Do you need to be an electrician to carry out PAT testing? Is using a pass/fail tester enough, or should you be able to interpret electrical readings? HSE addresses this in HSG107: Maintaining portable electrical equipment, which describes two levels Read more
No. You do not legally need a specific qualification to carry out PAT testing in the UK. However, the person doing the work must have sufficient technical knowledge or experience to prevent danger, or must work under an appropriate level Read more
A recent investigation by consumer organisation Which? has found potentially dangerous phone chargers being sold through major online marketplaces and well-known retail websites. Of the 15 chargers tested, nine reportedly presented serious electric shock risks, while eight posed potential fire Read more
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and BSI have published Amendment 4 (2026) to BS 7671, the UK’s wiring regulations. This is the latest update to the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations, and it reflects how modern Read more
A new national study from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has revealed a worrying truth about electrical safety in the UK (source): Most people think their homes are safe, but many haven’t checked in years. According to the Read more
For years, the BS 546 plug was seen as a relic of older electrical installations, something you would only expect to find in period properties or specialist applications. But recently, it has been making a quiet comeback. And not by Read more
What is PAT testing? Portable appliance testing (PAT), formally referred to in standards as in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment, is a process used to verify that electrical equipment remains safe to use throughout its working life. The process Read more
Beginner Setup Guide This guide sets out a recommended minimum starting toolkit for PAT testing, based directly on the equipment used and discussed during PAT testing training. It is not a fixed or exhaustive list. As testers gain experience, their Read more
Who Can Carry Out PAT Testing in the UK? If you’ve searched “do I need pat testing training?”, “who can carry out pat testing?”, or “pat testing competent person”, you’ve probably noticed the advice online is vague — and often Read more
PAT testing isn’t just for workplaces. Holiday lets, rentals, HMOs, care homes and hotels all carry legal duties — here’s how testing fits in.