PAT testing, short for portable appliance testing, is the inspection and testing of portable electrical equipment to help confirm it is safe to use at work.

What does “PAT testing law” actually mean?

It refers to your legal duty to keep electrical equipment safe. The law focuses on maintenance to prevent danger, and PAT testing is a common way to evidence that duty.

Is PAT testing a legal requirement in the UK?

PAT testing is not specifically required by name in UK legislation. You are required to maintain electrical equipment so it does not present a danger, and PAT testing is a practical way to show you are doing that.

Which regulations sit behind PAT testing requirements?

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require electrical systems and equipment to be maintained to prevent danger, so far as is reasonably practicable.

Who is responsible for PAT testing in a business?

The dutyholder, usually the employer or the person in control of the premises, is responsible for ensuring equipment is safe, even if testing is outsourced.

Do small businesses need PAT testing?

If you use portable electrical equipment at work, you need a maintenance plan. PAT testing may be part of that plan, based on your risks and equipment types.

How often should PAT testing be carried out?

There is no fixed legal interval. Frequency should be set by risk, considering the environment, how equipment is used, and previous fault history.

Do offices need PAT testing?

Often yes, but not everything needs testing every year. Many office items are low risk and may only need routine checks and occasional formal inspection or testing.

Do I need to test brand new equipment?

New equipment is typically safe, but you should still include it in your maintenance scheme. Many businesses start with visual checks and schedule testing based on risk.

Do extension leads and multiway adapters need PAT testing?

Yes, they are portable equipment and often experience high wear. They should be included in your inspection and testing programme.

What does a PAT test include?

It normally includes a visual inspection and, where appropriate, electrical tests using calibrated equipment, with results recorded against the asset.

What happens if an appliance fails a PAT test?

It should be removed from use until repaired or replaced. After repair, it should be rechecked before returning to service.

Do I need to keep PAT testing records?

Records are not always legally required, but they are very useful for proving you have a maintenance scheme, managing assets, and supporting audits or insurance queries.

Do appliances need a PAT label?

A label is not legally required, but it can help staff see an item has been checked and support your internal controls.

Can my staff carry out PAT testing?

Some checks can be done in house if the person is competent. For formal testing, many businesses use a qualified contractor to ensure correct methods and documentation.

How long does PAT testing take?

It depends on the number and type of items and site access. A competent contractor will plan the visit to test efficiently with minimal disruption.

Will PAT testing disrupt my business?

It should not. Testing can be scheduled outside peak hours, and items can be tested in batches so operations continue.

Is PAT testing the same as an EICR?

No. PAT testing focuses on portable appliances and leads. An EICR relates to the fixed electrical installation and wiring.

Does PAT testing help with insurance?

Yes. Insurers often expect evidence of electrical maintenance. A documented testing programme supports your risk management and can speed up claims handling.

How do I book PAT testing?

Speak to our team for a quick estimate based on your site and equipment. We will schedule a visit, test your assets, and provide clear certificates and reports.

PAT Testing Law and Compliance for Business Owners

Lyons Electrical
Jan 28
3 min read

If you employ staff or welcome customers, you have a duty to keep electrical equipment safe. UK law is about preventing danger through maintenance, and PAT testing is a practical way to evidence that duty.

Want a clear, hassle free plan? Contact us today and we will book testing around your working hours.

Engineer performing PAT test to meet PAT testing law in UK office

What does PAT testing law mean in the UK?

When people talk about “PAT testing law”, they are usually referring to the rules behind portable appliance testing and what HSE expects businesses to do. HSE explains that the law requires employers to maintain electrical equipment to prevent danger, and it does not prescribe exactly what must be done or how often. That is why a sensible, risk based programme is the right approach.

The key regulations behind PAT testing

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 place duties on employers and those in control of premises to ensure electrical systems and equipment are maintained so far as is reasonably practicable to prevent danger. In everyday terms, PAT testing law is about proving your portable and movable appliances are safe, and that you have a system to keep them safe over time.

Business owner responsibilities and who is accountable

As the dutyholder, you stay responsible for electrical safety even if you outsource inspections and testing. Facilities teams, landlords, and contractors may support you, but you still need a scheme that covers equipment you own, hire, or allow staff to bring in.

If you are unsure what applies to your workplace, speak to our team and request your free quote.

Is PAT testing a legal requirement?

PAT testing law can feel confusing because PAT is not named as a mandatory test in legislation. What is required is maintenance to prevent danger, with the method and frequency set by risk. For many businesses, PAT testing is the most efficient way to meet that requirement because it creates a repeatable process, identifies faults early, and provides evidence that you are managing electrical risks.

If something goes wrong, your maintenance routine and documentation are often what insurers and investigators ask for. A professional testing programme helps you demonstrate you took reasonable steps.

Close-up of portable appliance tester checking kettle for compliance

How often should PAT testing be done?

There is no single interval set by PAT testing law. HSE guidance for low risk environments stresses that yearly testing of everything is a myth, and that frequency depends on the equipment, how it is used, and where it is used. A laptop in a quiet office is not exposed to the same wear as a vacuum in a busy shop, or a drill on a site.

Getting the schedule right without overspending

Movement, heat, moisture, dust, and the chance of impact all increase risk. Shared equipment and extension leads often need closer attention because they are handled more and suffer more strain. We help you set a schedule that meets PAT testing law expectations without paying for unnecessary testing.

PAT testing and wider electrical compliance

PAT testing law covers portable equipment, but it sits alongside other duties, including maintaining fixed wiring and electrical systems. If you want a joined up approach, we can align portable appliance testing with your wider maintenance schedule to reduce disruption, especially across multiple locations.

Contact us today to book your PAT testing visit, protect your people, and keep your business on the right side of the law.