No law says you must PAT test every year. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require electrical equipment that could cause injury to be maintained in a safe condition, but do not say what must be done, by whom or how often. HSE says there is no legal requirement to label equipment or keep test records, though records can be a useful management tool.
Step by step
- List your equipmentNote what is used and how.
- Judge the riskHeavily used, moved or harsh-environment kit needs more checks.
- Set user checks and inspectionsMany defects are found by a visual check.
- Test where neededBy a competent person with the right equipment.
- Keep a simple recordNot legally required, but useful.
Worked example. HSE describes a high street travel agency: computers, printers and a fax rarely moved, so a visual inspection every 5 years was enough. The heavily used vacuum cleaner got a visual inspection every 6 months and a test after twelve months, reviewed after 24.
Frequently asked questions
Do I legally have to PAT test every year?
No. HSE says the law does not make annual testing a requirement.
Does PAT testing have to be done by an electrician?
It must be done by someone competent. In many low-risk places a sensible member of staff with enough knowledge and training can do visual inspections; combined inspection and testing needs more knowledge and the right equipment.
Do new appliances need testing?
HSE says new equipment should be supplied in a safe condition and not need a formal test, but a simple visual check is recommended.
Sources
Related guides
- Health & safetyHow to do a risk assessment for a small business
- Health & safetyRIDDOR: what to report and when
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Last checked 4 November 2026. Rules change; check the sources above.