliance quantity, premises type, location, access arrangements and whether several sites are included. Contact us with an approximate equipment count for a tailored quotation.