The Short Answer

PAT testing is the commonly used name for the in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment. It is not simply a machine test. A competent person identifies the equipment, carries out a formal visual inspection, selects any suitable electrical tests, records the outcome and reports defects to the responsible person.

Not every item receives every electrical test. The safe method depends on the equipment and the circumstances in which it is used.

Contents

1. The process at a glance
2. Before testing starts
3. What happens during the visit
4. The visual inspection
5. Electrical tests that may be used
6. Failures, results and timing
7. PAT testing versus EICR
8. Frequently asked questions

The PAT Testing Process at a Glance

A well-managed visit follows a clear sequence. The scope is agreed first, the equipment is inspected, suitable tests are completed where required, and the results are recorded item by item.

1

Plan the Visit

Confirm the premises, approximate item count, areas included, access restrictions and suitable times for shutting equipment down.

2

Inspect the Equipment

Identify each item and inspect its plug, flexible cable, casing, connectors and general condition before deciding whether testing can proceed safely.

3

Test Where Appropriate

Select suitable electrical tests for the equipment's construction and condition. Not every test is suitable or necessary for every item.

4

Record and Act

Record the result, identify defects, notify the site contact and provide an itemised report covering the equipment presented during the visit.

Before PAT Testing Starts

A nominated site contact should be available to confirm the agreed scope and explain any access, security or operational restrictions. Staff do not normally need to accompany the engineer throughout the entire visit, but someone responsible should be available when needed.

• Identify rooms, buildings and equipment included in the booking.
• Arrange safe access to plugs, leads and equipment.
• Plan controlled shutdowns for computers and operational equipment.
• Flag servers, specialist equipment and items that cannot be interrupted.
• Make hired, stored and occasionally used equipment available where included.

For office and hybrid-working environments, see our guide to office PAT testing in Hertfordshire.

Clear access to plugs, leads and equipment helps the inspection proceed efficiently.

Results Cover the Agreed and Accessible Equipment

The report applies to the items made available, inspected and recorded. Equipment in locked rooms, hidden from view, in continuous use or unsafe to disconnect should be recorded as excluded or subject to a limitation. It should not be marked as passed without inspection.

What Happens During a PAT Testing Visit?

The engineer works through the agreed areas methodically. Equipment is assessed individually so that the inspection, test method and recorded result suit the item in front of them.

1

Arrival and Site Briefing

The engineer meets the nominated contact, confirms the work area and reviews access, shutdowns, sensitive spaces and known equipment issues.

2

Identify the Equipment

Each item is identified by description, location and an asset number or other unique reference. Detachable leads and extension leads may be recorded separately.

3

Formal Visual Inspection

The equipment, plug, flex, connectors and casing are examined for damage, deterioration, overheating, unsuitable modifications and other visible safety concerns.

4

Suitable Electrical Tests

Subject to the visual inspection, suitable tests are selected for the item's construction, connection, condition and safe method of testing.

5

Result and Identification

The combined inspection and test outcome is recorded. A label may be attached to help identify the item and its status at the time of the visit.

6

Handover and Reporting

Defects and limitations are explained to the responsible person. The completed equipment register and summary documentation are then issued in line with the agreed service arrangements.

Visual Inspection Comes First

Visual inspection is an essential part of PAT testing because some dangerous defects cannot be found by an electrical test alone. If a serious visible defect is found, it may be unsafe or unnecessary to continue with electrical testing until the problem has been addressed.

A rewirable plug may be opened when this is appropriate and safe so its wiring, terminals, cord grip and fuse can be examined. A moulded plug is inspected externally. It would be incorrect to say that every plug is opened during every visit.

Plugs, flexible cables, casings and accessible connections are checked before suitable electrical tests.

Equipment Casing and Controls

Covers, controls, guards and accessible parts are checked for cracks, missing components, contamination, exposed live parts and unsuitable repairs.

Plugs and Connectors

Plugs, pins and connectors are examined for cracking, distortion, contamination, overheating, loose parts and signs of an unsuitable connection.

Flexible Cables and Strain Relief

Cables are checked for cuts, abrasion, crushing, exposed conductors, taped joints and damage where the flex enters the plug or equipment.

Environment and Evidence of Misuse

The inspector considers heat, moisture, dust, impact, movement and the way the item is being used, including unsuitable adaptors or makeshift modifications.

A Previous Pass Does Not Replace User Checks

Equipment can be damaged immediately after inspection. Users should keep looking for visible damage, stop using equipment that appears unsafe and report faults through the organisation's normal procedure.

