PAT Testing Course – Portable Appliance Inspection & Testing Training
A practical two-day PAT Testing course for maintenance staff, technicians, facilities teams and workplace duty holders who need the knowledge and hands-on skills to inspect, test, record and manage electrical equipment safely.
PAT Testing Training That Goes Beyond Simply Pressing a Test Button
Portable Appliance Testing – more accurately described as in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment – is an important part of managing electrical equipment safely in the workplace.
Effective PAT testing requires more than knowing how to connect an appliance to a tester. A competent person needs to understand what they are inspecting, recognise visible defects, identify the equipment classification, select an appropriate electrical test and understand what the result means.
The SJB Smart Electricals two-day PAT Testing Course combines electrical safety theory with extensive practical inspection and testing exercises, helping delegates develop the confidence to approach workplace electrical equipment systematically rather than relying solely on an automatic pass or fail result.
Who Should Attend?
- Facilities and maintenance teams
- Electrical maintenance personnel
- Property and building managers
- Care home and healthcare maintenance staff
- School and college technicians
- Hotel and hospitality maintenance teams
- Landlords and property maintenance businesses
- Workshop and engineering personnel
- Construction and contractor teams
- Anyone responsible for workplace electrical equipment
PAT Testing, Electrical Safety & Workplace Responsibilities
Employers and duty holders have responsibilities to maintain electrical equipment so that it does not present a danger to employees, contractors, customers or other people who may use it.
A suitable maintenance system may include user checks, formal visual inspections and electrical testing where appropriate. The correct approach depends on factors including the type of equipment, how frequently it is used, the environment, how likely it is to become damaged and previous inspection results.
- Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 awareness
- Employer and duty-holder responsibilities
- Electrical equipment maintenance principles
- Competence and limits of responsibility
- Risk-based inspection and testing
- User checks and formal visual inspections
- Electrical testing where appropriate
- Record keeping and maintenance programmes
PAT Testing Does Not Automatically Mean “Test Everything Every Year”
There is no blanket legal rule requiring every electrical appliance to undergo an annual PAT test.
Inspection and testing frequencies should reflect risk. A desktop computer in a low-risk office does not necessarily require the same regime as a portable power tool that is moved frequently and used in demanding site conditions.
This course helps delegates understand how inspection, testing and sensible risk assessment fit together.
In-Service Inspection & Testing of Electrical Equipment
The course introduces delegates to the principles contained within recognised industry guidance for inspection and testing of electrical equipment.
Particular emphasis is placed on understanding equipment construction and risk so that the person carrying out inspection and testing can make informed decisions rather than simply following a fixed sequence for every appliance.
- IET Code of Practice principles
- In-service inspection and testing
- Equipment classifications
- Risk-based maintenance intervals
- Appropriate test selection
- Interpretation of test results
Why Two Days?
PAT testing is a practical competence.
The two-day SJB programme gives more time for delegates to inspect real equipment, recognise defects, understand why different appliances require different tests and practise using PAT testing equipment under supervision.
This provides greater opportunity to develop practical judgement rather than simply completing a short theory session.
What Does the PAT Testing Course Cover?
Delegates progress from electrical safety and equipment construction through visual inspection, electrical testing, interpretation of results and management of inspection records.
Electrical Safety Fundamentals
Electric shock, burns, electrical fires, safe working practices and understanding the hazards associated with electrical equipment.
Legal Responsibilities
Workplace electrical safety duties, maintenance responsibilities, competence and the role of inspection and testing within an electrical safety programme.
Equipment Construction
Understanding electrical equipment construction, protective measures and the differences between common appliance classifications.
Class I Equipment
Protective earthing, exposed conductive parts, earth continuity and inspection considerations for Class I electrical equipment.
Class II Equipment
Double or reinforced insulation, identification of Class II equipment and appropriate inspection and testing techniques.
Plugs, Flexes & Fuses
Plug construction, fuse selection, cable condition, cord grips, polarity and common defects.
