- Content updated on
- June 18, 2026
For many years, PAT Testing (Portable Appliance Testing) has been the standard approach to maintaining electrical safety in workplaces, commercial properties and rental buildings across the UK.
While PAT Testing remains an important part of electrical safety management, industry guidance increasingly focuses on a broader, risk-based approach to inspecting and testing electrical equipment. As a result, many contractors now use the term Electrical Equipment Testing (EET) to reflect a wider view of electrical safety.
If you’re a landlord, facilities manager, business owner or property manager, understanding this shift can help you ensure your electrical compliance strategy remains effective and up to date.
What Is Changing?
For many years, PAT Testing has been the standard method of checking the safety of portable electrical appliances in workplaces, schools, rental properties and commercial premises.
Traditionally, PAT Testing focuses on plug-in equipment such as:
- Kettles and kitchen appliances
- Computers and IT equipment
- Extension leads and adaptors
- Printers and photocopiers
- Portable heaters
- Chargers and small electrical devices
While these items remain an important part of electrical safety management, many organisations now recognise the need to take a broader view of electrical equipment across their premises.
As a result, some contractors and organisations are increasingly using the term Electrical Equipment Testing (EET). While PAT Testing remains widely recognised throughout the UK, EET is often used to describe a wider, risk-based approach to inspecting and managing electrical equipment.
PAT Testing vs Electrical Equipment Testing
PAT Testing
PAT Testing focuses on portable electrical appliances and typically combines visual inspections with electrical testing to identify faults, damage or deterioration that could pose a safety risk.
A PAT Testing programme will usually include:
- Portable electrical appliances
- Extension leads and adaptors
- Plugged-in office equipment
- Visual inspections
- Electrical safety testing
- Asset labelling and record keeping
Electrical Equipment Testing (EET)
Electrical Equipment Testing is a broader term that reflects a more comprehensive approach to electrical safety management.
Depending on the environment and equipment involved, this may include:
- Portable electrical equipment
- Movable electrical equipment
- Certain fixed appliances where appropriate
- Equipment used in higher-risk environments
- Regular visual inspections and condition assessments
Rather than replacing PAT Testing, EET builds upon the same principles by encouraging organisations to consider how electrical equipment is used, where it is located and the level of risk it presents.
This approach aligns with current UK guidance, which promotes inspection and testing frequencies based on risk rather than applying the same testing schedule to every item of equipment.
The Move Towards Risk-Based Testing
Perhaps the most significant change is not the terminology itself but the approach to managing electrical safety.
Current UK guidance places greater emphasis on risk assessment rather than applying the same inspection frequency to every item of equipment.
Factors that should be considered include:
- How often equipment is used
- The environment in which it operates
- The likelihood of accidental damage
- The age and condition of the equipment
- The consequences of equipment failure
For example, a kettle in a managed office environment presents a very different level of risk compared to a power tool used daily on a construction site.
This is why many organisations now adopt inspection schedules based on actual risk rather than relying solely on fixed annual testing intervals.
What Hasn’t Changed?
Although approaches to testing have evolved, the legal responsibilities remain the same.
Employers, landlords and duty holders are still responsible for ensuring that electrical equipment is maintained in a safe condition.
Visual inspections remain one of the most effective ways of identifying common faults, including:
- Damaged plugs
- Frayed cables
- Cracked casings
- Signs of overheating
- Incorrect repairs
Testing continues to play an important role, but it should form part of a wider electrical safety management programme.
What Building Owners Should Do
Review Your Asset Register
Ensure all relevant electrical equipment is recorded and regularly reviewed. An up-to-date asset register helps demonstrate effective management and supports future inspections.
Adopt Risk-Based Inspection Intervals
Not every appliance requires the same inspection frequency. Testing schedules should reflect how equipment is used, where it is used and the level of risk it presents.
Maintain Accurate Records
Keep records of inspections, testing, remedial work and maintenance activities. Good documentation demonstrates that electrical safety is being managed appropriately.
Use a Competent Person
Inspection and testing should be carried out by someone with the appropriate training, knowledge, experience and equipment to assess electrical safety effectively.
Need Advice on PAT Testing or Electrical Equipment Testing?
At KG Electrical, we help landlords, businesses, schools and commercial property managers across Hertfordshire and London maintain safe, compliant electrical systems.
From Commercial Electrical Testing and Electrical Equipment Testing (EET) to PAT Testing, EICRs and ongoing maintenance, our qualified electricians provide reliable compliance solutions tailored to your property’s requirements.
Contact our team today to discuss your requirements or arrange an inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need electrical equipment testing if nothing has changed?
Yes. Electrical equipment naturally deteriorates through age, use and environmental factors. Regular inspection helps identify issues before they become safety hazards.
How often should electrical equipment be tested?
There is no universal testing frequency. Inspection intervals should be determined through risk assessment, taking into account the type of equipment, how often it is used and the environment in which it operates.
Is a PAT Test from last year still valid?
Previous testing records provide evidence that equipment was safe at the time of inspection. However, equipment should continue to be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains safe for ongoing use.
Does Electrical Equipment Testing include fixed equipment?
In some cases, yes. Certain fixed appliances may be included within a wider electrical equipment inspection programme. However, fixed wiring inspections remain separate and are typically assessed through an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
Can electrical equipment testing be carried out in-house?
Yes, provided the individual carrying out the inspection and testing is competent and has the appropriate knowledge, training and equipment. More advanced testing is often undertaken by specialist contractors.
What records should be kept?
You should maintain records of equipment inventories, inspection dates, test results and any remedial actions taken. Accurate record keeping helps demonstrate compliance and supports effective safety management.
Who Is Considered a Competent Person?
A competent person is someone who has the necessary knowledge, training, experience and equipment to assess whether electrical equipment is safe.
Depending on the scope of the work, this may include a qualified electrician, a trained maintenance engineer or a specialist electrical testing contractor.
They should be capable of carrying out appropriate inspections, interpreting results correctly and identifying when remedial action is required.
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