Guide
What is PAT testing?
PAT testing — Portable Appliance Testing — is the inspection and electrical testing of any appliance that plugs into a socket, to confirm it is safe to use. It combines a hands-on visual inspection with instrument tests, and produces a written record you can show to an insurer, an auditor or the HSE.
It is not a legal term with its own act of parliament. It is the recognised, practical way employers, landlords and organisations meet their duty under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 to keep electrical equipment safe.
Is PAT testing a legal requirement?
The short answer: testing itself is not named in law, but the outcome is. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require electrical systems and equipment to be maintained so as to prevent danger. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 places a duty on employers towards employees and visitors. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 require work equipment to be maintained in efficient working order.
None of those say "test annually". All of them expect you to be able to demonstrate that your equipment is safe. A dated PAT certificate and asset register is the cheapest, clearest way to do that — and it is usually the first document an insurer asks for after an electrical incident.
What actually happens during a test
1. Formal visual inspection
The engineer checks the plug, cable, casing and any signs of damage, overheating or misuse. Around 90% of faults found during PAT testing are spotted at this stage.
2. Earth continuity test
On Class I (earthed) appliances, the engineer confirms there is a low-resistance path from the earth pin to the metal casing, so a fault would trip the supply rather than reach the user.
3. Insulation resistance test
Applies a test voltage between the live conductors and the earth or casing to prove the insulation is intact and no current can leak where it shouldn't.
4. Polarity and lead checks
Extension leads and detachable power cords are checked for correct wiring, correct fuse rating and continuity along the full length.
5. Labelling and logging
Each item gets a pass or fail label and is added to your asset register with its ID, location, description and result.
How often should you test?
The IET Code of Practice sets intervals by risk, not by calendar rule. As a working guide:
| Setting | Typical interval |
|---|---|
| Offices and low-risk IT equipment | 24 months |
| Shops, salons and hospitality | 12 months |
| Schools and nurseries | 12 months |
| Rental properties | Between tenancies, or every 12–24 months |
| Commercial kitchens | 12 months |
| Workshops and hand tools | 6–12 months |
| Construction site equipment (110V) | 3 months |
What PAT testing does not cover
- Fixed wiring, consumer units and hard-wired circuits — these are inspected separately and we don't carry out that work.
- Tenant-owned or employee-owned personal appliances, unless you ask us to include them.
- Gas appliances, which need a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Ready to book? Start with PAT testing in Leicester, or see what you receive on our PAT test certificate page.
PAT testing questions
- Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is the process of examining electrical appliances to make sure they are safe to use. It combines a visual inspection with electrical tests to identify insulation, earth or wiring faults before they cause harm.
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