Formal Visual Inspection
Systematic visual inspection of appliances, plugs, cables, connectors, housings, accessories and signs of overheating or damage.
PAT Testing Equipment
Understanding PAT tester functions, leads, accessories and safe connection of equipment for electrical testing.
Earth Continuity Testing
Testing the integrity of protective conductors and understanding measured resistance values.
Insulation Resistance
Understanding insulation resistance testing, appropriate equipment selection and interpretation of test results.
Leakage & Alternative Tests
Awareness of leakage-current and alternative test methods where appropriate to equipment construction and circumstances.
Extension Leads & Power Equipment
Inspection and testing considerations for extension leads, portable tools and equipment commonly used within workplaces and maintenance environments.
Pass, Fail or Further Investigation?
Interpreting observations and measurements, identifying unsafe equipment and understanding when additional investigation is necessary.
Failed Equipment
Removing unsafe equipment from service, identification, repair considerations, retesting and preventing failed equipment returning to use.
Records & Asset Registers
Asset identification, inspection records, test results, labelling and maintaining meaningful equipment maintenance records.
Retest Frequencies
Developing sensible inspection and testing intervals based on equipment type, use, environment, deterioration and previous results.
Two-Day Practical PAT Testing Course
The programme is structured to give delegates time to understand the principles and then apply them repeatedly to different types of electrical equipment.
Day 1 – Understanding & Inspection
- Electrical safety fundamentals
- Regulations and duty-holder responsibilities
- Equipment construction
- Class I and Class II appliances
- Plugs, cables and protective devices
- Formal visual inspection
- Common appliance defects
- Identifying unsuitable equipment
- Introduction to PAT test instruments
Day 2 – Testing & Practical Assessment
- PAT tester setup and operation
- Earth continuity testing
- Insulation resistance testing
- Leakage and alternative tests
- Extension lead testing
- Interpreting results
- Identifying failed equipment
- Recording results
- Practical exercises and assessment
Practical PAT Tester Training
Delegates work with real electrical appliances and test equipment rather than learning the process entirely from presentation slides.
Practical exercises are designed to build a repeatable inspection and testing routine while encouraging delegates to question why a particular test is appropriate.
- Carry out visual inspections
- Identify deliberately introduced defects
- Determine appliance classification
- Select appropriate tests
- Connect PAT equipment safely
- Carry out electrical tests
- Interpret measured values
- Record inspection and test results
- Decide whether equipment should remain in service
Visual Inspection Matters
Many electrical equipment defects can be discovered before a PAT tester is ever connected.
Damaged flexes, loose cord grips, cracked plugs, unsuitable fuses, exposed conductors, damaged enclosures and signs of overheating can all indicate that equipment should not remain in service.
That is why formal visual inspection forms a major part of this course.
What Types of Electrical Equipment Are Considered?
Course exercises use a variety of electrical equipment to help delegates understand that different appliances require different inspection and testing decisions.
Office Equipment
Computers, monitors, printers, chargers, power supplies and extension leads.
Kitchen & Staff Equipment
Kettles, microwaves, portable heaters and other common workplace appliances.
Tools & Workshop Equipment
Portable power tools, extension leads and electrical equipment used within workshops and maintenance environments.
Cleaning Equipment
Vacuum cleaners, floor-cleaning equipment and other frequently moved appliances.
IT & Electronic Equipment
Understanding appropriate inspection and testing approaches for modern electronic equipment.
Extension Leads
Visual inspection, earth continuity, polarity and appropriate electrical testing.
Benefits of PAT Testing Training for Your Business
Develop In-House Skills
Train suitable staff to undertake routine inspection and testing activities within defined areas of competence.
Improve Electrical Safety
Help staff recognise unsafe equipment before it creates a greater risk to users.
Better Risk Decisions
Move away from arbitrary testing intervals and towards equipment maintenance based on risk and experience.
Improve Record Keeping
Establish clearer appliance registers, inspection histories and testing records.
