Us too! It’s crazy how many different terms there are for basically the same thing. It’s all because some powers that be want to change the name, but people know it as PAT testing, and will likely keep it that way forever!

Basically, we call it PAT testing, but it in the trade is (In-Service) Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment (ISITEE). It’s been called that for years and we have never had a client use the term, but to stop the arguments we have to use it, or at least mention it once or twice.

ISITEE is the term used in the IET’s Code of Practice, which some people, incorrectly, think is a rule book. It’s not, it’s just a guide.

It used to be called Portable Appliance Testing; that name has been all but phased out, because ‘Portable’ is too confusing apparently. An electrical appliance isn’t necessarily portable, as it may not be moveable, and that confuses people. The Portable Appliance Testing Trade Association, actually suggests that the word ‘Portable‘ is in reference to the appliance being portable from the mains, i.e. it can be unplugged.

Today, some want us to call it Electrical Equipment Testing, because it’s not just portable equipment that needs inspecting, but we like to keep things simple so we continue to call it PAT testing. Plus it’s the name of our business, and changing that would take a lot of work!

The easiest way to sum this up is to say – if your electrical appliance turns off when you unplug it (take the power away) then it’s mains powered and thus needs a PAT test.

If it stays on then it is battery operated, and doesn’t need a PAT test (but it’s leads or chargers do)

If it doesn’t have a plug, and now is wired into a ‘spur’ that has a switch to switch it off (effectively unplug it) then that also needs checking. If the spur doesn’t have a switch, it may also need checking. However, with these, we only check to the plastic plate of the spur, never inside it, as that is an electricians territory. See Fixed Appliance Testing for more info on this.

If it was never intended to have a plug, like a shower or an escalator, then it’s nothing to do with us.

The PAT Test is a process carried out to make sure an electrical appliance is as safe now as it was when it was manufactured, or as safe as it should be to meet British Standards (as some manufacturing techniques from other countries don’t match our safety standards).

The process involves a visual inspection by a competent person where they check the plug, fuse, flexible cable, appliance itself and markings to make sure they all meet these standards. If not, a repair may be possible.

The visual inspection isn’t just to make sure these standards are met but to check for any damage from use, or DIY repairs, etc.

Once the engineer is satisfied the visual aspect is acceptable, tests may be carried out.

Some appliances, considered to be double insulated, may be tested to check the integrity of the insulation.

Other appliances that also rely on earth protection, will be further tested for continuity of the earthing functions.

Also leads with an earth wire, will also be checked for Polarity.

PAT testing, ISITEE or EET depending on what you want to call it is a vital part of electrical safety, combining visual checks, and electrical testing to ensure appliances are safe to continue using.

This is not an easy answer, but to keep it short – appliances should be tested as often as is necessary to maintain safety; how often is that? That is dependent on an assessment of the risk.

Most people, companies, authorities, insurers etc consider annual testing to be the best policy, and it’s generally accepted that if you get tested annually that, that is ok, assuming the equipment or use is not high risk.

There used to be discussions over all kinds of different frequencies, but these just confuse people, especially these days with such high turnover of equipment.

In general, power tools and similar on a building site should be tested every 3 months, in a normal workplace every 6-12 months is sufficient. Most workplaces like shops, cafe’s, property, general businesses every 12 months is common. In an office with fixed equipment such as monitors on arms, PC’s with cables in trunking etc, assuming it’s well maintained, this could be extended to 2 or even 3 years.

But whatever period you choose don’t just pick a number out of thin air, do a proper risk assessment or speak to us – we have the experience to recommended sensible options.

We have a page dedicated to PAT Testing Frequency.

In our humble opinion, to be able to do PAT testing, and to confirm an appliance is safe a person needs to be competent. To become competent they need suitable training, such as on a course or an in-house training programme as a new PAT tester in a PAT testing company. They also need to be qualified, City and Guilds 2377 is the industry standard. They also need experience, which you can only get on the job working alongside other more experienced engineers.

All businesses are legally required, in the UK, to ensure all electrical equipment provided for use in a workplace, is safe to use.

How the business does this is down to their own discretion.

A thorough risk assessment is crucial – the assessment should identify potential risks, associated with electrical equipment, and what measures need to be taken to control the risks.

Regular PAT testing is a recognised method for controlling the risks.

It is widely known that regulatory bodies and insurers require PAT testing to be done to manage safety in a workplace.

By conducting regular (i.e. annual) PAT testing, employers, business owners, landlords etc can effectively mitigate the risks associated with the equipment. If you are proactive in getting PAT done, as often as is possible, you will be protecting your business and users from harm, and other liabilities. It also gives assurance to these users that you take their safety seriously.