Why PAT Testing Is Now Called ITEE (And Why It Matters)
PAT testing is now officially called ITEE (Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment), also known as EET (Electrical Equipment Testing). This change came with the 5th Edition of the IET Code of Practice and represents a fundamental shift in how we approach electrical safety in the workplace.
The old term “PAT Testing” was misleading. It suggested only portable appliances needed checking, when in reality, any electrical equipment connected to the mains supply requires inspection and testing. The new terminology reflects this broader scope and the seriousness of electrical safety compliance.
ITEE: A Legal Requirement
Yes, it’s the law. Employers have a legal obligation to ensure all electrical equipment is safe to use under:
- Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
The change to ITEE aligns with the IET 5th Edition Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment. This isn’t just administrative tidying. It’s about making electrical safety clearer, more comprehensive and ultimately more effective at protecting people.
Your insurance company now expects this to be part of your Health and Safety compliance pack. Don’t believe us? Give them a ring.
What Does PAT Testing Stand For?
PAT testing stands for Portable Appliance Testing. The problem with this term was right there in the name. “Portable” and “appliance” created confusion about what actually needed testing.
Understanding the PAT testing meaning helps explain why the change was necessary. People assumed it only covered small, moveable items like kettles, laptops and phone chargers. They thought larger equipment, fixed installations or anything that wasn’t technically “portable” fell outside the scope. That’s simply not true and never was.
Why The Name Change Was Needed
Because electrical safety is no longer optional. The term “PAT Testing” was misleading and gave the impression only portable items needed checking. That’s no longer acceptable.
The new terminology ensures all electrical equipment that poses a risk is inspected, driving awareness, compliance and ultimately, saving lives.
Think about it this way. A vending machine isn’t portable. An industrial refrigerator isn’t an appliance in the traditional sense. But both plug into the mains supply and both can cause serious harm if they develop electrical faults. Under the old terminology, there was confusion about whether these needed testing.
Under ITEE, there’s no confusion at all.
Why This Change Actually Matters
Here’s one real world example of why this shift matters and why it’s not just semantics.
We were regularly testing a large insurance firm’s office in the City. Each desk had a phone charger with a detachable USB cable. The chargers were tested, but the USB cables weren’t, as per old guidelines.
We noticed many of these cables were frayed at the ends, exposing inner wiring and getting very hot because staff left them plugged in 24/7. We flagged it as an advisory.
During a planned weekend shutdown for EICR and RCD testing, one of those cables overheated and caused a fire. Thankfully, the sprinkler system kicked in and stopped it from escalating.
Since then, we’ve incorporated visual checks of such cables into the client’s routine inspections and following our testing reports, companies replace hundreds every year.
Under the new ITEE guidelines, these types of cables are officially included in the testing scope. That’s real safety progress.
What Is ITEE Testing?
ITEE testing is a systematic inspection and testing process to verify that electrical equipment is safe to use. It applies to any piece of equipment that plugs into the mains electricity supply, regardless of size, type or portability.
The process involves two key elements:
Visual Inspection
The engineer walks through looking for anything obviously wrong. Cracked plugs, loose wiring, exposed copper, damaged cables, scorch marks, discolouration or anything that stands out as unsafe.
Manual Testing
Using specialist testing equipment, a trained engineer carries out technical checks including earth continuity, lead polarity and insulation resistance. These tests identify electrical faults that aren’t visible to the naked eye but could cause shocks, fires or equipment failure.
What Equipment Needs ITEE Testing?
Any electrical equipment connected to the mains supply via a plug needs ITEE testing. This includes:
- Office Equipment
Computers, monitors, printers, phone chargers, desk lamps, plug adaptors and extension leads. - Kitchen Appliances
Kettles, microwaves, dishwashers, refrigerators, coffee machines and water coolers. - Larger Fixed Equipment
Vending machines, industrial refrigerators, air conditioning units and larger machinery that plugs into the mains supply. - Power Tools and Equipment
Drills, saws, vacuum cleaners and any portable tools used in commercial settings.
Battery operated equipment doesn’t need ITEE testing because it doesn’t run directly from the mains supply. However, the chargers for battery powered items do need testing because they plug into the mains.
Brand new equipment doesn’t necessarily need a full ITEE test immediately. A visual inspection is recommended to check for transit damage, but the equipment should arrive in safe working order from the manufacturer.
How Often Should You Have ITEE Testing Done?
There’s no single answer because it depends on risk level. The frequency depends on:
- The type of equipment
- How often it’s used
- The working environment
- The condition of the equipment
The Health and Safety Executive provides guidance on testing frequency in its maintenance publications.
Generally speaking:
- High Risk Environments
Construction sites, factories and industrial settings typically need more frequent testing, often every 3 to 6 months. - Medium Risk Environments
Offices, schools and retail premises usually need annual testing, though some equipment may need more frequent checks. - Low Risk Environments
Buildings with minimal electrical equipment use might test every 2 to 4 years, though annual testing is still recommended.
The key is conducting a proper risk assessment for your specific site and equipment. This determines your testing schedule and ensures you’re compliant without over testing or leaving dangerous gaps.
Who Can Conduct ITEE Testing?
ITEE testing must be carried out by a competent person with the right training, knowledge and equipment. This isn’t something you can leave to anyone in the office who’s handy with a screwdriver.
In low risk environments, you might carry out basic visual inspections yourself if you have appropriate training. But for full ITEE testing, including the manual electrical tests, you need a qualified professional.
At TISS Electrical, our engineers are properly trained and qualified to conduct ITEE testing to the latest standards. When it comes to safety critical work, you need people who know exactly what they’re looking for and how to test properly.
What Happens If Equipment Fails ITEE Testing?
When equipment fails an ITEE test, it gets labelled and withdrawn from service straight away. You then need to decide whether to repair it or replace it entirely.
If repairs are possible and carried out, the equipment must undergo another ITEE test before being put back into use. There’s no room for assuming it’s now safe. It needs to be tested and proven safe.
This is where clear documentation becomes crucial. Every test should be recorded, with failed items clearly identified. This creates an audit trail showing what was tested, what failed, what action was taken and when items were retested and passed.
The Real Cost Of Not Testing
Let’s be direct about this. Failing to conduct ITEE testing isn’t just poor practice, it’s illegal. You could face:
Prosecution
Under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
Invalidated Insurance
If an electrical incident occurs and you can’t demonstrate proper testing and maintenance, your insurance may not pay out.
Serious Harm
To employees, visitors or anyone using your premises.
Liability Issues
If someone is injured or killed due to faulty electrical equipment you failed to test.
More importantly, untested electrical equipment simply might not be safe. Cables fray. Plugs crack. Internal wiring degrades. Equipment gets dropped or damaged. Without regular testing, these problems go unnoticed until something goes seriously wrong.
Getting Your ITEE Testing Right
The change from PAT testing to ITEE testing represents progress. It clarifies what needs testing, removes ambiguity and puts electrical safety front and centre where it belongs.
The new terminology helps make sure the electrical equipment people use every day is safe and won’t cause harm. It makes the scope of testing crystal clear.
If you haven’t had your electrical equipment tested recently, or if you’re not sure whether your current testing regime is adequate, now’s the time to find out. The regulations are clear and the consequences of getting it wrong are serious.
Keep your site safe, legal and ready for inspection. Let us handle your ITEE testing properly, with no shortcuts.
Call us today at 01245 377 625 to discuss your ITEE testing needs and find out how we can help keep your premises compliant and safe.