A full PAT test should include both a visual inspection and a more in-depth check using specialist PAT testing equipment. This test includes earth continuity, lead polarity, and insulation resistance checks.

Some appliances only need a reduced test, called a PAT insulation test.

At the end of a PAT test, every appliance should be marked ‘passed’ or ‘failed’. Ideally there should be a record of the results.

Not all electrical items need to be PAT tested. We explain more in the section ‘Which items should be PAT tested?’ further down this page.

There is no definition of what a ‘Portable Appliance’ is in the current legislation, however, the standard interpretation is “any appliance that has a plug attached to it and plugs into a wall outlet”.

Because of this, the word ‘portable’ is a bit misleading. There are actually 7 categories of appliance which should be considered for PAT testing or, at least, visual inspections:

We explain more about each of these categories in the section ‘What are the categories of electrical appliance in PAT testing?’ further down this page.

PAT testing is not, in itself, a legal requirement or obligation.

However, current Irish/EU legislation states that businesses must maintain electrical equipment in a safe condition.

They also have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of employees and the public.

Because PAT testing is one of the most effective ways to do this, particularly for high risk or large, complex environments, it has become a standard way of meeting this legal obligation.

If you would like to read the specific guidance concerning electrical equipment at work, you can find this in a number of pieces of legislation:

PAT Testing Regulations

In larger businesses a ‘competent person’ is often appointed by the employer, whose role is to make sure the company is compliant.

• The electrical ‘class’ of the item
• The ‘category’ of the item

We explain more about these in the following sections.

As mentioned in section 2, there are 7 categories of electrical appliance which require some level of testing, either a simple visual inspection, or a full PAT test:

8. How often should items be PAT tested?

There are no specific rules for the frequency of PAT tests. However, the regulations say that the level of precaution taken should be ‘appropriate’ to the risk.

There are 3 main criteria that determine PAT testing frequency:

• the risk level of the working environment
• the electrical class of the appliance
• the category of the appliance

The Health and Safety Executive also recommends taking the following into consideration as necessary:

There are 3 main factors that are taken into account when assessing the electrical risk of a business for PAT testing:

• The risk level of the environment
• The type of equipment being used
• Who will be interacting with the equipment

For example, in an office setting where equipment is relatively static and there is a regular team using it day to day, there is much less risk than on a construction site.

On a construction site, hand-held, potentially dangerous equipment is in regular use and groups of workers tend to switch in and out and therefore the risk is much higher.

11. Can my business carry out its own PAT testing?