PAT (Portable Appliance Testing), now formally referred to in the IET Code of Practice as EET (Electrical Equipment Testing), is the process of examining electrical equipment and appliances to ensure they are safe to use. It involves a formal visual inspection followed by calibrated electronic testing for insulation, earthing continuity, and lead polarity.Description text goes here

While the specific act of "PAT testing" is not explicitly named as a standalone statutory requirement, UK legislation and many insurance companies mandate that electrical equipment is kept safe. Relevant regulations include:

• The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

• The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

• The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)

• The Housing Act 2004 (for landlords and HMOs)

Routine EET testing provides documented evidence that you have taken all reasonably practicable steps to comply with these regulations.

Any individual or organisation responsible for electrical equipment used by employees, tenants, customers, or the public, including:

• Commercial offices, shops, and warehouses

• Landlords, letting agents, and holiday-let owners (Airbnb)

• Construction sites and trade contractors

• Schools, colleges, and care homes

• Mobile DJs, performers, and event venues

Any electrical equipment connected to a power supply by a plug and flexible cable, categorised broadly as:

• Portable & Movable: Kettles, toasters, vacuum cleaners, desk fans

• Handheld: Power tools, hair dryers, soldering irons

• Stationary & IT: Desktop PCs, monitors, printers, photocopiers, servers

• Fixed / Built-in: Hand dryers, storage heaters, integrated kitchen appliances

• Cables & Leads: Extension reels, IEC leads, multi-way adapters

Testing frequency depends on the environment and the risk level of the appliance, based on risk assessments rather than an arbitrary annual rule:

• Construction & Industrial: 3 to 6 months

• Commercial Kitchens & Workshops: 6 to 12 months

• Offices, Shops & Schools: 12 to 24 months (stationary IT can often extend to 24–48 months)

• Rental Properties: At each change of tenancy or annually

Minimal disruption occurs. Each appliance must be unplugged for a few minutes while the physical and electrical tests run. For sensitive IT equipment or network servers, testing can be scheduled outside normal operating hours or conducted strictly as a visual inspection if shutdown carries operational risk.

Any failed item is immediately taken out of service, labelled with a "Fail / Do Not Use" sticker, and reported to the duty holder or site contact. Minor issues like a damaged plug, incorrect fuse rating, or worn cord grip can usually be repaired on the spot.

Upon completion, you receive:

• A passed/failed label attached to each tested appliance

• A detailed asset register listing every item, its serial/ID number, and its location

• A complete test result certificate outlining the test readings (insulation resistance, earth continuity) suitable for insurance, local councils, and fire safety officers