Is PAT Testing a Legal Requirement? Here’s What UK Businesses Need to Know
- Luke Johnson
- Nov 30, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 8, 2025
Ensuring the safety of electrical equipment in the workplace is a critical responsibility for UK businesses. Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) often comes up in discussions about electrical safety, but many business owners wonder if PAT testing is a legal requirement. This post clarifies the legal position of PAT testing, explains relevant UK regulations, and highlights why regular PAT testing benefits your business beyond compliance.
Understanding the Legal Status of PAT Testing
PAT testing involves inspecting and testing electrical appliances to ensure they are safe to use. Despite its importance, PAT testing itself is not a legal requirement in the UK. No law explicitly states that businesses must carry out PAT testing on their electrical equipment.
However, this does not mean businesses can ignore electrical safety. UK employers and duty holders must ensure that all electrical equipment is safe and properly maintained. This responsibility is covered under broader health and safety laws and regulations.
Key UK Regulations Governing Electrical Safety
Several UK laws require businesses to manage electrical risks, even though they do not mandate PAT testing specifically:
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
This act places a general duty on employers to ensure the health and safety of employees and others affected by their work activities. This includes maintaining safe electrical equipment.
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
These regulations require that electrical systems and equipment are maintained to prevent danger. Employers must ensure that electrical equipment is safe to use and inspected regularly.
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
PUWER requires that work equipment, including electrical appliances, is suitable for use, maintained in a safe condition, and inspected to ensure safety.
Together, these laws mean businesses must manage electrical risks effectively. PAT testing is a practical way to meet these obligations by regularly checking equipment safety.
Why Regular PAT Testing Makes Sense for Your Business
Even though PAT testing is not legally compulsory, it offers clear benefits that support compliance and workplace safety:
Reduces the risk of electrical accidents
Regular testing identifies faults before they cause shocks, fires, or equipment failure.
Extends the lifespan of electrical equipment
Detecting and fixing issues early helps avoid costly damage and replacements.
Provides documented evidence of safety compliance
PAT testing records can demonstrate that your business takes electrical safety seriously, which can be important for insurance and inspections.
Recommended Frequency of PAT Testing
The frequency of PAT testing depends on the risk level associated with the equipment and its environment. Regulations now recommend that businesses assess their own level of risk and decide how often to test equipment. For most businesses, a yearly PAT test is the best practice. Annual testing ensures that any developing faults are caught early, maintaining a safe workplace and reducing liability.
For example:
Equipment used daily in harsh environments, such as construction sites, should be tested more frequently, possibly every 6 months.
Office equipment in low-risk environments still benefits from annual testing to confirm ongoing safety.
By committing to yearly PAT testing, businesses maintain a consistent safety standard and avoid the risks of extended gaps between inspections.
Practical Steps for UK Businesses
To manage electrical safety effectively, businesses should:
Conduct a risk assessment of all portable electrical equipment.
Implement a PAT testing schedule based on risk, aiming for annual tests.
Keep detailed records of all inspections and repairs.
Train staff to identify and report electrical faults promptly.
Use qualified professionals to carry out PAT testing and repairs.
These steps help businesses meet their legal duties and protect employees and visitors.
Electrical safety is a legal responsibility for UK businesses, even though PAT testing itself is not mandated by law. Regular PAT testing remains a practical and effective way to ensure equipment safety, reduce risks, and provide documented proof of compliance. By adopting a yearly PAT testing routine, businesses can protect their workforce, avoid costly accidents, and demonstrate commitment to safety.
