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If you’ve looked into PAT Testing recently, you may have noticed a change in terminology. The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) now uses Electrical Equipment Testing (EET) to describe the inspection and testing of electrical equipment.
However, PAT Testing remains the term most people recognise and search for, so you’ll still see it used widely.
What is PAT Testing?
PAT Testing is the familiar term for the inspection and testing of electrical equipment to help ensure it’s safe to use.
The process can include:
- Visual inspection – checking plugs, cables and appliances for damage, wear, loose connections or signs of overheating.
- Electrical testing – carrying out appropriate tests using specialist equipment, depending on the type and condition of the equipment.
Any equipment found to be unsafe should be removed from use until it has been repaired or replaced.
It’s also important to distinguish PAT Testing from an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). PAT Testing covers electrical equipment, while an EICR assesses fixed electrical installations such as sockets, wiring, lighting circuits and consumer units.
Is PAT Testing still required?
Yes. PAT Testing is still an important part of maintaining electrical safety. While there is no UK law that specifically says you must carry out annual PAT Testing, legislation requires landlords, employers and housing providers to ensure electrical equipment is safe for use.
This responsibility comes from several pieces of legislation, including:
- The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
- The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
- The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998 (where applicable)
What does the current guidance recommend?
Current guidance supports a risk-based approach to inspecting and testing electrical equipment.
Rather than automatically testing every appliance at the same interval, providers should consider factors such as:
- How often the equipment is used
- Who uses it
- Where it’s used
- The type and condition of the equipment
- Previous inspection and testing results
- Manufacturer recommendations
- Any history of faults or repairs
For example, a kettle used several times a day in a communal kitchen is likely to present different risks from a desk lamp that’s rarely used in an office
A risk-based approach allows providers to focus attention where it’s most needed without relying on a one-size-fits-all testing schedule.
Why PAT Testing is important in Supported Housing?
Supported housing providers have a duty to create safe living environments for residents, staff and visitors.
Electrical faults can lead to electric shock, fire, equipment failure, injury to residents or staff, and disruption to essential services. Also, many supported housing residents may be more vulnerable due to age, disability or additional support needs, which makes proactive electrical safety even more important.
What should Supported Housing Providers test?
Supported housing properties can contain a wide range of electrical equipment, including:
- Communal kitchen appliances
- Kettles and microwaves
- Fridges and freezers
- Washing machines and other laundry equipment
- Vacuum cleaners and cleaning equipment
- Portable heaters
- Extension leads
- Office equipment
- Staff appliances
If your organisation supplies electrical appliances for residents, staff or communal areas, these should be considered as part of your electrical equipment safety programme.
Residents may also bring their own appliances into properties. Providers should have clear policies explaining who is responsible for these items and how associated risks are managed.
Keeping an accurate inventory is just as important as carrying out the testing itself.
We’ve created a free PAT Testing Inventory Sheet to help supported housing providers record electrical appliances, inspection results and testing dates across their properties.
👉 Download your free PAT Testing Inventory Sheet.
How often should PAT Testing be carried out?
We recommend that supported housing providers carry out PAT Testing at least annually, with more frequent inspections where risk is higher. This may include properties with high resident turnover, heavily used communal areas or frequently moved equipment. A risk assessment should determine the appropriate inspection interval.
Factors that influence testing frequency include:
- High-use communal areas
- Construction or maintenance environments
- Wet or damp locations
- Equipment used by multiple people
- Older appliances
- Previous failures or repairs
How The Supported Housing Compliance Company can help you?
At The Supported Housing Compliance Company, we work with supported housing providers to make PAT Testing simple and manageable.
Our team can help you plan and carry out an appropriate testing programme, maintain accurate records and ensure electrical equipment is inspected and tested by competent professionals. We’ll provide clear reports and practical recommendations to help you demonstrate compliance with confidence.
Whether you manage a single property or a large portfolio, we’re here to help you keep your residents safe and your compliance on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PAT Testing a legal requirement?
There is no legislation that specifically requires PAT Testing. However, employers, landlords and housing providers have a legal duty to ensure electrical equipment is maintained in a safe condition.
What’s the difference between PAT Testing and EET?
PAT Testing is the traditional and most widely recognised term. The IET’s current terminology is In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment, which reflects the fact that electrical equipment testing can cover more than portable appliances. PAT Testing remains the term most people use when searching for this service.
Does every appliance need an annual PAT Test?
No. Current guidance recommends inspection frequencies are based on risk rather than a fixed annual schedule.