Reduce Unnecessary Testing
Understand when formal electrical testing is appropriate instead of assuming every appliance requires identical treatment.
Build Staff Confidence
Practical training helps delegates make informed decisions when encountering damaged or unusual equipment.
PAT Testing Courses for Businesses & Maintenance Teams
SJB Smart Electricals can deliver dedicated PAT testing training for organisations wanting to develop competent in-house inspection and testing capability.
Facilities Management
Practical training for FM and building-maintenance teams.
Schools & Colleges
Suitable for technicians and staff responsible for maintaining electrical equipment.
Healthcare & Care Homes
Develop consistent inspection and equipment management procedures.
Hotels & Hospitality
Training for maintenance teams responsible for large quantities of electrical appliances.
Construction & Contractors
Improve knowledge of inspection and testing for portable tools and electrical equipment.
Industry & Engineering
Suitable for maintenance teams working with a wide variety of portable electrical equipment.
PAT Testing Course Outcomes
Following successful completion of the programme, delegates should have improved understanding and practical ability in:
- Electrical equipment safety principles
- Identifying Class I and Class II equipment
- Carrying out formal visual inspection
- Selecting appropriate electrical tests
- Safely using PAT testing equipment
- Earth continuity testing
- Insulation resistance testing
- Interpreting results
- Identifying failed equipment
- Recording inspection and test results
- Understanding risk-based retest intervals
- Recognising the limits of their competence
Assessment & Certificate
Delegates complete tutor-led knowledge checks and practical inspection and testing exercises throughout the course.
Successful delegates receive an SJB Smart Electricals Training Certificate recording completion of the PAT Testing – In-Service Inspection & Testing programme.
Training does not remove an employer’s responsibility to decide whether a person is competent for the particular equipment, environment and duties they will undertake.
Why Choose SJB Smart Electricals for PAT Testing Training?
Practical Training
Hands-on inspection and testing is built into the course rather than being treated as an optional demonstration.
Small Groups
Smaller classes give delegates more time with equipment and greater opportunity to ask questions.
Real-World Focus
Training uses realistic workplace examples rather than simply preparing delegates to memorise a sequence.
UK-Wide Delivery
Scheduled and group courses can be delivered at suitable locations around the UK.
On-Site Training
Business courses can be delivered at suitable client premises for maintenance and facilities teams.
Bespoke Programmes
Training can be adapted to focus on the types of electrical equipment your organisation actually uses.
PAT Testing Course FAQs
What is PAT Testing?
PAT Testing is the commonly used term for inspection and electrical testing of appliances and other electrical equipment to help determine whether they remain safe for continued use. The wider process is commonly described as in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment.
Is PAT Testing a legal requirement?
UK electrical safety law requires relevant electrical equipment to be maintained so that it does not present danger. It does not impose a blanket requirement for every appliance to receive an annual PAT test. The appropriate inspection, maintenance and testing regime should reflect the level of risk.
Do appliances have to be PAT tested every year?
Not necessarily. Appropriate intervals depend on factors such as equipment type, use, movement, working environment, likelihood of damage and previous inspection results.
Do I need to be an electrician to PAT test?
The person carrying out inspection and testing needs sufficient knowledge, training and practical ability for the work they are undertaking. This course is designed to develop those skills for suitable delegates, but individual competence must always reflect the equipment and environment involved.
Is this a practical PAT Testing course?
Yes. The SJB programme places strong emphasis on hands-on inspection, use of PAT testing instruments, interpreting results and identifying defective equipment.
Can you provide PAT Testing training at our workplace?
Yes. Subject to suitable facilities and group size, SJB Smart Electricals can provide dedicated on-site PAT Testing courses for businesses and maintenance teams throughout the UK.
Book Your Practical PAT Testing Course
Develop the practical skills to inspect, test and manage workplace electrical equipment with greater confidence. Contact SJB Smart Electricals Training & Consultancy for scheduled course dates, individual places, group bookings or on-site PAT Testing training.