Electrical Equipment Testing (EET): The Modern Standard for PAT Testing
First and foremost, most business owners and facility managers still ask for “PAT testing.” However, the correct, modern industry standard is now Electrical Equipment Testing (EET).
Electrical safety in the workplace has never been more critical. Whether you are a business owner ensuring compliance or a technician seeking recognized certification, understanding EET is essential. While “PAT testing” remains the most common search term, EET testing is the comprehensive term that reflects the full legal scope of electrical safety across all equipment types.
Why Has PAT Testing Shifted to EET?
The term PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) was historically used to describe inspecting items that could be easily moved and plugged into a wall. However, modern workplaces rely on a far broader range of electrical machinery, fixed units, and IT networks that do not fit the narrow definition of “portable.”
To reflect this reality, the industry officially updated its terminology. The IET Code of Practice (5th Edition) updated its guidance to confirm that safety inspections must apply to all electrical equipment—not just portable appliances.
Importantly, this update changes the terminology, not the underlying safety principles. The primary objective remains unchanged: keeping your workforce, tenants, and property safe from electrical hazards.
Key Differences: PAT vs. EET at a Glance
- PAT (Portable Appliance Testing): Describes a specific category of equipment (items with plugs that can be moved easily).
- EET (Electrical Equipment Testing): Describes the complete scope of workplace safety testing across all electrical assets.
- Testing Methods: Visual inspections, earth continuity, insulation resistance, and functional tests remain identical under both terms.
- Accuracy & Compliance: EET provides a clearer, legally aligned description of modern workplace safety audits.
What Equipment Does EET Cover?
Electrical Equipment Testing (EET) is the systematic process of inspecting and testing electrical apparatus to confirm it is safe for continued operational use. Following the principles of traditional PAT testing, EET combines detailed visual inspections with calibrated electronic testing to identify faults, insulation degradation, and shock hazards.
An effective EET program covers a wide spectrum of workplace equipment, including:
- Portable & Handheld Appliances: Kettles, microwaves, power tools, desktop PCs, and monitors.
- Movable & Transportable Equipment: Floor-standing heaters, mobile air conditioning units, and trailing extension leads.
- Fixed & Stationary Machinery: Commercial kitchen apparatus, bench-mounted tools, and equipment hardwired directly into the supply.
EET is carried out strictly in accordance with the IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment (5th Edition), directly supporting your legal compliance under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
Key Business Benefits of EET Compliance
Whether managed in-house or outsourced to certified engineers, a structured EET program delivers vital commercial and operational benefits:
- Proactive Hazard Prevention: Drastically reduces the risk of electrical shock, severe fires, and costly equipment downtime.
- Regulatory & Insurance Proof: Demonstrates clear due diligence to local authorities, HSE inspectors, and commercial insurers.
- Risk-Based Testing Schedules: Allows tailored testing intervals—ensuring high-risk site tools are tested frequently while low-risk office IT avoids unnecessary disruption.
- Asset Protection: Identifies minor wiring and fuse faults early, extending the overall service life of expensive workplace hardware.
Book Certified Electrical Equipment Testing
Keep your employees protected, your property secure, and your business legally compliant. Contact us today for a free quote or to book your next testing appointment. Stay compliant. Stay safe. Let MES take care of the rest.
