PAT Testing Guide

What is PAT testing?

PAT testing is the common name for in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment. It helps you check whether electrical equipment remains safe for continued use, identify damage or faults, and keep clear records for property, workplace, insurance or internal safety files.

Short Answer

What does PAT testing mean?

PAT stands for Portable Appliance Testing, but the phrase is not a perfect description. The more accurate term is in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment.

In plain English, it means checking electrical equipment while it is in use in a property, workplace, organisation or managed environment. The aim is to identify damage, faults, unsuitable equipment or items that may not be safe to continue using.

A useful PAT testing service is not just about putting stickers on appliances. It should combine visual inspection, suitable electrical testing, competent judgement, labelling where appropriate, and clear records.

Important: this page is general guidance only and should not be treated as legal advice for a specific property, workplace, insurance policy or tenancy situation.

PAT testing usually includes

  • Identifying equipment to be checked
  • Visual inspection of plugs, cables and casings
  • Electrical testing where appropriate
  • Labelling checked items
  • Digital records and certification
Purpose

Why PAT testing is carried out

Electrical equipment does not stay in the same condition forever. It can be moved, dropped, stored badly, pulled by the cable, used by different people, exposed to wear, or placed in environments it was not originally intended for.

Inspection and testing helps identify visible damage, electrical faults, failed equipment and items that may need repair, replacement or removal from use.

The point is not simply to pass or fail an appliance. The point is to make a sensible judgement about whether electrical equipment remains safe for continued use, and to leave a clear record of what was checked.

Why this matters

Condition changes over time Equipment can be moved, stored, pulled, dropped or used differently from one visit to the next.
Use and environment affect risk A kettle in a holiday let, a charger in an office and a tool in a workshop are not all managed in the same way.
Records help show management A clear report gives you evidence of what was checked, what passed, and what needed attention.

What is checked?

  • Plug condition and wiring concerns
  • Cable, flex and strain relief condition
  • Cracked casings or missing parts
  • Signs of overheating or burning
  • Appropriate electrical test results
The Process

What does PAT testing involve?

The visit usually starts by identifying the equipment that needs to be checked. This may be straightforward in a small rental property or office, or more involved in a larger workplace, charity building, hospitality setting or multi-room site.

Items are visually inspected first. This matters because many issues can be seen before electrical testing is carried out, including damaged plugs, damaged flexes, cracked casings, exposed parts or signs of overheating.

Electrical testing is then carried out where appropriate. Not every item is tested in exactly the same way because equipment type, construction, condition, use and environment can vary.

Equipment

What equipment can be checked?

The exact items depend on the property, workplace or organisation. PAT testing may apply to landlord-supplied appliances, workplace electrical equipment, plug-connected items, extension leads and equipment used by staff, tenants, guests, customers or volunteers.

Kettles and microwaves
Fridges and freezers
Washing machines
Lamps and desk lights
TVs and monitors
Computers and office equipment
Printers and scanners
Extension leads
Cleaning equipment
Portable tools
Customer-facing equipment
Other plug-connected items

The word “portable” can be misleading. The process can include portable, movable, transportable, handheld and plug-connected equipment, depending on the setting and the equipment being managed.

Records

What records should you receive?

The report is one of the most useful parts of the service. A label shows an item has been checked, but the report gives you the detail for your files.

A useful report should show what was inspected and tested, the results, and any failed or damaged items noted. This can support landlord, workplace, insurance, agent or internal safety records.

We provide digital reports and certification after inspection and testing, so you have a clear record of the work carried out.

Learn what a PAT testing report should include

A useful record should show

  • Item list or asset register
  • Item location where relevant
  • Pass, fail or relevant notes
  • Failed or damaged items
  • Digital report and certificate

Where to read next

Related Guidance

PAT testing is part of wider equipment-safety management

PAT testing should be understood as part of a wider approach to managing electrical equipment safely. The right approach depends on the setting, equipment type, use, condition, environment and previous results.

That means the same answer will not suit every landlord, business, holiday let, charity or organisation. The supporting guides explain the legal position, testing frequency and reporting detail in more depth.

PAT Testing FAQs

Common questions about PAT testing

Meaning and purpose

What is the proper name for PAT testing?

PAT testing is the common name. The more accurate term is in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment.

What does PAT testing involve?

PAT testing usually involves identifying equipment, visually inspecting items, carrying out electrical tests where appropriate, labelling checked items and providing clear records.

Is PAT testing just a sticker?

No. A label is only one part of the process. Good PAT testing includes visual inspection, electrical testing where appropriate, judgement, labelling and clear records. You can read more about the records you should receive in our PAT testing report guide.

Is PAT testing a legal requirement?

PAT testing itself is not usually named as a fixed legal requirement in the way people often assume. The important responsibility is keeping electrical equipment safe and being able to show that it is being managed properly. You can read the fuller explanation in our PAT testing legal requirement guide.

Inspection and testing

Why does visual inspection matter?

Visual inspection matters because many faults can be seen before electrical testing is carried out, such as damaged plugs, damaged flexes, cracked casings, exposed parts or signs of overheating.

Do all items need electrical testing?

Not every item is tested in exactly the same way. The inspection and testing approach depends on the equipment type, construction, condition, use and environment. The same risk-based thinking also affects how often PAT testing should be done.

Who should carry out PAT testing?

Inspection and testing should be carried out by someone competent to do the work. Our staff are City & Guilds 2377-77 qualified, which is specific to in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment. If you need help with a property or workplace, you can request a PAT testing quote.

Records

What records should I receive after PAT testing?

You should receive a clear record showing what was inspected and tested, the results, and any failed or damaged items noted. We provide a digital report and certificate. You can see what this normally includes in our PAT testing report guide.

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Need electrical equipment inspection and testing?

Tell us what type of property or workplace you have and roughly how many items need checking. A rough estimate is enough to start with.

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