Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is one of the simplest ways to protect your staff, your workplace and your business from electrical accidents. Yet many companies either cut corners or misunderstand what’s required. The result? Unsafe appliances slip through the net, compliance risks grow and costs can creep up.

In this article, we will explore seven of the most common mistakes businesses consistently make when it comes to PAT testing, and offer expert advice on how you can avoid them in the future.

 

1. Thinking PAT Testing Isn’t Necessary

One of the biggest misconceptions is that PAT testing isn’t legally required, so it can be ignored. While it’s true that no law specifically demands PAT testing, UK regulations such as the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 make it clear that employers must keep equipment safe.

PAT testing is the recognised way of proving you’re meeting those obligations. If an accident occurs and you haven’t taken steps like PAT testing, you could face fines, invalidated insurance and even prosecution.

 

2. Testing Too Infrequently (or Too Often)

Another common mistake is applying a one-size-fits-all approach to how often PAT testing should be done. In reality, the frequency this sort of work should be carried out depends on both the equipment type and the environment it’s used in.

• Office equipment may only need testing every 2–4 years.
• Kitchen appliances are often tested annually due to exposure to heat and moisture.
• Construction tools can require checks every 3 months because of their heavy use.

Under-testing puts staff at risk, while over-testing wastes money. A competent engineer will tailor the schedule to your business needs.

 

3. Not Testing the Right Equipment

Some businesses only test the obvious items, like kettles or extension leads, while ignoring less obvious ones. Anything with a plug - from vending machines to IT equipment - needs to be included.

Even appliances used occasionally, such as portable heaters or fans, can cause serious accidents if they are faulty. A thorough inventory is essential to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

 

4. Relying Solely on a Visual Check

Visual inspections are important in any PAT testing assessment, but they only catch surface-level issues like frayed cables or cracked casings. Many electrical faults are hidden and only show up with proper testing equipment.

Relying on visual checks alone is a shortcut that puts people at risk. A qualified PAT engineer will combine both visual and electrical tests for a complete picture of safety.

 

5. Using Unqualified Staff

Anyone can buy a handheld PAT tester online, but using untrained staff often leads to inaccurate results and poor record-keeping. Businesses sometimes try to cut costs this way, only to find they’ve left themselves exposed when something goes wrong.

Qualified engineers not only know how to perform the tests correctly but also understand the IET Code of Practice and the latest regulations. They can carry out minor remedial repairs on the spot, provide valid compliance certificates, and ensure reports will stand up under scrutiny.

 

6. Not Keeping Proper Records

Even if the testing itself is done correctly, many businesses fail to keep clear records of what was tested, when, and what the results were. Without documentation, you can’t prove compliance if asked by insurers, auditors or the Health and Safety Executive. A professional PAT testing service will give you:

• Asset lists and test results
• Pass/fail labels on appliances
• A compliance certificate
• Recommendations for repairs or retesting

Good record-keeping makes audits smooth and gives you confidence that nothing has been missed.

 

7. Assuming PAT Testing is the Same as Fixed Wire Testing

Another big mistake is confusing PAT testing with fixed wire testing (also known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report, or EICR). They’re definitely not the same thing, and assuming you're covered because you've had one and not the other can be a problem.

• PAT testing - This involves checks for individual appliances with plugs, like kettles, computers and power tools.
• Fixed wire testing - Inspections for the permanent electrical infrastructure of your building e.g. circuits, sockets, distribution boards and wiring hidden in the walls.

Both are vital for compliance, but they serve very different purposes. Relying on one and ignoring the other leaves big gaps in your electrical safety. A complete compliance strategy should cover both.

 

How to Avoid These Mistakes

The easiest way to avoid these pitfalls is to work with a trusted PAT testing provider. At Electrical Test Midlands, our engineers are fully trained, follow IET standards and use calibrated equipment. We tailor testing schedules to your workplace so that downtime is minimised and you're provided with clear records and certificates so you can demonstrate compliance with confidence.

You can also avoid easy mistakes by getting more informed on the subject of PAT testing. Have a read of our definitive guide on PAT testing here, where we explain what PAT testing is, why it matters, how often it should be carried out and the regulations you need to know. Together, these resources will give you both the knowledge and the practical support to keep your business safe, compliant and running smoothly.

 

Conclusion

PAT testing doesn’t have to be complicated, but cutting corners by not understanding the common pitfalls is risky. By avoiding these six common mistakes, your business can stay compliant, protect its people, keep electrical equipment working properly and keep productivity on track. Get in touch with our team today and be on your way to guaranteed business compliance when it comes to your on-site appliances.