About This Site
This website has been created as an independent information resource to provide clear, practical and common-sense guidance on Portable Appliance Testing (PAT Testing) and electrical safety.
There is a lot of confusion, outdated information and conflicting advice online when it comes to PAT Testing. Our aim is simple: to cut through the noise and provide straightforward, easy-to-understand information that reflects how PAT Testing is actually carried out in the real world.
Injecting Some Common Sense Into PAT Testing
Why pattest.org Exists
Over the years, we have seen countless examples of poor advice, misinterpretation of guidance, and unnecessary complexity being added to what should be a sensible, risk-based process.
This site exists to:
- Explain what PAT Testing really is (and what it isn’t)
- Clarify common myths and misunderstandings
- Provide practical guidance based on current best practice
- Help duty holders, employers and technicians make informed decisions
Everything on this site is written with a focus on practicality, proportion and common sense – not box-ticking or over-complication.
Our Approach
We believe PAT Testing should be:
- Risk-based, not tick-box driven
- Proportionate to the environment and equipment being used
- Focused on safety, not just paperwork
- Carried out by competent people with the right knowledge and training
The information on this site reflects current UK guidance, including HSE advice, IET Codes of Practice and relevant British Standards, but always interpreted in a practical, real-world context.
Who Is Behind This Site?
pattest.org is owned and maintained by PAT Testing Expert, a trading style of Blue River Group (UK) Ltd.
PAT Testing Expert is a well-established UK business specialising in:
- PAT Testing training courses
- Competency-based electrical safety training
- Practical, hands-on instruction for technicians and organisations
The business is led by an instructor with over 30 years’ experience in the electrical safety and PAT Testing industry, and has trained thousands of people across the UK – from sole traders and landlords through to large organisations and facilities teams.
This site is not designed to sell to you. It exists to share knowledge, raise standards and provide a reliable point of reference for anyone wanting to understand PAT Testing properly.
Relationship to PAT Testing Expert
While pattest.org is an information site, it is part of a wider group of resources and services provided by PAT Testing Expert.
If, after reading the information on this site, you decide that you would benefit from formal training, professional guidance or further support, you may wish to visit our main website at:
https://pat-testing-expert.com
There you can find details of our training courses, venues, on-site training options and additional resources.
Our Commitment
We are committed to:
- Keeping information clear, accurate and up to date
- Avoiding unnecessary jargon and scare-mongering
- Promoting best practice and sensible risk management
- Helping raise standards within the PAT Testing industry
If you spot something that is unclear, out of date or could be improved, we welcome feedback and are always happy to review content.
In Summary
pattest.org is here to provide honest, practical information about PAT Testing – written by people who actually work in the industry, not by marketers or content writers.
Whether you are an employer, duty holder, technician, landlord or simply trying to understand your responsibilities, we hope you find this site useful, informative and refreshingly straightforward.
Further Reading and Resources
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
– Comprehensive guidelines on workplace safety and electrical regulations. - Electrical Safety First
– Essential tips and advice for maintaining electrical safety in various environments. - BBC Bitesize
– Simplified educational resources on electrical safety basics. - IET Code of Practice
– Detailed standards for electrical installations and safety testing. - British Standards Institution
– Authoritative standards for electrical safety and compliance.
- PAT Testing on Wikipedia
– Learn about PAT Testing on Wikipedia. - Is It Still Called PAT Testing?
– Yes, it’s still called PAT Testing. This video from PAT Testing Expert will explain. - City and Guilds 2377-32
– A qualification for practising electricians in equipment maintenance - PAT Testing Course
– PAT Testing Courses held across the UK from PAT Testing Expert - PATTA Portable Appliance Testing Trade Association
– The trade association for PAT Testing professionals.
- Earth Leakage Tests in PAT Testing
– A source of much confusion – this page will explain all about leakage and sub-leakage tests in PAT Testing - PAT-Courses.com
– Another information site about PAT Testing Courses in the UK - HSE PAT Testing FAQ’s
– Frequently asked questions about PAT Testing from the HSE - Can Your Still Make Money Doing PAT Testing
– A special report about the state of the PAT Testing Industry