While there are no direct legal requirements for PAT testing, there are laws dictating the rules for keeping staff, customers and visitors safe from electrical shocks and fires. These differ across the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and the United States. However, their main purpose is to provide proof that a business is doing what it can to ensure its portable electrical equipment is functional and safe.
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Low on time? Skip ahead!A PAT test is a process where a trained individual inspects and tests electrical appliances to ensure they meet safety standards. It begins by checking for visible damage, such as frayed cords, faulty connections, or broken covers. If the appliance appears safe, a Portable Appliance Tester assesses its insulation, earthing, and polarity. Once testing is complete, the appliance is labelled with a tag confirming it has been tested. This tag must include the technician’s name, the test date, and the next scheduled inspection date.
Technicians performing PAT tests must be trained in using a Portable Appliance Tester and have a solid understanding of electrical hazards and the types of appliances they may encounter. A formal certification is highly recommended to ensure they comply with local regulations.
A PAT test is used to ensure that portable electrical devices are safe to use. This works to keep their records up to date, which is particularly important should they need to file an insurance claim related to a faulty electrical appliance. Therefore, any equipment which has a high usage should be tested regularly.
That being said, on average, a typical office or shop will perform a PAT test for all their appliances once a year.
Industrial sites, including commercial kitchens, ideally have their portable and handheld equipment tested as often as every 6 months. For other stationary, movable or IT equipment, it is recommended to test every 12 months.
For construction sites, or any workplace where portable electrical tools are exposed to the elements, this is much more frequent and can be as often as every 3 months. This is because tools and equipment are exposed to extreme wear and tear, dust, moisture, and rough handling—all of which increase the risk of faults, damage, and electrical hazards.
In the UK, several laws outline the need for maintaining safe electrical equipment at work. Using a registered electrician to perform a PAT test is widely accepted as the best way to comply with these requirements:
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In Australia, PAT testing is commonly referred to as Test and Tag. They're widely expected under workplace safety regulations, in every industry, under the following laws:
New Zealand follows a similar Test and Tag system to Australia. However, the laws they align with are:
Unlike the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, the United States does not have a formal PAT testing requirement. However, there are laws ensuring electrical safety in workplaces. These are:
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