Electrical safety terminology can shift quickly, and if you have been searching for PAT testing services recently, you may have noticed some unfamiliar language appearing. Whether you manage a commercial property, run a small business, or work in facilities management, understanding what PAT testing is called now matters for compliance, contractor conversations, and insurance purposes.
When Did PAT Become EET?
The transition from “PAT testing” to “EET” (Electrical Equipment Testing) has been a gradual shift within the electrical inspection industry rather than a single regulatory change enforced overnight. Many electrical contractors and trade bodies began adopting the term EET to more accurately describe what the process actually involves, since the older term was, strictly speaking, always a redundancy: PAT stands for Portable Appliance Testing, so saying “PAT testing” meant saying “testing testing.”
EET is now the preferred professional terminology used by organisations such as the ECA (Electrical Contractors’ Association) and many NICEIC-registered engineers. The practical scope of the work remains unchanged, covering the inspection and testing of portable electrical appliances to ensure they are safe for continued use in the workplace.mains electrical risk.
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Is It Still Called PAT Testing in the UK?
Colloquially, yes, the term PAT testing remains widely used across the UK and is unlikely to disappear from everyday conversation any time soon. Most business owners, landlords, and office managers still request “PAT testing” because it is the phrase they recognise, and many electrical contractors continue using it in their marketing for exactly that reason.
However, within professional and regulatory contexts, EET is increasingly the standard. The IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) publishes the Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment, and this document has consistently moved away from the PAT testing label to reflect more precise language. When speaking with a qualified engineer or reviewing formal inspection documentation, EET is the terminology you are most likely to encounter.
Understanding When PAT Testing Changed to EET
There is no single piece of legislation that mandated the switch from PAT to EET on a specific date. The change has been driven primarily by the electrical industry’s own professional bodies seeking clearer, more technically accurate language. The IET’s Code of Practice, now in its fifth edition, has progressively steered professionals away from the colloquial term.
From a legal compliance standpoint, the obligations placed on employers have not changed regardless of what the process is called. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that electrical systems and equipment be maintained in a safe condition, and regular inspection and testing of portable appliances remains one of the primary ways businesses demonstrate compliance with this duty. You can review the full text of the Electricity at Work Regulations on the UK legislation website.
| Term | Stands For | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| PAT Testing | Portable Appliance Testing (Testing) | Colloquially common, technically redundant |
| PAT | Portable Appliance Testing | Still used informally across the UK |
| EET | Electrical Equipment Testing | Preferred professional and industry standard term |
| In-Service Inspection | Full IET description | Used in formal regulatory and technical documentation |
Are PAT and EICR the Same Thing?
This is one of the most common points of confusion and it is worth addressing clearly. PAT (or EET) and EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) are two entirely different types of electrical inspection with different scopes, qualifications, and outcomes.
An EICR assesses the fixed wiring installation of a building, including consumer units, sockets, switches, and the integrity of the electrical installation as a whole. EET, by contrast, focuses on the portable appliances that plug into those sockets, such as kettles, computers, power tools, and extension leads. Both are important, but they are not interchangeable, and a business typically requires both to demonstrate comprehensive electrical safety compliance.
| Inspection Type | What It Covers | Frequency (Typical) | Who Carries It Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| EET (formerly PAT) | Portable electrical appliances | Annually or risk-based | Competent person or electrician |
| EICR | Fixed wiring and installation | Every 5 years (commercial) | Qualified electrician (NICEIC/NAPIT) |
| Visual Inspection | Basic appliance checks | Ongoing/as required | User or responsible person |
| Combined Assessment | Both appliances and installation | As agreed with contractor | Qualified electrical contractor |
What EET Means for Businesses Under UK Health and Safety Law
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) does not prescribe a fixed schedule for electrical appliance testing, but it does make clear that employers have a duty to maintain equipment in a safe condition under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). The frequency of EET should be determined by a risk assessment, taking into account the environment, type of equipment, and how often it is used.
