Understand what PAT testing covers, how to plan it and what to do with the results. This practical guide is for businesses and property managers who want to make informed decisions about electrical equipment.
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What PAT testing covers · Responsibilities · Equipment and counts · Testing intervals · The visit · Results and next steps
Ready to arrange a visit? See our PAT testing service. For a specific question, try the PAT testing FAQs.
Portable appliance testing is the familiar name for inspection and, where appropriate, electrical testing of equipment in use. The wider aim is to manage equipment safely throughout its working life.
A maintenance plan can include user checks, formal visual inspection and electrical tests. These have different jobs: visible damage may be found without a tester, while some faults require testing. The person carrying out each task needs suitable competence for that task.
The useful outcome is a clear record of the equipment checked, faults that need attention and any items still outstanding. Use those findings to prioritise repairs or replacements and keep the people responsible informed.
The IET Code of Practice, 5th Edition provides guidance for managing and inspecting electrical equipment. It is professional guidance, not a law requiring every appliance to be tested annually.
For workplaces, the Electricity at Work Regulations require electrical equipment to be maintained to prevent danger. They do not prescribe an annual PAT test for every item. The HSE’s PAT testing guidance explains this distinction.
Identify who manages the equipment, who reports faults and who takes action when something is unsafe. Check any specific contractual, insurer or licensing conditions alongside the applicable legal duties.
Rental-property requirements depend on the tenancy and jurisdiction. Our landlord page explains the scope for supplied appliances and links to current guidance for England. PAT testing does not replace inspection of the building’s fixed electrical installation.
Begin with an inventory by room or work area. Include the mains equipment, power supplies, extension leads and detachable mains leads you want covered, then flag unusual connections, inaccessible items and specialist equipment.
For an AiO quote, each detachable mains lead is a separate test item. A battery-powered laptop body is not counted as a mains appliance: its mains power supply and detachable mains lead are two separate items where both are present. A kettle with an integral lead is one item.
Use what counts as an appliance? to build your estimate. Microwave leakage testing is a separate, additional test. Tell us about industrial or commando-style connections before booking.
Set the schedule around the equipment and the way it is used. Consider movement, wear, moisture, the working environment, how readily users report faults and what previous inspections found.
User checks, formal visual inspections and electrical tests may have different intervals. Review the plan when equipment moves, working conditions change or failures indicate a problem. Do not wait for a scheduled visit to deal with visible damage.
Our PAT testing frequency guide explains the planning process, with links to HSE guidance.
Testing normally involves disconnection. Plan essential equipment with the responsible person before the visit. Our site preparation checklist helps you get ready.
Before booking, ask about relevant experience, the equipment included, who will carry out the work, access and shutdown arrangements, the full price and the records you will receive. Discuss specialist equipment and unavailable items in advance.
For AiO, check the areas we cover, explain your site requirements and view our report and label examples so you know what to expect.
Keep the results where the people managing the equipment can find them. Match records to the item and location, track action on failures and follow up any equipment that was unavailable.
A pass records the outcome at the time of inspection and testing; it is not a promise that an appliance cannot become unsafe later. Continue user checks and fault reporting between visits.
See PAT certificates and reports for help interpreting the record. For the underlying maintenance approach, read HSE’s Maintaining portable electrical equipment.
Use the quote calculator for a standard visit, or speak to AiO about a larger site, several addresses or unusual equipment.