PAT / In-Service Equipment Testing Guide

A risk-based guide to electrical equipment inspection and testing, including why “annual PAT testing” is not a universal legal rule.

What people mean by PAT testing

“PAT testing” is commonly used to describe in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment. The professional approach is broader than sticking a label on every kettle once a year.

Risk-based intervals

The equipment type, how often it is moved, the environment, who uses it and previous inspection results all influence how frequently checks may be appropriate. There is no single universal annual interval that applies to every item in every workplace.

Visual inspection matters

Damage to plugs, flexes, enclosures and strain relief can often be found through competent visual inspection. Electrical testing adds information where the equipment class and risk make it appropriate.

Not everything is a 13A plug

In-service electrical safety can include equipment connected in different ways. The agreed scope should reflect the actual equipment and duty holder’s risk-management needs rather than an oversimplified list of plug-in appliances.

Records should be useful

A good equipment-safety record should identify the asset, result and action required. Labels can help with management but the label itself is not the safety system.

Questions