DIY PAT Testing: What You Can and Can’t Do Legally

By adminPAT Testing

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is an important part of workplace and electrical safety. Many business owners, landlords, and even hobbyists wonder whether they can carry out DIY PAT testing to save time and money. The truth is, there are legal limits to what you can safely and lawfully do.

This guide breaks down what you can and can’t do legally when it comes to PAT testing.

What Is PAT Testing?

PAT testing involves checking portable electrical appliances to make sure they are safe to use. It typically includes:

  • Visual inspections – looking for obvious signs of damage, wear, or overheating
  • Electrical tests – checking earth continuity, insulation resistance, and polarity
  • Labelling and documentation – recording results and marking appliances as pass/fail

PAT testing is commonly used in offices, schools, rental properties, construction sites, and events.

What You Can Do Yourself

The law allows a “competent person” to perform PAT testing. Depending on your skills and the type of testing:

  1. Visual Inspections
    • Anyone with basic knowledge of electrical equipment can carry out visual checks.
    • Check for damaged cables, broken plugs, burn marks, or loose connections.
    • This is often the first and most crucial step in PAT testing.
  2. Simple Appliance Checks
    • For low-risk equipment like kettles, lamps, or small office devices, you can sometimes perform basic PAT checks if you’ve been trained.
    • Make sure you understand how to use the PAT tester correctly.
  3. Record Keeping
    • You can maintain a register of appliances, test dates, and results.
    • Proper documentation helps demonstrate your compliance if questioned by insurers or regulators.

What You Can’t Legally Do

  1. Testing Without Competence
    • You must be competent to perform electrical tests. “Competent” usually means you’ve received training or have equivalent experience.
    • Using a PAT tester incorrectly can damage equipment or cause injury.
  2. High-Risk Electrical Tests
    • Appliances with high voltage, complex internal electronics, or portable power tools require professional testing.
    • Class I or Class II equipment may need specialist knowledge to test safely.
  3. Signing Off on Safety Certificates Without Qualification
    • Only a trained PAT tester should issue certificates or labels indicating an appliance is safe.
    • Incorrect certification could leave you legally liable if an accident occurs.

Legal Responsibilities

Even if you do some PAT testing yourself, you remain legally responsible for the safety of your appliances. Under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985:

  • Equipment must be safe for use
  • Faulty appliances must be repaired or removed
  • Records should be kept for inspection

Failing to comply can result in fines, liability claims, or insurance complications.

Best Practices for DIY PAT Testing

  • Take formal training if you intend to do any testing beyond visual checks
  • Only test low-risk, portable appliances unless fully trained
  • Keep a detailed record of inspections and test results
  • Hire a qualified PAT tester for high-risk or complex equipment

Final Thoughts

DIY PAT testing can save money, but it has strict legal and safety limits. Visual inspections are generally safe to do yourself, but electrical testing and certification should be handled by a trained professional.

✅ When in doubt, hire a certified PAT tester—it protects your employees, tenants, or customers, and ensures you remain compliant with the law.