Is PAT testing a legal requirement in the UK?

PAT testing itself is not specifically mandated by any single piece of UK legislation. However, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that electrical equipment used in the workplace is maintained in a safe condition to prevent danger. The IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment provides the accepted methodology for meeting this obligation. Employers, landlords and duty holders are expected to ensure portable electrical equipment is safe, and PAT testing is the industry-standard way to demonstrate compliance. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 also places a general duty on employers to ensure the safety of equipment provided for use at work.

What is the difference between Class I and Class II equipment?

Class I equipment has basic insulation and relies on an earth connection for safety. If the insulation fails, fault current flows to earth through the earth conductor, tripping the protective device. Class I equipment requires an earth continuity test during PAT testing. Examples include kettles, toasters, metal-cased power tools and washing machines. Class II equipment (double insulated) has reinforced or double insulation and does not require an earth connection for safety. It is marked with a double-square symbol. Class II equipment does not need an earth continuity test but still requires visual inspection, insulation resistance testing and functional testing during PAT testing.

Who can perform PAT testing?

There is no legal requirement for a specific qualification to perform PAT testing. The IET Code of Practice states that the person carrying out the inspection and testing must be competent, meaning they have sufficient knowledge, training and experience to carry out the work safely and interpret the results correctly. In practice, many organisations use in-house staff who have completed a PAT testing training course (typically 1 day), or they engage an external PAT testing contractor. The person must understand the equipment being tested, the test procedures, the pass/fail criteria and the hazards involved.

What PAT tester settings should I use?

For earth continuity testing on Class I equipment, the PAT tester applies a test current (typically 200 mA or 25 A, depending on the tester) and measures the resistance of the earth conductor. Pass is typically less than 0.1 ohm for most equipment. For insulation resistance testing, the standard test voltage is 500V DC for most equipment, or 250V DC for IT equipment and sensitive electronics to avoid damage. Pass is typically greater than 1 megohm. Always refer to the IET Code of Practice and your PAT tester manual for the correct settings for each equipment type.

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Free PAT testing checklist (PDF-ready). Visual inspection, earth continuity, insulation resistance and polarity per IET Code of Practice. Download free.

Jarrod Milford

Commercial Director

Updated 3 May 2026

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What is a pat testing checklist?

A PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) testing checklist is a structured document used to record the results of in-service inspection and testing of portable electrical equipment in the workplace. PAT testing is guided by the IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment (5th Edition, 2020), which provides a framework for managing the safety of electrical equipment through a combination of visual inspection and electrical testing. The checklist covers the user check (daily visual), formal visual inspection (periodic, more detailed) and combined inspection and test (periodic, with electrical tests). Visual inspection items include the plug (condition, correct fuse rating, no damage to pins), cable (no cuts, kinks, joins, damage to outer sheath), equipment body (casing intact, no damage, ventilation clear, no signs of overheating or water ingress), and labelling (rated for the supply, correct voltage and frequency). Electrical tests include earth continuity (for Class I equipment, confirming the earth conductor provides a low-resistance path), insulation resistance (confirming adequate insulation between live conductors and accessible metal parts), polarity (where applicable, confirming live and neutral are correctly connected), and functional checks. Results are recorded alongside a pass or fail outcome, and each item is given a unique identification number and a test label showing the test date and next test due date.

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Benefits of using this pat testing checklist

Electrical safety: systematic testing identifies damaged plugs, frayed cables, faulty earth connections and insulation breakdown before they cause electric shock or fire.
Legal compliance: meet the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (UK) obligation to maintain electrical equipment in a safe condition. The IET Code of Practice provides the accepted methodology.
Risk-based approach: the IET Code of Practice allows organisations to set inspection and testing intervals based on the type of equipment, its use environment and the competence of users, avoiding unnecessary over-testing.
Insurance and audit support: a complete PAT testing register with test results, pass/fail outcomes and unique asset IDs provides documented evidence for insurers, landlords and health and safety audits.
Equipment accountability: each item receives a unique identification number and test label, supporting asset tracking and preventing untested equipment from entering service.
Cost control: identifying failing appliances early allows planned replacement rather than emergency action after an incident.

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What to include in a pat testing checklist

This pat testing checklist covers 10 key areas:

Register details: site or location, inspector or tester name, competency or qualification, test instrument make, model and calibration date.
Equipment details: unique asset ID or tag number, description (e.g. kettle, extension lead, power tool), make, model, Class I or Class II, location or department, owner or user.
Visual inspection: plug condition (pins, fuse rating, cord grip), cable condition (sheath, no cuts, joins or damage), equipment body (casing, ventilation, no overheating signs, no water ingress), labelling (correct voltage and frequency rating).
Earth continuity test (Class I only): test lead resistance compensation, measured resistance in ohms, pass or fail (typically less than 0.1 ohm for most equipment, up to 0.5 ohm for longer leads).
Insulation resistance test: test voltage (typically 500V DC for standard equipment, 250V DC for IT equipment), measured resistance in megohms, pass or fail (typically greater than 1 megohm).
Polarity test (where applicable): live and neutral correctly connected, pass or fail.
Functional test: equipment operates correctly when powered on, no abnormal heat, noise or smell.
Outcome: overall pass or fail, defect description if failed, action taken (repaired, withdrawn from service, scrapped).
Test label: unique ID, test date, next test due, tester initials, applied to the equipment.
Register entry: results recorded in the PAT testing register or asset management system for traceability.

