Electricity is an essential part of modern life and business, powering everything from office equipment to temporary event setups. But it also carries significant risks. Faulty electrical appliances are a common cause of fires, shocks, and injuries.
One of the recognised ways to reduce these risks is Portable Appliance Testing (PAT). While PAT is not a strict legal requirement, it is a widely accepted method of demonstrating compliance with UK electrical safety legislation — and more importantly, of protecting people.
What is Portable Appliance Testing?
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is the routine examination of electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use. The process involves:
- Visual checks – for obvious damage such as frayed cables, cracked plugs, or scorch marks.
- Electrical tests – using a PAT tester to check earth continuity, insulation resistance, and functionality.
- Labelling and recording – marking tested items and maintaining records for auditing and inspections.
Appliances covered by PAT typically include: kettles, extension leads, IT equipment, lighting, sound equipment, and tools used in offices, venues, and event sites.
The Legal Framework
While there is no specific law that requires PAT testing, several regulations require employers to ensure electrical equipment is safe:
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 – places a duty on employers to ensure the health and safety of employees and others affected by their work.
- Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EAWR) – requires that all electrical systems are maintained to prevent danger.
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) – states that equipment must be suitable, maintained, and safe for use.
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 – requires risk assessments, which may identify the need for PAT as a control measure.
In practice, PAT is one of the simplest and most recognised ways of meeting these legal obligations.
Is PAT Testing a Legal Requirement?
No, PAT testing is not explicitly required by law. What the law does require is that electrical equipment is maintained in a safe condition. PAT testing is the industry-standard method of demonstrating compliance.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that the level of inspection and testing depends on the type of equipment, the risks involved, and how it is used. For example:
- A kettle in an office may only require periodic visual inspection.
- A power tool on a construction or event site may require more frequent formal testing.
The frequency of PAT testing should therefore be based on a risk assessment.
The Moral Obligation
Beyond legal duties, employers and organisers have a moral obligation to protect employees, contractors, and the public from electrical hazards.
Electrical incidents caused by faulty appliances can result in:
- Serious injury or death from electrocution.
- Fires causing property damage and potential loss of life.
- Disruption to business operations or events.
Even if PAT is not mandated by law, it demonstrates a commitment to safety. The small cost of testing equipment is insignificant compared to the human and financial costs of an accident.
PAT Testing in the Events Industry
In the live events and entertainment sector, PAT testing is particularly important:
- Caterers often use portable appliances such as urns, fryers, and refrigerators.
- Event contractors use tools and power distribution equipment.
- Performers and technical crews rely on lighting, sound, and AV equipment.
Event organisers frequently require vendors and contractors to provide evidence of PAT testing before allowing equipment on-site. This reduces risks in crowded, temporary environments where electrical hazards can have catastrophic consequences.
Best Practice for PAT Testing
1. Carry Out Risk Assessments – identify appliances that present the greatest risks.
2. Inspect Visually – simple visual checks often identify obvious hazards.
3. Test Using PAT Equipment – carried out by a competent person (trained but not necessarily a qualified electrician).
4. Record and Label – document test results and label appliances with pass/fail status.
5. Set Testing Frequency – based on risk assessment, type of equipment, and environment of use.
6. Remove Unsafe Equipment – immediately take out of service any appliance that fails.
PAT Testing Myths
- “PAT testing is legally required every year” – False. There is no legal requirement for annual testing. Frequency should be based on risk.
- “Only electricians can PAT test” – False. A competent person with the right training and equipment can carry out PAT.
- “All equipment needs PAT testing” – False. Some low-risk equipment may only require visual checks.
Why PAT Matters
PAT testing may not be mandatory, but it offers clear benefits:
- Legal compliance – demonstrates adherence to EAWR and HSWA duties.
- Safety – prevents accidents, injuries, and fires.
- Reassurance – gives employees, contractors, and clients confidence in safety.
- Due diligence – protects employers in the event of an incident or inspection.
FAQs on PAT Testing
1. How often should appliances be PAT tested?
There is no set interval. Testing should be determined by a risk assessment, considering the type of equipment and environment.
2. Do new appliances need PAT testing?
New appliances do not normally require PAT testing, but they should be visually inspected before first use.
3. Who can carry out PAT testing?
A competent person with appropriate training and knowledge. They do not need to be an electrician.
4. Is PAT testing required for event caterers and vendors?
Yes, most event organisers require proof of PAT testing for equipment such as urns, fryers, and extension leads before permitting use on-site.
5. Is PAT testing expensive?
No. Testing is inexpensive compared to the risks of non-compliance or the consequences of an electrical incident.
Final Thoughts
PAT testing in the UK may not be a strict legal requirement, but it is a practical, cost-effective, and morally essential measure. Employers and event organisers should not view it as a burden, but as part of their responsibility to safeguard everyone on site.
While the law only requires equipment to be safe, PAT provides the reassurance, records, and proof that due diligence has been carried out. Protecting lives and preventing accidents must always come before compliance minimalism — and PAT testing is a key step in achieving that.
