HomeIs PAT Testing a Legal Requirement?
PAT testing is not a legal requirement. However, the law does require electrical equipment used at work to be maintained in a safe condition. PAT testing is simply one recognised method of checking equipment to confirm it is safe to continue using, or that maintenance is needed. Despite the name, PAT testing is not limited to “portable” appliances, and it does not include fixed wiring, this is explained in our guide to what PAT testing covers (scope and exceptions).
“As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, such danger”
In practice, this means putting sensible, proportionate measures in place based on risk, not blindly testing everything on a fixed interval. A typical maintenance system often includes:
- User checks (quick visual checks before use)
- Formal visual inspections (more detailed, often including opening the plug)
- Electrical tests where appropriate (to find faults that inspection alone can’t)
- A risk assessment to set suitable inspection / test frequencies
Guidance on the procedures for PAT testing is provided by the Code of Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment, published by the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET). Following the Code of Practice is considered best practice, and by doing so you are likely to comply with the regulations. PAT testing does not necessarily need to be done by an electrician, what matters is that the person carrying out the work is competent (trained, with enough knowledge to select the correct tests and interpret the results). If you’re considering doing this internally, see can I do my own PAT testing? We also run a one-day PAT testing course that is suitable for anyone looking to carry out inspection and testing within the workplace.
You can view the Electricity at Work Regulations on legislation.gov.uk.
As well as The Electricity at Work Regulations, there is other legislation relevant to electrical maintenance:
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
The Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) defines the general principles for the management of health and safety at work in the UK. The act puts a duty of care on employers, the self-employed and employees, to ensure the safety of all persons using the work premises.
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 also places duties on suppliers of equipment for use at work, including carrying out any testing and examination needed to ensure safety.
You can view the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act on legislation.gov.uk.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations requires employers to have measures in place to ensure they comply with health and safety law. This includes a written health and safety policy and risk assessments.
You can view the The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations on legislation.gov.uk.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) requires that equipment used in the workplace is maintained in a safe condition and inspected to ensure faults are detected.
You can view the The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations on legislation.gov.uk.
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations state that maintenance is required for any equipment which would cause a risk to health and safety if a fault occurred.
You can view the The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations on legislation.gov.uk.
Housing Act 2004
The Housing Act 2004 states that electrical appliances must be kept in a safe condition if they a provided as part of a rented dwelling.
You can view the Housing Act 2004 on legislation.gov.uk.
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020
These regulations apply to the fixed electrical installation (EICR at least every 5 years) and do not legally require PAT testing of portable appliances. However, the official guidance recommends landlords regularly check any appliances they provide.
You can view the official guide for landlords: electrical safety standards in the private rented sector on the gov.uk website.
Awaab’s Law (Social Housing) and Electrical Hazards
Awaab’s Law applies to the social rented sector in England and introduces strict legal timescales for investigating and dealing with serious housing hazards. It came into force in phases from 27 October 2025, initially covering emergency hazards and serious damp and mould. In 2026, it is due to expand to include hazards such as fire and electrical hazards (where they present a significant risk of harm).
Awaab’s Law does not specifically require PAT testing. However, once electrical hazards are within scope, social landlords will be under greater pressure to demonstrate a clear, auditable system for: identifying landlord-supplied equipment, responding quickly to reported hazards, removing unsafe items from service, and keeping records that show what was found and what action was taken.
If you’re a social housing provider, see our practical guide: Awaab’s Law and PAT testing for social landlords.