PAT Testing vs Fixed Appliance Testing: What's the Difference and Do You Need Both?

Electrical safety is a legal and operational responsibility for every UK business. Whether you manage an office, warehouse, school, retail premises, healthcare facility or industrial site, ensuring that electrical equipment remains safe to use is essential for protecting employees, customers and visitors.

When discussing electrical compliance, two terms often cause confusion: PAT testing and Fixed Appliance Testing (FAT). Many business owners assume they are the same thing, while others are unsure whether they need one service or both.

The reality is that PAT testing and Fixed Appliance Testing assess different types of electrical equipment and both can play an important role in a comprehensive electrical safety programme.

At Global Compliance, we help organisations across the UK maintain compliance through professional PAT testing, Fixed Appliance Testing, EICRs and other electrical safety services. Understanding the difference between these inspections can help ensure your business remains compliant and safe.

What Is PAT Testing?

PAT stands for Portable Appliance Testing.

PAT testing involves inspecting and testing electrical appliances that can be moved, unplugged or relocated during normal use. These items are connected to the electrical supply via a plug and socket.

Examples of portable appliances include:

• Computers and monitors

• Kettles and microwaves

• Extension leads

• Printers

• Vacuum cleaners

• Power tools

• Portable heaters

• Kitchen appliances

• Chargers and power supplies

The purpose of PAT testing is to identify faults that could cause electric shock, burns, fires or equipment failure.

PAT testing typically combines visual inspections with electrical testing using specialist equipment. The visual inspection is particularly important because many faults, such as damaged cables or plugs, can be identified before any electrical testing takes place.

What Is Fixed Appliance Testing?

Fixed Appliance Testing (FAT) focuses on appliances that are permanently connected to the electrical installation or fixed in position.

Unlike portable appliances, these items are not intended to be moved regularly and are generally hardwired into the electrical system.

Examples of fixed appliances include:

• Hand dryers

• Wall-mounted heaters

• Fixed kitchen equipment

• Air conditioning units

• Extraction systems

• Water heaters

• Commercial catering equipment

• Built-in machinery

Because these appliances are permanently connected to the electrical installation, they require a different testing approach than standard PAT testing.

Fixed Appliance Testing assesses the electrical safety and condition of these appliances to ensure they remain safe for continued use.

Why Do People Confuse PAT and FAT?

The confusion usually arises because both inspections focus on electrical safety.

They share similar objectives:

• Protecting users from electric shock

• Reducing fire risks

• Identifying damaged equipment

• Supporting workplace safety compliance

• Helping employers meet legal obligations

However, the key difference is the type of equipment being tested.

PAT testing covers portable electrical equipment connected by plugs.

Fixed Appliance Testing covers permanently connected electrical equipment.

Both are important because electrical faults can occur in either category.

Are PAT Testing and FAT Legal Requirements?

There is no specific UK law stating that businesses must carry out PAT testing or Fixed Appliance Testing at a set interval.

However, several pieces of legislation require employers and duty holders to maintain electrical equipment in a safe condition.

These include:

1. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

Employers must ensure electrical systems and equipment are maintained to prevent danger.

2. Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

Businesses have a duty to protect employees and others who may be affected by their activities.

3. Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER)

Work equipment must be maintained and suitable for safe use.

4. Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

Electrical faults remain one of the leading causes of commercial fires, making equipment maintenance an important part of fire safety management.

Testing provides documented evidence that a business is taking reasonable steps to meet these obligations.

What Happens During PAT Testing?

A professional PAT testing inspection typically includes several stages.

First, the engineer carries out a visual inspection. This often identifies damaged cables, cracked plugs, missing covers, exposed wiring or signs of overheating.

The appliance is then subjected to electrical tests using specialist equipment. Depending on the type of appliance, this may include:

• Earth continuity testing

• Insulation resistance testing

• Polarity checks

• Functional testing

• Leakage current testing

Each appliance receives a pass or fail result, and a detailed report is produced.

What Happens During Fixed Appliance Testing?

Fixed Appliance Testing follows a similar principle but is adapted for permanently connected equipment.

The engineer may inspect:

• Electrical connections

• Protective earth arrangements

• Insulation condition

• Signs of overheating

• Equipment functionality

• General installation safety

Because many fixed appliances are integrated into larger systems, testing may involve isolation procedures and additional safety controls.

Results are recorded and any defects are identified for remedial action.

Do You Need Both PAT Testing and Fixed Appliance Testing?

For many businesses, the answer is yes.

If your premises contain both portable and permanently connected electrical equipment, relying on PAT testing alone could leave significant gaps in your compliance programme.

Consider a typical office building.

PAT testing may cover laptops, monitors, printers, kettles and extension leads.

However, the premises may also contain:

• Wall-mounted heaters

• Hand dryers

• Air conditioning systems

• Fixed kitchen equipment

• Water heaters

These appliances would not normally be covered by PAT testing and may require Fixed Appliance Testing.

Similarly, warehouses, factories, schools, hotels and healthcare facilities often contain large numbers of both portable and fixed appliances.

A combined approach provides more comprehensive protection.

How Often Should Testing Be Carried Out?

There is no universal testing frequency that applies to every business.

Inspection intervals should be determined by a risk assessment that considers:

• The type of equipment

• Its age and condition

• The environment in which it operates

• The likelihood of damage

• Manufacturer recommendations

• Previous inspection results

Equipment used in demanding environments such as construction sites, factories and workshops often requires more frequent testing than equipment used in low-risk office environments.

An experienced compliance provider can help determine suitable inspection schedules.

What Are the Risks of Not Testing Electrical Equipment?

Ignoring electrical equipment maintenance can expose businesses to several risks.

Faulty equipment can cause:

• Electric shocks

• Burn injuries

• Equipment failure

• Production downtime

• Fire incidents

• Property damage

• Injuries to employees or visitors

In addition to safety concerns, businesses may face difficulties during audits, insurance claims, health and safety investigations or legal proceedings if they cannot demonstrate proper maintenance procedures.

Testing helps identify issues before they become serious problems.

The Benefits of Professional Testing

Professional electrical testing offers more than compliance.

Businesses benefit from:

• Improved workplace safety

• Reduced risk of electrical fires

• Lower likelihood of equipment failure

• Better documentation and record keeping

• Support for insurance requirements

• Greater confidence during inspections and audits

• Demonstration of duty-of-care responsibilities

A proactive approach to testing can often prevent costly repairs and operational disruption.

How Global Compliance Can Help

Global Compliance provides comprehensive electrical safety services for businesses across the UK. Our experienced engineers carry out PAT testing, Fixed Appliance Testing, EICRs, emergency lighting testing, thermographic inspections and other compliance services designed to help organisations maintain safe and compliant premises.

We work with offices, industrial facilities, healthcare providers, schools, retail businesses, landlords and property managers, delivering professional inspections, detailed reporting and practical compliance support.

Our team understands that every business is different, which is why we tailor testing schedules and recommendations to suit your specific environment and operational requirements.

Book Your Electrical Compliance Assessment

If you're unsure whether your business requires PAT testing, Fixed Appliance Testing or both, Global Compliance can help assess your premises and recommend the most appropriate solution.

Our experienced team can help you identify compliance gaps, improve electrical safety and maintain the records needed to demonstrate responsible management of your electrical equipment.

To arrange PAT testing, Fixed Appliance Testing or a wider electrical compliance review, call 0330 100 5341 or email info@global-compliance.co.uk today. Our team will be happy to discuss your requirements and provide expert guidance on keeping your workplace safe and compliant.