EET/PAT testing, or Electrical Equipment/Portable Appliance Testing, is the process of checking electrical appliances to ensure they are safe to use. It involves a visual inspection and electrical tests to identify faults and prevent risks like electric shock or fire. While not legally mandated in the UK, it's a crucial way for businesses and landlords to meet legal obligations for electrical equipment maintenance. 

What EET/PAT testing involves

Visual Inspection:

 A qualified person checks for obvious damage, such as damaged cables, plugs, or casings.

Electrical Testing:

 A handheld device called a PAT tester is used to perform various electronic safety checks, including:

Earth continuity: Ensures the earth wire is working correctly.

Insulation resistance: Checks that the insulation is adequate.

Lead polarity: Verifies the correct wiring of the plug.

Why EET/PAT testing is important?

Prevents accidents: It reduces the risk of electric shocks, burns, and electrical fires.

Ensures legal compliance: It helps businesses and landlords meet their legal duty of care to provide a safe environment by maintaining electrical equipment in a safe condition.

Often in the small print of business insurance policies.

Identifies defects: It finds faults that may develop over time, such as wear and tear on cables and plugs.

Who should have EET/PAT testing?

Businesses: It is strongly recommended for all businesses to ensure the safety of employees and customers.

Landlords: It is a practical way for landlords to fulfil their obligation to maintain electrical equipment safely for tenants.

Anyone with electrical equipment: Any organization or individual using portable electrical equipment can benefit from regular safety checks. 

What happens after the test?

An appliance that passes the test is usually given a label to show it is safe.

An appliance that fails the test will be labelled as such, and the fault must be repaired or the appliance taken out of service. 

 Digital test certification issued.