What Is PAT Testing?

What You Need to Know About Electrical Equipment Safety

PAT testing (Portable Appliance Testing) is now officially called ITEE (Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment), but most people still search for and refer to it by its old name. 

Whether you call it PAT testing or ITEE, this guide explains everything you need to know about keeping your electrical equipment safe and compliant with UK regulations.

What Is PAT Testing?

PAT testing is the process of checking electrical appliances for safety through visual inspections and electronic tests. Any piece of equipment that plugs into the mains electricity supply needs regular inspection to ensure it won’t cause shocks, fires or equipment failure.

The process involves visual inspection and electronic testing. 

Visual Inspection

A trained engineer looks for obvious safety issues like cracked plugs, loose wiring, exposed copper, damaged cables, scorch marks or discolouration.

Electronic Testing

Using specialist PAT testing equipment, engineers carry out technical checks including earth continuity, lead polarity and insulation resistance. These tests identify electrical faults invisible to the naked eye.

What Does PAT Testing Stand For?

PAT testing stands for Portable Appliance Testing. The problem with this term was right in the name. “Portable” and “appliance” created confusion about what actually needed testing.

People assumed it only covered small moveable items like kettles, laptops and phone chargers. They thought larger equipment or anything not technically “portable” fell outside the scope. That was never true.

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.

That’s why the terminology officially changed to ITEE (Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment) with the 5th Edition of the IET Code of Practice. 

This isn’t just a rebrand. It reflects a broader focus on all electrical equipment that could pose a risk, strengthening electrical safety across workplaces.

Is PAT Testing 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 makes electrical safety clearer, more comprehensive and 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 Is The Legal Requirement For PAT Testing?

The legal requirement for PAT testing isn’t about ticking a box once a year. It’s about maintaining electrical equipment properly and ensuring it remains safe throughout its working life.

The Electricity at Work Regulations require employers to maintain electrical equipment to prevent danger. This means:

• Regular inspection and testing appropriate to the risk level
• Keeping records of all testing and maintenance
• Taking failed equipment out of service immediately
• Having competent people carry out the work

There’s no single fixed interval written into law. The frequency depends on your specific situation and the risk assessment for your workplace.

What Equipment Needs PAT Testing?

Any electrical equipment connected to the mains supply via a plug needs a PAT test. 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 machinery that plugs into the mains supply.

Power Tools

Drills, saws, vacuum cleaners and portable tools used in commercial settings.

Battery operated equipment doesn’t need PAT 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 PAT test immediately. A visual inspection is recommended to check for transit damage, but equipment should arrive in safe working order from the manufacturer.

How Often Should PAT Testing Be Done?

How often should PAT testing be done depends on risk level, equipment type and working environment. The frequency isn’t one size fits all.

Testing 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. Generally speaking:

High Risk Environments

Construction sites, factories and industrial settings typically need testing 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 in electrical safety.

Why The Name Change From PAT Testing To ITEE Actually Matters

Here’s a real world example showing why this shift matters.

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 cables were frayed at the ends, exposing inner wiring and getting very hot because staff left them plugged in constantly. 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 routine inspections. 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 in portable appliance testing.

Who Can Conduct PAT Testing?

PAT 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 PAT testing including the manual electrical tests, you need a qualified professional.

When it comes to safety critical work, you need people who know exactly what they’re looking for and how to test properly.

PAT Testing Equipment And Training

What Equipment Is Used For PAT Testing?

Professional PAT testing equipment includes specialized testers that measure earth continuity, insulation resistance and lead polarity. These devices range from basic manual testers to advanced Bluetooth enabled data loggers that automatically record results.

At TISS Electrical, we use calibrated Bluetooth data loggers included at no extra cost. Every PAT test is accurately recorded with full traceability, ensuring your electrical safety compliance is documented properly.

Do You Need A PAT Testing Course?

While basic visual inspections can be carried out by trained staff, full PAT testing requires proper qualification. A PAT testing course teaches you how to use testing equipment safely, interpret results correctly and maintain compliance with current regulations.

For businesses, it’s often more cost effective and reliable to use qualified electrical engineers rather than training internal staff, especially for larger sites or complex equipment. Our engineers are fully trained and work to the latest 18th Edition BS7671:2018+A2:2022 standards.

What Happens If Equipment Fails A PAT Test?

When equipment fails a PAT 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 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.

What Will I Receive After PAT Testing?

Upon completion of the inspection and testing, you should receive a report that details:

• An inventory containing each appliance type, name, location and description
• A full set of test results for each appliance tested
• A full list of any failed items with an explanation of their failure
• A visible pass or fail label on each appliance detailing the inspection date, next test due and the inspector’s signature

At TISS Electrical, we also provide:

• Photographic evidence of failed items
• Free advisory photos of issues we spot, like damaged sockets or non-functioning emergency lights
• Clear, user friendly reports with no confusing technical jargon

Your final report, photos, notes and advisories are zipped and sent via email for easy access and record keeping.

The Real Cost Of Not Having PAT Testing Done

Let’s be direct. Failing to conduct proper electrical equipment 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 PAT testing, these problems go unnoticed until something goes seriously wrong.

PAT Testing For Large Sites And High Volumes

Whether you need 10 items tested or 250,000, we have the people, technology and processes to get it done quickly, efficiently and with minimal disruption to your operations.

One or two testers would take weeks to complete 5,000 tests at a university. With our coordinated team of Electrical Engineers working together all year round, we complete large jobs efficiently and thoroughly.

We’ve successfully completed jobs ranging from 1,000 to 250,000 tests. This is what we do, day in and day out.

Need To Split Testing Over The Tax Year?

Easy. Many clients go for a 50/50 split, testing half in March and half in April. We do this for education facilities every year.

Limited Access?

Only have the caretaker available for two days during half term? We’ve been there. We’ve done it. And we’ll do it for you.

We support a wide range of organisations that need reliable electrical safety and compliance. This includes schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, theatres, cinemas, hotels, stadiums, airports, banks, insurance companies and more. Any site with high footfall or large volumes of equipment benefits from our fast, organised teams and clear reporting.

PAT Testing Across The UK

Looking for local PAT testing services? TISS Electrical provides PAT testing nationwide from our offices in Chelmsford, Cambridge, Ipswich and Sheffield.

We provide nationwide electrical testing that covers ITEE checks, emergency lighting inspections, RCD testing and full EICR assessments. Our engineers handle small sites and large estates with efficient planning, clear reporting and reliable data logging. We keep your buildings safe, compliant and ready for everyday use with minimal disruption to your operations.

Some of the areas we commonly work in include (but are not limited to):

Suffolk

Essex

Whether you need PAT testing in Essex, Suffolk, Yorkshire or anywhere across the UK, our experienced engineers travel to your site with all necessary equipment and qualifications.

Call 01245 377 625 to arrange PAT testing at your location.

Getting Your PAT Testing Right

The change from PAT testing to ITEE represents progress. It clarifies what needs testing, removes ambiguity and puts electrical safety front and centre where it belongs.

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 PAT testing properly, with no shortcuts.

Call us today at 01245 377 625 to discuss your PAT testing needs and find out how we can help keep your premises compliant and safe.