{"id":792,"date":"2025-11-12T11:00:42","date_gmt":"2025-11-12T11:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/instrotech.com\/blog\/?p=792"},"modified":"2026-03-05T14:18:34","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T14:18:34","slug":"is-pat-testing-the-same-as-eet-testing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/instrotech.com\/blog\/is-pat-testing-the-same-as-eet-testing\/","title":{"rendered":"Is PAT Testing the Same as EET Testing?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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You might have heard the term Electrical Equipment Testing (EET) floating around lately and wondered whether it\u2019s any different from Portable Appliance Testing (PAT). The short answer? It isn\u2019t. The process is exactly the same, the name has simply been updated to reflect the fact that testing applies to more than just portable items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s take a closer look at what\u2019s behind the change and what it means in practical terms for anyone responsible for keeping electrical equipment safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What Is PAT Testing?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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PAT testing is the process used to check that electrical equipment is safe. It\u2019s a structured inspection and test that includes two main stages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. A formal visual inspection, to look for obvious damage, wear or potential hazards such as cracked plugs or signs of overheating.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Instrument-based testing, using a Portable Appliance Tester (PAT) to measure the electrical safety of the equipment.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    This combination of checks helps identify faults that might not be visible at a glance, things like poor insulation or wiring issues that could create a safety risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Note that users should also be encouraged to carry out regular and visual checks when using higher risk items such as power tools in industrial and similar environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Why the Change from PAT to EET?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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    Back in 2020, the fifth edition of the IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment introduced the term Electrical Equipment Testing (EET). The idea was to modernise the terminology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The word portable<\/em> in \u201cPAT\u201d had led some to believe that only small, plug-in devices needed testing. In reality, the inspection and testing process applies to any piece of electrical equipment that connects to the mains, whether it\u2019s portable, fixed or built-in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Using \u201cElectrical Equipment Testing\u201d better reflects this full range, covering everything from laptops, chargers, and kettles through to fridges, vending machines and heavy-duty industrial kit. So, while the term PAT remains widely used (and probably always will be), EET simply makes the scope clearer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    What Equipment Is Covered?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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    Electrical Equipment Testing includes portable and movable appliances such as kettles, leads and power tools, but it also applies to stationary or fixed equipment like dishwashers, fridges and vending machines. Even built-in or integrated appliances are included if they draw power from the mains supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A quick note: devices powered only by batteries don\u2019t need testing, but their mains chargers do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In short, if it plugs in or connects directly to the mains, it should be part of your regular testing regime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Is PAT \/ EET Testing a Legal Requirement?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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    Strictly speaking, there\u2019s no specific law that says you must carry out PAT or EET testing. However, employers have a legal duty to make sure electrical equipment is safe to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Regular testing is a recognised way to demonstrate compliance with two key regulations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n