Official guidance: The Health and Safety Executive explains that visual examination is essential because some electrical safety defects cannot be detected by testing alone. See the HSE PAT testing FAQs.

Which Electrical Tests May Be Used?

Subject to a satisfactory visual inspection, the engineer selects the tests that suit the equipment. Construction, connection, accessible parts, condition and manufacturer information can all affect the safe test method.

Not every item receives every test. For example, equipment that does not rely on a protective earth would not receive an earth-continuity test simply because that test appears on a standard list.

Electrical tests are selected according to the equipment's construction, connection and condition.

Protective Conductor Continuity

When Relevant

For equipment that relies on a protective earth connection.

What It Assesses

Whether there is an effective earth path to the relevant conductive parts.

Insulation Resistance

When Relevant

Where the method and test voltage are suitable for the equipment.

What It Assesses

The insulation between live parts and accessible conductive parts.

Leakage or Current-Based Testing

When Relevant

Where a powered or alternative current-based method suits the equipment.

What It Assesses

Protective-conductor current, touch current or another relevant leakage value.

Extension and Detachable Lead Checks

Possible Checks

Continuity, insulation and polarity where appropriate, together with a visual inspection.

Important

A detachable mains lead may need its own asset reference and result.

Functional Check

When Relevant

Where the equipment can be powered or operated safely after the inspection and tests.

Limit

This is not a full service or an assessment of every function or performance feature.

Equipment-Specific Method

Examples

Sensitive electronics, surge-protected equipment and items that cannot be interrupted.

Approach

Select a safe method and consider manufacturer information and site restrictions.

The recognised industry reference is the IET's Code of Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment. The testing method should follow the equipment and the maintenance risk, not a fixed identical sequence for every item.

What Happens if an Item Fails?

An item with a safety-related defect should not continue to be used. The engineer records the problem and brings it to the attention of the nominated site contact so the item can be controlled under the site's normal safety procedure.

Identify the Item

The failed item and defect are clearly identified. A failed or do-not-use label may be applied where this forms part of the agreed procedure.

Record and Report It

The defect and outcome are entered on the equipment register and explained to the responsible person without waiting for the final report.

Repair or Replace

Repairs should be completed by a competent person. The item should then receive the appropriate checks before it is returned to service.

One Failed Item Does Not Change Every Other Result

PAT results are normally recorded item by item. A failed appliance does not automatically change the results for other equipment, but it still requires prompt action and suitable control.

PAT Labels, Results and Records

Labels and records help the dutyholder understand what was inspected, monitor defects and plan future maintenance. The detailed item register provides the fuller record of the visit.

What the Equipment Register May Include

• Asset number or other unique reference
• Equipment description and recorded location
• Inspection and test outcome
• Test readings where applicable
• Defects, exclusions or limitations
• Action taken or recommended

What a PAT Label Does and Does Not Mean

It Can Help With

Identifying the item and showing its recorded status at the time of inspection.

It Does Not Prove

That the item will remain safe until a future date or that every item at the premises was inspected.

HSE guidance explains that there is no general legal requirement to label inspected equipment or keep PAT records, although both can be useful management tools. See the official PAT guidance.

How Long Does PAT Testing Take?

There is no responsible universal items-per-hour figure. The time needed depends on the type of equipment, the premises and how safely and easily each item can be accessed.

Factors Affecting the Visit Length

• The number and type of items
• Access to plugs, leads and equipment
• Controlled shutdowns for computers or operational equipment
• Separate rooms, floors, buildings or restricted areas
• The condition of the equipment and defects found

How Clients Can Help

• Provide a realistic approximate item count
• Make stored and occasional-use equipment available
• Save work and arrange shutdown periods
• Tell us about access, security and operational restrictions
• Identify equipment that cannot be interrupted

Once you know the approximate quantity and site arrangements, use our current PAT testing prices or request a PAT testing quotation.

PAT Testing and EICR: What Is the Difference?

PAT testing, fixed-installation inspection and specialist servicing cover different parts of electrical safety. The correct route depends on how the equipment is connected and what needs to be assessed.

PAT Testing

Main Scope

Electrical equipment used at the premises, including plug-in equipment, detachable leads and extension leads where included.

Typical Outcome

An item-by-item inspection and test register with defects and limitations recorded.

EICR and Fixed-Wire Testing

Main Scope

The fixed electrical installation, including distribution boards, circuits, wiring, protective devices, sockets and switches.

More Information

Read about EICR and fixed-wire testing.

Specialist Service or Repair

Main Scope

Performance, internal servicing, repair, calibration or manufacturer-specific maintenance outside the agreed PAT testing visit.

Important

A limited functional check during PAT testing is not a full appliance service.