How to use this pat testing checklist

Gather the test instrument (PAT tester), calibration certificate, checklist, test labels and the register of equipment to be tested. Verify the PAT tester is within its calibration date.: Check the calibration sticker or certificate on the PAT tester before commencing. If the calibration has expired, the tester must not be used. Prepare sufficient test labels, both pass and fail types, for the number of items to be tested.
Unplug the appliance from the mains. Perform the visual inspection: check the plug (pins, fuse, cord grip), cable (sheath, no damage), equipment body (casing, ventilation, labelling) and record the results.: Inspect the plug pins for damage or discolouration, confirm the correct fuse rating is fitted and check the cord grip is secure. Examine the cable sheath for cuts, kinks or joins. Check the equipment body for cracks, overheating signs and clear ventilation.
For Class I equipment, perform the earth continuity test. Connect the PAT tester and record the resistance. Pass is typically less than 0.1 ohm for short leads and up to 0.5 ohm for longer leads.: Connect the earth continuity lead to the earth pin of the plug and the other to an accessible metal part of the equipment. The tester applies a test current and measures the resistance of the earth path. Record the exact reading in ohms.
Perform the insulation resistance test at 500V DC (or 250V DC for IT equipment). Record the measured resistance. Pass is typically greater than 1 megohm.: Select the correct test voltage on the PAT tester (500V DC for standard equipment, 250V DC for IT equipment and sensitive electronics to avoid damage). The tester measures insulation between live conductors and accessible metal parts. Record the reading in megohms.
Perform a polarity check where applicable. Then conduct a functional test by powering on the appliance briefly and checking for normal operation, no abnormal heat, noise or smell.: The polarity check confirms live and neutral are correctly connected. For the functional test, plug the appliance in and switch it on briefly. Observe for normal operation, listen for unusual sounds and check for any abnormal heat or burning smell.
Record the overall pass or fail outcome. If failed, describe the defect and action taken (repaired, withdrawn, scrapped). Apply a test label showing the unique ID, test date, next test due and tester initials.: For passed items, apply a pass label securely to the plug or cable. For failed items, apply a fail or danger label and remove the appliance from service immediately. Record the specific defect and the action taken in the register.
Enter the results in the PAT testing register or asset management system. Set the next test due date based on the IET Code of Practice recommended intervals for the equipment type and environment.: Record all results against the unique asset ID in the register. Set the next test due date based on the equipment type and use environment as recommended by the IET Code of Practice. Review and adjust intervals based on failure rates over time.

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How often should you complete this checklist?

PAT testing intervals are not fixed by law but are recommended by the IET Code of Practice based on a risk assessment considering the type of equipment, its use environment and the competence of users. Typical intervals are: IT equipment in an office (formal visual inspection every 2-4 years, combined inspection and test every 4-5 years), portable equipment on a construction site (user check daily, formal visual inspection weekly, combined inspection and test every 3 months), hand-held power tools in a workshop (user check before each use, formal visual inspection monthly, combined inspection and test every 6 months). New or refurbished equipment should be inspected and tested before first use. The IET Code of Practice emphasises that the initial suggested intervals should be reviewed and adjusted based on the results of previous inspections and the failure rate of equipment.

Frequently asked questions

Is PAT testing a legal requirement in the UK?: PAT testing itself is not specifically mandated by any single piece of UK legislation. However, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that electrical equipment used in the workplace is maintained in a safe condition to prevent danger. The IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment provides the accepted methodology for meeting this obligation. Employers, landlords and duty holders are expected to ensure portable electrical equipment is safe, and PAT testing is the industry-standard way to demonstrate compliance. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 also places a general duty on employers to ensure the safety of equipment provided for use at work.
What is the difference between Class I and Class II equipment?: Class I equipment has basic insulation and relies on an earth connection for safety. If the insulation fails, fault current flows to earth through the earth conductor, tripping the protective device. Class I equipment requires an earth continuity test during PAT testing. Examples include kettles, toasters, metal-cased power tools and washing machines. Class II equipment (double insulated) has reinforced or double insulation and does not require an earth connection for safety. It is marked with a double-square symbol. Class II equipment does not need an earth continuity test but still requires visual inspection, insulation resistance testing and functional testing during PAT testing.
How often should PAT testing be done?: The IET Code of Practice recommends intervals based on equipment type and environment. Typical intervals are: office IT equipment, formal visual inspection every 2-4 years, combined inspection and test every 4-5 years. Construction site portable equipment, user check daily, formal visual inspection weekly, combined inspection and test every 3 months. Workshop hand-held power tools, user check before each use, formal visual inspection monthly, combined inspection and test every 6 months. These are starting points and should be adjusted based on failure rates and experience.
Who can perform PAT testing?: There is no legal requirement for a specific qualification to perform PAT testing. The IET Code of Practice states that the person carrying out the inspection and testing must be competent, meaning they have sufficient knowledge, training and experience to carry out the work safely and interpret the results correctly. In practice, many organisations use in-house staff who have completed a PAT testing training course (typically 1 day), or they engage an external PAT testing contractor. The person must understand the equipment being tested, the test procedures, the pass/fail criteria and the hazards involved.
What PAT tester settings should I use?: For earth continuity testing on Class I equipment, the PAT tester applies a test current (typically 200 mA or 25 A, depending on the tester) and measures the resistance of the earth conductor. Pass is typically less than 0.1 ohm for most equipment. For insulation resistance testing, the standard test voltage is 500V DC for most equipment, or 250V DC for IT equipment and sensitive electronics to avoid damage. Pass is typically greater than 1 megohm. Always refer to the IET Code of Practice and your PAT tester manual for the correct settings for each equipment type.

Applicable regulatory standards

This template aligns with the following regulations and standards:

IET Code of Practice
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

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