Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) involves regularly checking electrical items to ensure they are safe for continued use. This includes everything from kettles and microwaves to chargers, vacuum cleaners, and IT equipment. PAT is not just about compliance—it’s about protecting people. Regular inspections, especially in high-use or high-risk environments, can prevent injuries and help your business stay on the right side of the law.
Legislation and Compliance
Employers have a legal obligation under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 to ensure that any electrical equipment that could cause injury is maintained in a safe condition. While there is no specific law requiring "PAT testing," it is widely recognised as best practice to demonstrate compliance. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998 also requires that work equipment is maintained in an efficient state and safe working order, which includes portable electrical appliances.
What Counts as a Portable Appliance?
Portable and movable equipment includes a wide range of items commonly found in workplaces. Portable appliances are typically electrical items that can be easily moved and connected to a power source via a plug. These include kettles, vacuum cleaners, fans, portable heaters, desk lamps, radios, small cookers, hair dryers, food mixers, irons, toasters, and PC projectors. Some larger items, while not frequently moved, are still considered movable—such as microwaves, fridges, photocopiers, desktop computers, vending machines, electric beds, water chillers, and washing machines.
Hand-held items that are wired in but not plugged in, like hairdryers, still count as portable appliances if they are designed to be moved. However, large, hardwired equipment—like water boilers permanently connected to the mains—is not considered a portable appliance and would instead fall under fixed installation maintenance. Additionally, mobile phone chargers and battery-charging equipment plugged into the mains are included, while the battery-powered devices themselves are not. Extension leads, multi-way adaptors, and connection leads are also part of PAT testing and should not be overlooked.
How Often Should You Test? It Depends…
There is no fixed legal interval for PAT testing—it should be based on a risk assessment that considers the environment in which the equipment is used, how frequently it is used, and how it is handled or moved. For example, in a clean, low-risk office environment, IT equipment that remains stationary may only need visual inspections every couple of years and formal testing every 2–4 years. However, equipment used frequently, moved around often, or located in dusty, wet, or high-traffic areas (such as kitchens, workshops, construction sites, or care settings) will require much more frequent checks—often every 3 to 12 months. The greater the likelihood of damage, wear, or misuse, the more often it should be tested.
The HSE's HSG107 guidance on maintaining portable electrical equipment provides suggestions on initial maintenance intervals. Alternatively, if you're unsure about the inspection interval, please feel free to get in touch.
Who Can Carry Out PAT Testing?
PAT testing must be carried out by someone who is competent—meaning they have the appropriate skills, knowledge, and understanding of the task. There are generally two recognised levels of competency:
- In-house tester (basic level): This could be a member of staff who is not an electrician but has been trained to use a simple ‘pass/fail’ PAT device. These appliance testers are designed for use by non-specialists and require no interpretation of readings, making them suitable for low-risk environments and simple appliances.
- Qualified contractor (advanced level): A trained and experienced PAT technician or electrician, typically from an external company. They will use more advanced testing equipment, interpret numerical test results, and are suited for more complex appliances.
Both levels play an important role, but it’s important to match the competence level to the type of equipment and environment. Complex situations should always be handled by a qualified professional.
What Records Should You Keep?
There is no strict legal requirement to keep PAT records, but it's best practice to do so. Keeping a record of inspections, test results, and who carried out the work shows due diligence. Labelling equipment with "tested" stickers helps users know the item is safe. A clear PAT log also simplifies scheduling future checks and supports health and safety audits.
Need Support?
If you need further guidance on Portable Appliance Testing, please feel free to contact our dedicated advice line on 033 33 215 005 or email websiteenquiries@wirehouse-es.com.
