User Checks vs Formal Inspection vs Testing: The Three Levels of PAT Explained

The safest and most cost-effective way to maintain electrical appliances is to use a three-level PAT approach: user checks, formal visual inspections and combined inspection and testing. Each level detects different types of faults. Using the correct mix helps you protect people, reduce fire risks and meet your legal duty of care.

This guide explains those levels, what they involve, when each is required and how Global Compliance UK supports businesses and landlords in maintaining compliance.

Understanding PAT: More Than a One-Off Test

Portable Appliance Testing is a systematic process for ensuring that electrical appliances remain safe throughout their use. Many people assume PAT involves plugging devices into a tester once a year, however the Health and Safety Executive encourages a risk-based approach built around three levels:

User Checks → Formal Visual Inspection → Combined Inspection and Testing

Each level plays a specific role. User checks help catch obvious faults early. Formal inspections detect more subtle issues that users might miss. Combined inspection and testing identifies hidden internal faults that cannot be seen visually.

A well-structured PAT regime uses all three appropriately depending on the environment, appliance type and level of risk.

Why a Three-Level PAT Approach Matters

Selecting the correct level of checking and testing is important for several reasons:

Safety First

Electrical faults can lead to fires, electric shocks and severe accidents. Regular checks help identify risks before they escalate.

Legal Responsibility

Employers, landlords and duty holders must maintain safe electrical equipment. A three-level PAT strategy demonstrates responsible and proactive management.

Insurance Requirements

Most insurers expect evidence of regular electrical safety checks. Neglecting this can affect claims.

Cost Efficiency

Applying the correct level prevents unnecessary full PAT tests on low-risk appliances while ensuring high-risk items receive appropriate scrutiny.

Better Audit Trails

Documented inspections and testing provide clear evidence during audits, tenancy changes or incident investigations.

A three-level strategy is both safer and more efficient than relying on one generic test schedule.

User Checks

User checks are the simplest level of PAT. They are informal visual checks carried out by the appliance user before or during normal operation. These checks require no technical knowledge but do play a critical role in early fault detection.

What Users Should Look For

Users should watch out for:

• Frayed or damaged cables

• Cracked or broken plugs

• Loose or missing screws

• Signs of burning or overheating

• Unusual buzzing, crackling or odours

• Appliances that operate intermittently

• Cables trapped under desks or furniture

• Signs of moisture or spills near the appliance

These quick observations help prevent many common electrical incidents.

Where User Checks Are Most Useful

User checks are ideal for low-risk environments such as:

• Offices

• Reception areas

• Classrooms

• Hotel rooms

• Meeting rooms

In these settings, appliances are rarely moved and usually operated by trained or familiar staff.

Limitations of User Checks

User checks only detect problems visible on the outside. They cannot identify internal faults. This is why they should be paired with higher levels of PAT where appropriate.

Formal Visual Inspection

A formal visual inspection is a more thorough, documented assessment conducted by a competent person. This level identifies many faults that a casual user may overlook.

What a Formal Visual Inspection Includes

A trained inspector will:

• Examine the plug for cracks, loose components or incorrect fuses

• Check that cable grips are secure

• Ensure cable entry points show no signs of strain

• Look for taped or makeshift repairs

• Inspect the appliance casing for cracks, dents or overheating

• Ensure ventilation is clear and suitable

• Confirm appropriate labels and safety markings

• Document findings and label the appliance accordingly

This stage can identify most safety-critical issues before they develop into hazards.

When a Formal Inspection Is Needed

Formal visual inspections are ideal when:

• Appliances are moved regularly

• Multiple people use the same equipment

• The environment poses moderate risk

• Equipment is used in public or shared spaces

• You need documented evidence of appliance condition

This level is especially relevant for landlords, shared offices, hospitality settings and communal environments.

Who Should Perform It

A competent person must carry out this inspection. They do not need to be an electrician but must understand common appliance faults and basic electrical safety principles.

Combined Inspection and Testing (Full PAT Test)

Combined inspection and testing is the highest level of PAT and includes both a visual inspection and electrical tests using specialist PAT testing equipment.

What Full PAT Testing Includes

Depending on the appliance class and type, testing may include:

• Earth continuity testing for Class I appliances

• Insulation resistance testing to detect internal breakdown

• Polarity testing

• Functional testing to verify correct operation

• Leakage tests where appropriate

• Full visual inspection

• Recording of results, outcomes and retest intervals

This level identifies faults hidden inside the appliance that no visual check could detect.

When Full PAT Testing Is Required

Full PAT testing is essential when appliances:

• Are used in high-risk environments

• Are hand-held, portable or frequently moved

• Are used in workshops, construction sites or manufacturing facilities

• Are exposed to damp, dust or outdoor use

• Are supplied as part of a rental property

• Have been repaired or modified

• Are used by the public or temporary users

High-risk settings require full PAT testing to maintain safety.

Choosing the Right Level for Your Environment

Every environment presents different risks. A balanced approach considers:

• How often equipment is used

• Whether it moves between locations

• Environmental exposure

• Appliance type

• Who uses the appliance

• Previous history of faults

• Insurance or audit expectations

Low-Risk Environments

Offices, reception areas or meeting rooms may only require user checks and periodic formal inspections.

Medium-Risk Environments

Shops, cafes, shared offices or hospitality venues may need a combination of user checks, formal inspections and some PAT testing.

High-Risk Environments

Workshops, construction sites and manufacturing facilities require regular full PAT testing alongside routine checks.

Rental Properties

Landlords supplying appliances should schedule formal inspections at least annually and full PAT testing every one to two years or at tenancy change.

The key is not frequency but suitability: the right level for the right environment.

Common PAT Testing Myths

Several misconceptions cause businesses to overspend or under-test:

“Everything must be tested every year”

This is false. Testing frequency is determined by risk, not a fixed annual schedule.

“New appliances do not need checking”

New items should still be visually checked. Damage can occur during shipping or storage.

“Visual checks can replace testing”

Visual checks detect many faults but cannot identify internal electrical failures.

“Anyone can perform full PAT testing”

A competent person with proper training and equipment must conduct electrical tests.

“Record-keeping is optional”

Records are important evidence of compliance and good practice.

How Global Compliance UK Helps You Stay Safe and Compliant

Global Compliance UK offers a complete PAT testing service designed to suit all environments, from low-risk offices to high-risk industrial settings. With over 20 years of experience, we tailor our services to what your business or rental property actually needs.

Our PAT Testing Service Includes

• Portable Appliance Testing for all appliance classes

• Formal visual inspections

• User check guidance

• Clear labels and compliance records

• Competitively priced service packages

• Minor repairs where suitable

• Recommendations for retest intervals based on risk

• Support for landlords, property managers and commercial organisations

A Practical PAT Checklist for Duty Holders

To maintain a safe electrical environment:

• Build an inventory of all electrical appliances

• Assign each item a risk level

• Schedule user checks, inspections and tests based on risk

• Train staff to spot obvious faults

• Keep clear and organised records 

• Review your schedule regularly

• Update your register when equipment moves, is repaired or replaced

This framework helps prevent faults, reduce risk and improve compliance.

Conclusion

Electrical safety requires more than a yearly PAT label. It demands a structured approach built on user checks, formal visual inspections and full PAT testing. Choosing the right level for each appliance keeps people safe, protects your property and demonstrates responsible maintenance. If you would like tailored advice or wish to arrange PAT testing for your business or rental property, please get in touch with Global Compliance UK through our contact page.