One Does Not Replace the Other

PAT testing does not assess the condition of the complete fixed electrical installation. Some permanently connected or specialist equipment may also require a separately agreed inspection or manufacturer service.

PAT Testing Across Hertfordshire

We provide PAT testing services across Hertfordshire, including businesses, landlords and organisations in the following areas.

St Albans Watford Stevenage Hemel Hempstead

Frequently Asked Questions

These answers cover the practical questions clients most often ask about the inspection, testing and reporting process.

Does every appliance receive an electrical test?

No. The inspection and tests are selected according to the equipment, its construction, condition, use and environment. Some equipment may require visual inspection only.

Does PAT testing have to be carried out every year?

No universal law requires every item to be PAT tested annually. Inspection and testing intervals should be based on risk, including equipment type, environment, use, likelihood of damage and previous results.

Does equipment need to be switched off?

Many items need to be disconnected for inspection and testing. Shutdown arrangements should be agreed for computers, servers and operational equipment. An inaccessible or unavailable item should not be recorded as passed.

Does brand-new equipment need an immediate PAT test?

New equipment should normally be supplied in a safe condition and does not automatically need a formal PAT test. A visual check is still sensible to identify damage caused during delivery or installation.

Are PAT labels legally required?

There is no general legal requirement specifically requiring PAT labels. They can be useful for equipment identification and maintenance management, while the detailed report provides the fuller record.

What happens when equipment fails?

The item and defect are identified, the result is recorded and the responsible person is informed. Equipment with a safety-related defect should remain out of use until it has been repaired by a competent person or replaced and then checked before return to service.

Can PAT testing damage computers or electronic equipment?

A competent tester should select methods and settings suitable for the equipment. Computers and sensitive equipment should be shut down correctly before disconnection, and staff should identify anything that cannot be interrupted before testing begins.

Does PAT testing include every appliance at the premises?

It covers the equipment within the agreed scope that is made available and recorded during the visit. Locked rooms, hidden equipment, items in use and equipment that cannot be safely accessed may need to be listed as exclusions or limitations.

What documents will I receive?

The agreed documentation normally includes an itemised equipment register showing the recorded outcomes, together with summary documentation for the completed visit. Any failures, exclusions and limitations should be read alongside the summary.

Arrange PAT Testing in Hertfordshire

Send us the site postcode, approximate number of items, type of premises and any access or shutdown requirements. We can then confirm the scope and provide the appropriate quotation.

Request a PAT Testing Quote Call 01727 309677

Frequently Asked Questions

These answers cover the practical questions clients most often ask about the inspection, testing and reporting process.

Does every appliance receive an electrical test?

No. The inspection and tests are selected according to the equipment, its construction, condition, use and environment. Some equipment may require visual inspection only.

Does PAT testing have to be carried out every year?

No universal law requires every item to be PAT tested annually. Inspection and testing intervals should be based on risk, including equipment type, environment, use, likelihood of damage and previous results.

Does equipment need to be switched off?

Many items need to be disconnected for inspection and testing. Shutdown arrangements should be agreed for computers, servers and operational equipment. An inaccessible or unavailable item should not be recorded as passed.

Does brand-new equipment need an immediate PAT test?

New equipment should normally be supplied in a safe condition and does not automatically need a formal PAT test. A visual check is still sensible to identify damage caused during delivery or installation.

Are PAT labels legally required?

There is no general legal requirement specifically requiring PAT labels. They can be useful for equipment identification and maintenance management, while the detailed report provides the fuller record.

What happens when equipment fails?

The item and defect are identified, the result is recorded and the responsible person is informed. Equipment with a safety-related defect should remain out of use until it has been repaired by a competent person or replaced and then checked before return to service.

Can PAT testing damage computers or electronic equipment?

A competent tester should select methods and settings suitable for the equipment. Computers and sensitive equipment should be shut down correctly before disconnection, and staff should identify anything that cannot be interrupted before testing begins.

Does PAT testing include every appliance at the premises?

It covers the equipment within the agreed scope that is made available and recorded during the visit. Locked rooms, hidden equipment, items in use and equipment that cannot be safely accessed may need to be listed as exclusions or limitations.

What documents will I receive?

The agreed documentation normally includes an itemised equipment register showing the recorded outcomes, together with summary documentation for the completed visit. Any failures, exclusions and limitations should be read alongside the summary.

Arrange PAT Testing in Hertfordshire

Send us the site postcode, approximate number of items, type of premises and any access or shutdown requirements. We can then confirm the scope and provide the appropriate quotation.

Request a PAT Testing Quote Call 01727 309677