Portable Appliance Testing (PAT): Your Legal Responsibilities and Best Practice Guide
Why Portable Appliance Testing Matters
Fixed Wire Testing (EICR) is part of our Compliance Education Series.
Every workplace uses electrical appliances daily, from computers and kettles to power tools and vending machines. Over time, wear and tear, poor maintenance, or accidental damage can make these appliances unsafe. Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) ensures that your equipment remains safe to use and compliant with UK safety regulations.
For facilities managers, PAT is a vital component of electrical safety compliance, as it helps prevent electric shock, fires, and downtime, thereby protecting both personnel and property.
What Is Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)?
Portable Appliance Testing PAT involves the routine inspection and electrical testing of any device that plugs into a socket outlet. The goal is to verify that it is safe and functioning as intended.
Testing usually includes:
- Visual inspection for damage, exposed wiring, or loose connections
- Earth continuity test (for Class I appliances)
- Insulation resistance test
- Polarity and functional checks
Each appliance will be labelled to show whether it has passed or failed and a full report is issued listing test results, asset IDs, and due dates for retesting.
You can find general guidance in the HSE publication INDG236: Maintaining portable electrical equipment in low-risk environments.
Legal Requirements for PAT Testing
There is no specific law that directly mandates PAT testing. However, several key pieces of UK legislation require employers and landlords to ensure electrical equipment is maintained in a safe condition. These include:
- Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 – Employers must ensure all electrical systems and equipment are maintained to prevent danger.
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 – Duty of care to protect employees and the public from electrical hazards.
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998 – Equipment must be maintained in a safe state and inspected regularly.
- The Housing Act 2004 (for landlords) – Ensures that electrical appliances provided in rental properties are safe.
PAT testing is the recognised and accepted method for evidencing compliance with these duties.
You can view the full text of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
How Often Should PAT Testing Be Carried Out?
There is no one-size-fits-all rule for testing frequency. The correct interval depends on equipment type, usage level, and environment. As a general guide:
| Equipment Type | Environment | Suggested Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Office equipment (computers, printers) | Low-risk office | Every 2–4 years |
| Portable appliances (kettles, toasters) | Office kitchens | Every 1–2 years |
| Power tools | Construction sites | Every 3 months |
| Cleaning equipment (vacuum cleaners) | Commercial premises | Every 6–12 months |
| Hire equipment | Any environment | Before each hire |
Employers should carry out a risk assessment to determine appropriate testing intervals.
Further detail is available in the IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment.
Who Can Carry Out PAT Testing?
Contrary to common belief, you don’t have to be a qualified electrician to perform PAT testing — but you must be competent.
A competent person should:
- Understand how to carry out both visual and electrical tests safely
- Know how to interpret test results correctly
- Use appropriate PAT testing equipment
- Keep accurate records and labels
In most cases, using a qualified electrical engineer or an accredited testing company ensures reliability and compliance. You can verify competence using the Electrical Competent Person Register.
Best Practice for Facilities Managers
- Keep a full appliance inventory – Record all electrical equipment, including serial numbers and locations.
- Label appliances clearly – Mark pass/fail status and retest dates on each item.
- Prioritise high-risk equipment – Tools and portable devices used in harsh environments should be tested more frequently.
- Integrate PAT with EICR – Coordinate Portable Appliance Testing PAT with your Fixed Wire Testing schedule for full-site electrical compliance.
- Keep detailed records – Maintain electronic copies of all test reports and certificates for audit and insurance purposes.
The Risks of Non-Compliance
Failure to maintain safe electrical equipment can have severe consequences:
- Electric shocks or serious injury
- Electrical fires and property damage
- Enforcement action or prosecution by the HSE
- Invalidated insurance claims
- Damage to business reputation
In 2023, faulty electrical equipment accounted for around 25% of all accidental fires in UK workplaces, according to government data.
ICH Services can provide:
Portable Appliance Testing PAT across the UK, delivered by experienced engineers using calibrated test equipment. Our digital reporting platform gives you clear visibility of all assets, risk levels, and retest dates, ensuring your business remains compliant and audit-ready at all times.
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