What Does PAT Testing Cover? Scope, Inclusions and Exceptions Explained

PAT testing developed as a practical way to manage electrical safety in workplaces under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. Over time, it has become the recognised approach for in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment in the UK, with the IET Code of Practice widely used as the main source of guidance.

This article explains exactly what falls within the scope of PAT testing, what does not, and where common misunderstandings arise.

Legal Responsibilities

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require electrical systems and equipment to be maintained so far as is reasonably practicable to prevent danger. In practice, this means you need a proportionate system for identifying hazards, managing risks and acting on defects. Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is one recognised way of doing this because it combines visual inspection with appropriate electrical tests as part of a planned maintenance routine. For more detail, see our article on the legal requirements of PAT testing.

What Equipment Is Included in PAT Testing?

PAT testing applies to electrical equipment operating between 50V and 1,000V AC that is connected, or could be connected, to the electrical supply within a workplace.

This includes:

Equipment fitted with a 13A plug
Equipment connected via an industrial plug
Equipment wired to a fused spur
Single-phase and three-phase equipment

Despite the name, it is not limited to “portable” items. Stationary, fixed and built-in equipment also falls within scope of the IET Code of Practice. See our guide to types of electrical equipment. Equipment connected via industrial plugs and 110V systems, as well as equipment wired to a fused spur, is also included. Where equipment is fixed wired, safe isolation will usually be required before inspection and testing can take place. See our guide to fixed equipment isolation for PAT testing and our article on PAT testing 110V equipment for further clarification.

What Is Not Included in PAT Testing?

Fixed wiring systems are not covered by PAT testing. This includes the building’s electrical installation such as distribution boards, fixed lighting circuits and socket circuits. These are inspected under Periodic Inspection and Testing (EICR), not PAT testing.

Equipment operating above 1,000V AC is outside the scope of PAT testing.

Extra-low voltage equipment (50V AC or below, or 120V DC or below) is within the scope of the Code of Practice, but generally does not require electrical testing, although a visual inspection may still be appropriate in certain environments.

Does New Equipment Require PAT Testing?

Brand new equipment does not normally require PAT testing before first use, provided it has been supplied by a reputable manufacturer or distributor and carries the appropriate conformity marking (UKCA or CE). However, a visual inspection on receipt is still recommended to check for transit damage, poor-quality plugs or leads, and any obvious signs that the item may be counterfeit or substandard. Once placed into service, the equipment should be included in the organisation’s risk assessment and maintenance schedule.

Production Testing

PAT testing is separate from production testing. PAT testing applies to equipment that is already in use, whereas production testing is carried out during manufacture, assembly, repair or refurbishment to confirm that equipment is safe before it is supplied or returned to service.

There is some overlap in the types of electrical tests that may be used. For example, both processes can include earth continuity and insulation-related tests. However, the purpose is different. Production testing forms part of product safety and compliance, and the required tests are normally determined by the relevant product standard rather than the IET Code of Practice for in-service inspection and testing.

If you are making and selling mains-powered equipment, a PAT test on its own is not enough to demonstrate compliance. For a practical example, see our guide to making and selling lamps in the UK, which explains the additional requirements for manufacturing and supplying new electrical equipment.

Medical Equipment

Medical electrical equipment is tested in accordance with IEC 62353 rather than standard PAT procedures. These tests include measurements of patient leakage current and require specialist equipment and competence.

Applications Beyond the Workplace

Although PAT testing originated as a workplace safety measure under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, it is now widely used in other contexts.

For example:

Second-hand electrical goods - inspection and testing is widely regarded as the most effective way of demonstrating safety prior to resale. See our guides to selling second-hand electrical equipment and charity shop PAT testing.
Rented accommodation - landlords are responsible for ensuring that electrical appliances supplied as part of a tenancy are safe. See our article on PAT testing for landlords.

Conclusion

PAT testing is not limited to portable appliances, nor does it cover all electrical systems within a building. Understanding its scope helps ensure that inspection and testing is applied correctly, neither overlooked where required, nor misapplied where other inspection regimes are more appropriate.