What Can Happen If You Don’t Test Your Electrical Equipment?

Maintaining electrical safety isn’t just good practice—it’s a legal duty in the UK under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Even though Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) itself isn’t a statutory requirement, failing to test or maintain equipment appropriately can result in serious safety, legal, financial, and reputational consequences. 

In this guide, we explore exactly what can happen if you don't test electrical equipment and why a proactive approach is essential.

Legal Obligations and What the Law Requires

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 stipulate that all electrical systems and equipment “shall be maintained so far as is reasonably practicable to prevent danger”. Likewise, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998 require employers to ensure equipment is safe and properly maintained.

Although PAT testing itself isn’t mandatory, it is a recognised method of demonstrating that safety and maintenance obligations are being met. Not conducting PAT testing—or having no maintenance programme—leaves you vulnerable to non‑compliance with these key regulations.

Risks to Safety: Fires, Electric Shock and Injury

Electrical Fires

Faulty or damaged plug‑in devices are among the most common causes of non-domestic fires in UK workplaces. The most frequent sources are exposed wiring, overloading, or insulation failure. Without regular testing, these issues can go undetected until they spark serious fire incidents—resulting in property loss, business interruption, or even fatalities.

Electrocution and Burns

Equipment with broken insulation, bad earth continuity, or exposed live parts can deliver strong electric shocks or cause burns. These incidents may be life‑threatening or cause debilitating injury to employees or visitors.

Explosions and Other Hazards

In hazardous environments (e.g. industrial or chemical sites), defective electrical appliances may provoke arc‑faults or explosions, with devastating consequences.

Insurance and Liability: Significant Financial Consequences

Voided Insurance

Many insurance policies require proof of routine maintenance and safety compliance. If you lack PAT testing records or an electrical maintenance regime, insurers may reject claims in the event of damage or loss.

Fines and Prosecution

Failing to maintain equipment or knowingly ignoring electrical safety can lead to HSE prosecution, heavy fines, and—where negligence is proven—personal liability for directors. Cases exist where businesses faced prosecution—for instance, Cineworld was fined £9,500 after employees died from an untested popcorn machine.

Legal Claims

If a defective appliance causes injury or fire, and you cannot prove due diligence (e.g. via PAT test records), you’re open to civil claims and court proceedings. This is particularly relevant for landlords or public-facing businesses.

Reputation and Operational Impacts

Failing to maintain electrical safety can drastically harm your reputation. In sectors where safety and compliance are expected—education, hospitality, medical, property management—such failures can cause loss of business, loss of trust, and brand damage.

Operationally, addressing fires, injuries, or legal disputes leads to unplanned downtime, expensive remediation, and negative press coverage.

Inadequate Testing: False Assurance and Missed Faults

Improper Testing

Using untrained personnel or inadequate testing methods may lead to false negatives—equipment incorrectly passing but still unsafe. Only a trained and competent person, with calibrated instruments, should carry out combined visual and electronic testing.

Outdated Equipment and Calibration

PAT testers must themselves be maintained and calibrated—otherwise test results are unreliable. Without annual calibration of testing instruments, your system may fail to spot serious faults.

Business Types at Particular Risk

HMOs and Landlords

Landlords are legally required to ensure that all supplied electrical appliances meet safety standards and remain safe for duration of occupancy. Without PAT testing, you lose vital proof of compliance—and may face enforcement action or insurance repudiation.

High‑risk Environments

Construction sites, restaurants, workshops, and offices with heavy usage equipment (e.g. kettles, heaters, drills) present greater risk. These appliances require more frequent testing and shouldn’t be left unchecked.

What Testing Consists Of: Visual and Electrical Checks

A full PAT testing regime includes:

• Visual inspection: check for damaged plugs, frayed cables, loose earth, wear or signs of heat damage.

• Earth continuity, insulation resistance, polarity check, leakage current tests—each revealing faults invisible to the eye.

This combination of checks ensures appliances are safe to use under normal conditions and that risk is minimised.

Frequency: There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Rule

The HSE does not mandate annual PAT testing. Instead, a risk‑based approach is recommended. For low‑risk workplaces, visual inspections may suffice at longer intervals, supplemented by formal testing for high-use appliances.

For landlords, common guidance is:

• High‑risk items (kettles, heaters): every 12 months.

• Medium‑risk appliances (microwaves, fridges): every 2 years.

• Low‑risk items (lamps, TVs): every 3–4 years.

• Visual checks: at least every 6–12 months.

True Costs vs. Savings

Skipping PAT testing may appear cost-saving, but the long-term risks are far higher:

Cost Aspect	Potential Impact
Insurance claims	May be declined
Legal / HSE enforcement	Fines, prosecution, liability
Accidents & downtime	Repairs, compensation, lost hours
Reputation	Loss of customer / tenant trust
Equipment replacement	Higher costs than early detection via testing

Proactive testing protects people, property, compliance status—and your bottom line.

Best Practices & Compliance Framework

To stay safe and compliant:

1. Conduct a full risk assessment of all portable appliances and their usage.

2. Categorise appliances by risk and test accordingly.

3. Train or appoint a competent person to do visual and formal testing.

4. Ensure test instruments are calibrated at least annually.

5. Keep written records and labels of all inspections and tests.

6. Review and update your inspection schedule regularly.

7. Combine PAT testing with fixed wiring checks (EICR) where needed.

Summary: What Happens if You Don’t Test?

Failing to test electrical equipment can lead to:

• Major safety hazards—fires, shock, injury, or death

• Insurance rejection or invalidated cover

• HSE enforcement, fines, legal accountability

• Liability claims and civil action

• Business interruption or downtime

• Reputational damage and loss of trust

• False confidence in unsafe equipment due to improper testing

Why Choose Global Compliance?

As industry experts, Global Compliance provides tailored electrical safety services, including PAT testing and maintenance programmes designed to suit your business or property type. By collaborating with us, you benefit from:

• Risk‑based schedules in line with HSE and IET guidance

• Competent, qualified staff trained to the latest standards

• Regular calibration of equipment and robust documentation

• Full-service solutions including EICR, thermal imaging, remedials

Don't wait until a hazard becomes a crisis. Protect your business, your people, and your legal compliance. Get in touch with Global Compliance today at 0330 100 5341. Contact Us to arrange a consultation, risk assessment or to schedule PAT testing or inspection services.

Final Thoughts

Electrically unsafe equipment isn’t just inconvenient—it’s dangerous. Regular testing ensures peace of mind and demonstrates you’ve taken reasonable steps to comply with UK health and safety laws. Whether you're in property management, education, retail, hospitality or a small or large enterprise, ignoring electrical maintenance leaves you exposed to legal, financial and human risks.

If you'd like bespoke advice, a testing schedule, or help designing a full safety and compliance package, call 0330 100 5341. Let Global Compliance take care of your electrical safety needs—so you can focus on running your business.