Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
There are many common myths about portable appliance testing (PAT) – find out the key
facts about the inspection and testing of portable electrical equipment here.
What is portable appliance testing?
Portable appliance testing (PAT) is the term used to describe the examination of electrical appliances
and equipment to ensure they are safe to use. Most electrical safety defects can be found by visual
examination but some types of defects can only be found by testing. However, it is essential to
understand that visual examination is an essential part of the process because some types of electrical
safety defect can’t be detected by testing alone.
A relatively brief user check (based upon simple training and perhaps assisted by the use of a brief
checklist) can be a very useful part of any electrical maintenance regime. However, more formal visual
inspection and testing by a competent person may also be required at appropriate intervals, depending
upon the type of equipment and the environment in which it is used.
I’ve been told that, by law, I must have my portable electrical appliances tested every
year. Is this correct?
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that any electrical equipment that has the potential to
cause injury is maintained in a safe condition. However, the Regulations do not specify what needs to
be done, by whom or how frequently (i.e. they don’t make inspection or testing of electrical appliances
a legal requirement, nor do they make it a legal requirement to undertake this annually.
How frequently do I need to test my electrical appliances?
The frequency of inspection and testing depends upon the type of equipment and the environment it is
used in. For example, a power tool used on a construction site should be examined more frequently than
a lamp in a hotel bedroom. For guidance on suggested frequencies of inspection and testing, see:
Maintaining portable electrical equipment (hse.gov.uk)
Is Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) compulsory?
No. The law simply requires an employer to ensure that their electrical equipment is maintained in order
to prevent danger. It does not say how this should be done or how often. Employers should take a risk based approach, considering the type of equipment and what it is being used for. If it is used regularly and moved a lot e.g. a floor cleaner or a kettle, testing (along with visual checks) can be an
important part of an effective maintenance regime giving employers confidence that they are doing
what is necessary to help them meet their legal duties. HSE provides guidance on how to maintain
equipment including the use of PAT.
Do I need to keep records of testing and should I label any appliances tested?
There is no legal requirement to label equipment that has been inspected or tested, nor is there a
requirement to keep records of these activities. However, a record and / or labelling can be a useful
management tool for monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of the maintenance scheme – and to
demonstrate that a scheme exists.
If you would like help in implementing or further advice this, please get in touch.
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