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

Scope of PAT testing infographic

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.


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


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 may also fall within scope depending on how it is connected. See our article on types of electrical 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) 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 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 recommended to check for damage in transit. Once placed into service, the equipment should be included in the organisation’s risk assessment and maintenance schedule.

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.


Read more about testing medical equipment under IEC 62353.

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 guide to selling second-hand electrical equipment.
  • 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.


If you want clarity on what the law actually requires, see our guide to the legal requirements for PAT testing, which explains duty holder responsibilities under the Electricity at Work Regulations.