Maintaining Portable Electrical Equipment

What is this document?

INDG236 is a practical leaflet published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in 2013. It provides guidance on maintaining portable and moveable electrical equipment in low-risk environments such as offices, shops, hotels, and care homes.

Importantly, this document dispels the common myth that all portable appliances need annual PAT testing. It explains a sensible, risk-based approach to electrical equipment maintenance.

Who needs to read this?

This document is essential reading for:

• Small and medium business owners with portable electrical equipment
• Office managers responsible for workplace equipment
• Landlords who provide electrical appliances in rental properties
• Property managers overseeing equipment in hotels, care homes, or commercial premises
• Anyone who has been told they need annual PAT testing and wants to understand the actual legal requirements

If you have been paying for annual PAT testing of low-risk equipment, this document may save you money while keeping you compliant.

Key points covered

The PAT testing myth

The leaflet is clear on one crucial point:

"It's a myth that all portable electrical appliances in a low-risk environment need to have a portable appliance test (PAT) every year."

The law requires that electrical equipment is maintained to prevent danger. It does not specify PAT testing or mandate annual testing.

What the law actually requires

Under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, you must:

• Ensure equipment is maintained in a safe condition
• Use a maintenance regime appropriate to the risk
• Keep records of maintenance activities

Risk-based approach

The leaflet provides guidance on determining appropriate maintenance frequencies based on:

• Equipment type — Class I (earthed) vs Class II (double-insulated)
• Environment — Office, industrial, construction site, etc.
• Use patterns — Stationary equipment vs frequently moved items
• User feedback — Reports of damage or faults

Practical precautions

The document covers:

• Visual inspections (often the most important check)
• User checks before use
• Formal visual inspections by a competent person
• Combined inspection and testing (PAT testing) where risk assessment indicates

Suggested frequencies

INDG236 includes a table of recommended initial maintenance frequencies. For example:

• IT equipment in offices — Formal visual inspection every 2-4 years may be sufficient
• Portable heaters and kettles — More frequent checks (1-2 years) as they are higher risk
• Equipment on construction sites — Much more frequent testing required

How this applies to you

If you operate in a low-risk environment:

1. Conduct a risk assessment of your portable equipment
2. Implement user checks — train staff to look for obvious damage before use
3. Schedule formal visual inspections — often more important than electrical testing
4. Only PAT test when risk assessment indicates — not because someone told you it is required annually
5. Keep records of your maintenance regime

This approach is likely to be both safer and more cost-effective than blanket annual PAT testing.

Related Safety Clarity content

• Electrical Safety Requirements — Our complete guide to electrical compliance
• PAT Testing Guide — What, who, and how often for portable appliances
• Do I need PAT testing? — Check if PAT testing applies to your situation
• PAT Testing vs EICR — Understanding the difference

Read the official document: INDG236 on HSE website↗

Disclaimer: This summary is for general information only. Always refer to the official HSE publication for authoritative guidance. Higher-risk environments (construction, industrial) require more frequent testing than described here.