For high-risk environments such as construction sites or catering kitchens, testing intervals are generally much shorter than for a standard office setting. The HSE provides detailed guidance on managing electrical risks in the workplace, and their resources are a useful starting point for any business developing or reviewing its electrical safety policy. Guidance is available directly from the Health and Safety Executive’s electrical safety pages.
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What is PAT Testing Called Now: The Professional Standard for Electrical Equipment Safety
Whether the process is referred to as PAT testing, EET, or in-service inspection, the underlying purpose and legal obligations remain consistent. Businesses operating in the UK are required to ensure their electrical equipment is safe, and routine inspection and testing is the recognised means of meeting that obligation. The terminology shift from PAT to EET simply reflects the industry’s move towards more precise language, not a change in what is legally required of you.
For practical purposes, when engaging a contractor, it is entirely acceptable to use either term and any reputable electrician will understand what you need. What matters most is that the work is carried out by a competent person and that records are kept, since documentation is often the first thing insurers and enforcement bodies request in the event of an incident. Keeping up-to-date test records is as important as the testing itself.
The shift in terminology also presents an opportunity for businesses to review their wider electrical safety arrangements. An EICR and EET programme, working in tandem, gives employers and property managers a much clearer picture of the overall electrical safety health of their premises.
What is PAT Testing Called Now: Frequently Asked Questions
PAT testing is now more accurately referred to as EET, which stands for Electrical Equipment Testing. The change is driven by industry professionals seeking more precise terminology, though PAT testing remains widely understood colloquially.
There is no specific law requiring EET by name, but the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require employers to maintain electrical equipment in a safe condition. Regular inspection and testing is the primary way businesses demonstrate compliance with this duty.
There was no single official date when the change took place; it has been a gradual industry-led shift over several years. The IET’s Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing has progressively adopted EET as the preferred term across its recent editions.
No, they are separate inspections with different scopes. EET covers portable electrical appliances, while an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) assesses the fixed wiring and electrical installation of a building.
EET can be carried out by any “competent person,” which in practice means someone with sufficient knowledge and experience to safely conduct the tests. Many businesses use NICEIC or NAPIT-registered electricians to ensure a consistent and professionally recognised standard.
There is no legally mandated fixed interval; the recommended frequency is determined by a risk assessment. High-risk environments like construction sites may require testing every three months, while low-risk offices may only need it every two to four years.
No, EET and EICR serve different purposes and one does not replace the other. A thorough electrical safety programme for any commercial premises should include both regular appliance testing and periodic fixed installation inspections.
PAT stands for Portable Appliance Testing, which is why the phrase “PAT testing” was always technically redundant. The move to EET removes this tautology while better reflecting that all electrical equipment, not just portable items, may be included in a testing programme.
Landlords are required to ensure electrical appliances provided in rental properties are safe, though specific obligations vary depending on property type and tenancy agreement. For residential properties, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations 2020 primarily mandate EICRs, but appliance safety remains a landlord responsibility.
A competent engineer should provide a register of all tested appliances, including the test results, pass or fail status, and the date of testing. These records are important for insurance purposes and may be requested by enforcement authorities or the HSE.
The IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment is the primary guidance document for conducting EET in the UK. You can learn more about portable appliance testing and its history on the Wikipedia page for PAT testing.
Yes, failure to maintain and produce electrical safety records can result in enforcement action under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Inspectors from the HSE or local authority may issue improvement notices if adequate electrical safety measures cannot be evidenced.
A visual inspection involves checking a plug, lead, and appliance casing for obvious damage, while a full EET uses specialised testing equipment to check insulation resistance, earth continuity, and leakage current. Both form part of a complete in-service inspection programme.
If the home office is used solely for employed work and equipment is provided by an employer, the employer’s usual health and safety obligations apply. Self-employed individuals working from home are encouraged to ensure their equipment is safe, though the legal requirements differ from those applying to commercial premises. The HSE’s home working guidance offers further detail on managing these responsibilities.