What is PAT Testing
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What Is PAT Testing?
PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) is the inspection and electrical testing of portable electrical appliances to check they are safe to use. It is required by law in workplaces and is common in rented residential properties.PAT testing, formally known as In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment, is the process of inspecting portable electrical appliances to verify they are safe for continued use. The term PAT has become so widely used that many people are unaware of its formal name, though the principles and requirements are the same.
What PAT Testing Involves
PAT testing has two components. A visual inspection checks the plug, the cable, the cable entry point at both the plug and the appliance, and the appliance casing for any visible damage, fraying, cracking, or other defects that could indicate a safety hazard. The electrical tests use a PAT tester instrument to measure earth continuity, insulation resistance, and in some cases the leakage current of the appliance. Appliances that pass the visual and electrical tests are labelled with a dated PAT test sticker; those that fail are removed from service until repaired or replaced.
Legal Requirements
There is no law that specifically requires PAT testing. The legal requirement is found in the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, which require that all electrical equipment in the workplace is maintained in a safe condition. PAT testing is the most widely recognised method of demonstrating compliance with this requirement, though the law does not prescribe how often testing must be done or that a PAT tester must be used.
For residential rented properties, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require landlords to have the fixed wiring tested by an electrician every five years, but do not specifically require PAT testing of portable appliances. Many landlords carry out PAT testing of any appliances they supply with the property as good practice.
Who Can PAT Test
PAT testing does not require a formal qualification; a competent person with the right equipment and knowledge can carry it out. Many electricians offer PAT testing as a service. For businesses with large numbers of appliances, specialist PAT testing contractors are the most economical option. Self-testing by a competent in-house employee using a hired or purchased PAT tester is also acceptable.
The frequency of PAT testing is not prescribed in law and should be based on a risk assessment. High-risk environments such as construction sites, kitchens, and areas with wet floors require more frequent testing than an office environment. For most office appliances in a low-risk environment, three to five years between tests is generally considered appropriate by health and safety practitioners.
Summary
PAT testing involves visual inspection and electrical testing of portable appliances to verify they are safe. No specific law requires PAT testing, but the Electricity at Work Regulations require electrical equipment to be maintained safely. Frequency of testing depends on risk assessment. For rented residential properties, EICR testing of fixed wiring is legally required every five years; PAT testing of supplied appliances is good practice. A competent person can carry out PAT testing; it does not require a formal qualification.
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