One of the most common questions around electrical safety is: “Do I need to PAT test brand-new appliances?”
If you’ve just bought a new kettle, laptop, or microwave for your workplace or rental property, it’s natural to wonder whether it needs testing before being put into use. The answer is no — new equipment does not need to be PAT tested immediately. But there are some important things you should know.
Why New Equipment Doesn’t Need PAT Testing
When you buy electrical equipment from a reputable retailer or manufacturer, it must comply with UK and EU safety standards, such as CE marking or UKCA marking. This means the item has already been tested to meet strict safety requirements before it goes on sale.
So, when an appliance is brand new:
- It is considered safe to use straight out of the box.
- PAT testing isn’t necessary until it has been in service for some time.
What You Should Do Instead
Even though new appliances don’t need immediate PAT testing, landlords, employers, and duty holders should still take some precautions:
- Carry Out a Visual Check
- Look for any obvious damage (e.g. cracked casing, bent plug pins, frayed cords).
- Make sure the plug is properly fitted and fused.
- Keep Purchase Records
- Hold onto receipts, invoices, and manuals — these can be useful for compliance records and warranties.
- Add to Your Testing Schedule
- Include the new appliance in your routine PAT testing programme so it gets tested at the appropriate interval based on use and environment.
When Should New Appliances Be PAT Tested?
Although brand-new items don’t need PAT testing right away, they should be tested:
- At the next scheduled PAT testing interval for your workplace, rental property, or site.
- Sooner if the equipment is used in a high-risk environment (e.g. construction sites, workshops).
- Immediately if any damage occurs, even if the appliance is new.
Why It’s Still Important to Test Eventually
Over time, normal wear and tear can create risks such as:
- Loose wires inside the plug.
- Damaged or frayed cables.
- Internal faults that can’t be spotted by eye.
This is why ongoing PAT testing is so important — to catch faults that appear after the appliance has been in use.
Final Thoughts
To answer the question: No, you do not need to PAT test new electrical equipment immediately.
However, you should always:
- Carry out a quick visual inspection when you first receive it.
- Keep it on record and include it in your regular PAT testing schedule.
This way, you’ll stay compliant with UK regulations, protect users from risk, and ensure your equipment stays safe throughout its lifetime.