Why has PAT Testing changed to EET Testing?

May 14, 2023

More than a name change

The electrical industry has seen a transition from Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) to Electrical Equipment Testing (EET) in recent years to improve the safety and reliability of electrical equipment and testing.

In Brief: Why the Change from PAT to EET?

Broader Scope: EET Testing covers a wider range of electrical equipment, including fixed appliances and extension leads, ensuring comprehensive safety evaluation.

Enhanced Risk Assessment: EET Testing uses an improved risk assessment process, considering factors like equipment type, age, environment, and user competence, resulting in better protection.

Improved Terminology: The term "EET Testing" emphasizes the need for regular safety checks on all types of electrical equipment, eliminating confusion surrounding "PAT Testing."

Alignment with Industry Standards: EET Testing aligns with current industry standards, such as the IET Code of Practice, ensuring up-to-date and consistent testing procedures.

The shift from PAT Testing to EET Testing in the UK is a gradual change in industry practices to align with the IET Code of Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment. The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) published the latest edition of this Code of Practice in 2020. The change reflects an updated approach to electrical safety testing, covering a broader scope of equipment and incorporating an improved risk assessment process.

Benefits of EET Testing

Enhanced Safety: EET Testing helps identify and mitigate potential hazards, ensuring user safety and proper equipment functioning.

Cost-Effective: EET Testing allows for a targeted and efficient testing process, saving businesses time and money.

Compliance: Adopting EET Testing ensures compliance with industry standards, meeting legal obligations, and maintaining a safe working environment.

Improved Asset Management: EET Testing enables better tracking and management of electrical equipment, assisting in maintenance and replacement planning.

So, the shift from PAT to EET Testing offers a more comprehensive and effective approach to ensuring electrical equipment safety. Which is long overdue.

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Do New Electrical Appliances Really Need PAT Testing?

September 9, 2025

Introduction We’ve been hearing this question more and more from customers lately: “Do brand-new appliances still need PAT testing?” It’s a fair question. After all, new equipment usually arrives sealed, with manufacturer labels and testing certificates. But when it comes to safety, compliance, and peace of mind, the answer is a little more nuanced. What the Law Actually Says There is no strict legal requirement that says every appliance must be PAT tested. The law simply requires that employers and duty holders keep electrical equipment safe and properly maintained. That means the responsibility is on you to ensure equipment is safe to use, whether it’s new or not. The law doesn’t prescribe how you do it, but PAT testing is one of the most reliable methods. New Equipment: What Best Practice Looks Like Industry guidance generally states that brand-new equipment does not usually need a full PAT test . A thorough visual inspection is often enough. Why? Because new appliances are supplied as safe. But… there are a few important caveats. Why Some Organisations Still Choose to PAT Test New Appliances Even new items can develop issues before they reach you: Transit damage : knocks, drops, or rough handling. Storage conditions : damp, dust, or stacking problems. Manufacturing faults : rare, but possible. For most offices or low-risk workplaces, a visual check may be sufficient. But in higher-risk environments, like healthcare, construction, or manufacturing, many duty holders choose to test new equipment anyway. It’s about risk, peace of mind, and protecting people. A Risk-Based Approach That Works Low-risk settings (offices, shops, classrooms): Carry out a visual inspection, log the equipment, and move it into service. High-risk or critical settings (workshops, hospitals, factories): Consider a full PAT test even for new appliances, to establish a safe baseline and prevent costly downtime or accidents. Documentation and Competence Matter Whether you perform a visual inspection or a full PAT test, keep a record. This creates a clear audit trail and shows that you’ve taken reasonable steps to ensure safety. It’s also important that the person carrying out the inspection or test is competent, trained, knowledgeable, and confident in spotting issues. Conclusion: What’s the Smartest Strategy? In most cases, new appliances don’t require PAT testing, just a solid visual check as part of your risk management process. But remember: if the equipment is critical, the environment is high-risk, or there’s any sign of damage, a PAT test is a small investment in safety and peace of mind.