Clear guidance on inspection regimes, evolving terminology and practical considerations is helping wholesalers and contractors navigate electrical equipment safety with confidence, says Steve Dunning, Managing Director at Martindale Electric.

Electrical equipment safety remains a fundamental responsibility across every workplace. Yet confusion still exists around what needs to be tested, how often, and even what the process should be called. While Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is a familiar term, the introduction of Electrical Equipment Testing (EET) reflects a broader, more accurate understanding of today’s requirements.

At its core, the requirement is straightforward. Under the Electricity at Work Regulations (1989), any electrical equipment that could cause injury must be maintained in a safe condition. PAT emerged as an established method of meeting this duty, focusing on the inspection and testing of portable electrical appliances to ensure they are safe for continued use.

However, the industry’s shift towards the term Electrical Equipment Testing is more than just a rebrand. Introduced in the fifth edition of the IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment, the updated terminology addresses a long-standing misconception that only smaller, movable items require testing. In reality, the scope extends far beyond traditional ‘portable’ devices.

EET better reflects the full range of equipment that must be considered, including a wider variety of mains powered appliances and equipment. This could encompass anything from laptops and kettles through to vending machines, refrigeration units and even larger industrial equipment. While PAT remains widely used in conversation and training, understanding EET ensures that no equipment category is overlooked.

Frequency 

One of the most common questions surrounding PAT or EET testing is how often it should be carried out. Unlike some regulatory requirements, there is no universal testing interval defined in law. Instead, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends a risk based approach, often interpreted in practice as annual testing, but this is only a guideline.

The appropriate frequency depends heavily on both the type of equipment and the environment in which it is used. For example, a power tool operating on a construction site is subject to significantly greater wear and risk than a desk lamp in a hotel room. As such, it requires more frequent inspection and testing.

This flexibility can make compliance feel ambiguous for employers. While PAT or EET testing itself is not explicitly mandated, the legal obligation to maintain safe equipment is absolute. In practical terms, regular inspection and testing provide a recognised and defensible way to demonstrate compliance with both the Electricity at Work Regulations and the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974).

For contractors advising clients, or for wholesalers supporting those contractors, this distinction is important. The conversation should not centre on whether testing is legally required, but rather how businesses can evidence that they are meeting their duty of care.

Equipment selection

In most commercial and industrial environments, such as offices, hotels, factories and public buildings, testing is typically carried out on site. This may be undertaken by an in-house maintenance team, but more commonly is delivered by specialist contractors.

For those carrying out testing, the choice of equipment is critical. Portability and ease of use are key considerations, particularly for engineers working across multiple locations throughout the day. Lightweight, handheld testers that are simple to operate help improve efficiency while reducing user fatigue.

Modern units, such as Martindale’s HPAT550 and HPAT650, are designed with these needs in mind. Features like USB-C charging support extended use in the field, while intuitive interfaces help streamline the testing process, particularly for less experienced operatives.

Beyond the tester itself, record keeping is another essential element of any PAT/EET regime. This can range from traditional handwritten logbooks through to fully digital, cloud based systems. Regardless of the method, maintaining accurate records is vital, not only for operational tracking but also for demonstrating compliance during audits or inspections.

Labelling also plays a key role. After testing, equipment is typically marked with a clear pass or fail indicator, providing immediate visual confirmation of its status. For wholesalers, this creates an opportunity to supply complementary products such as labels, logbooks and bundled kits. Solutions like the Martindale PATKIT1 PAT Accessory KIT, which include 1,000 pass labels, 200 fail labels, IEC adaptors and logbook, offers a convenient way to support both new and existing users.

Compliance

A persistent misconception within the industry is that PAT testing is a legal requirement in its own right. In reality, legislation focuses on outcomes rather than processes. Employers must ensure equipment is safe; PAT/EET is simply one of the most widely accepted ways of achieving this.

This distinction matters because it reinforces the importance of a tailored, risk-based approach. High-risk environments, such as construction sites or manufacturing facilities, will naturally require more frequent and rigorous testing regimes than lower-risk settings like offices.

For contractors, this means applying professional judgement rather than relying on fixed intervals. For wholesalers, it means understanding the nuances of different applications so they can recommend appropriate solutions and equipment.

Ultimately, whether it is referred to as PAT or EET, the underlying objective remains unchanged: ensuring that electrical equipment is safe to use. The updated terminology simply brings greater clarity to the scope of what should be included.

Regular inspection and testing, supported by appropriate equipment and robust record keeping, not only helps organisations meet their legal obligations but also reduces the risk of accidents and downtime. From contractors on site to wholesalers at the point of supply, having a clear understanding of both the terminology and the practical requirements is essential. By doing so, they can provide informed guidance, support compliance, and contribute to safer working environments across every sector.

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HIKMICRO has launched two highly intelligent algorithmic functions, SuperScene and SuperScene+, that are reshaping the safe, automated and efficient inspection experience across housing, electrical and industrial applications – enabling even beginners to achieve professional-level accuracy.

SuperScene and SuperScene+ are AI-driven device innovations, which ensure that smart detection is built in as standard and specialised inspection tools become a more accessible, affordable and intelligent solution for everyday challenges.

Both SuperScene and SuperScene+ follow hot on the heels of SuperDetect, HIKMICRO’s first proprietary algorithm that automatically identifies problematic water leaks by analysing sound frequency, intensity and spatial characteristics. Traditional acoustic leak detectors require trained professionals to interpret audio feedback and distinguish between normal pipe noises and potential leaks, however SuperDetect makes precision effortless and achievable for all.

Ideal for identifying air leaks, heat loss and moisture damage in homes, SuperScene  is available on HIKMICRO’s handheld and pocket devices and is a unique deep learning algorithm designed to simplify the inspection process and make home inspections faster.

SuperScene+ meanwhile brings automated risk detection for electrical panel inspection and PCB safety, simplifying workflows via built-in algorithms that identify temperature measurement targets in specific scenarios and determine if anomalies exist.

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As technology advances, thermal imaging cameras are becoming an essential and more affordable product for electrical contractors, says Will Jing of HIKMICRO.

Thermal imaging cameras have seen remarkable advances in recent years, becoming far more accessible to the everyday electrician. Recent technological improvements mean prices have come down and thermal imaging has become a viable option for most electrical contractors allowing, electricians to invest in these powerful tools without breaking the bank, improving the service they offer.

Thermal imaging cameras work by detecting infrared radiation (heat) and then providing a visual picture of this heat across surfaces. Using a thermal imaging camera makes it easy to identify electrical faults or spot potential issues that may not be visible to the naked eye, such as overheating components, without opening up panels, cutting into walls or floors – or causing any disruption at all.

For wholesalers, stocking thermal imaging cameras is a smart way to tap into the growing demand for this technology, staying ahead of the curve in an evolving market.

Identifying problems early

There are some great benefits to using a thermal camera. One of these is the ability to spot a problem before it escalates. All electrical systems generate heat during normal operation, but when components such as circuit breakers, connections or fuses start to overheat, it can be a sign there are loose connections, overloading or even imminent equipment failure. By using a thermal camera to carry out regular scans of electrical systems, electricians will quickly detect abnormal hot spots that could lead to bigger problems down the line.

By identifying these issues early, electricians can offer preventive maintenance which reduces the risk of breakdowns, improves system reliability and ultimately extends the lifespan of electrical equipment. This proactive approach also helps minimise downtime, particularly in industrial or commercial settings where unscheduled outages can be costly.

Another benefit of thermal imaging cameras is the reduced time it takes to diagnose electrical issues. Traditional methods often involve trial and error and can be time consuming and inefficient. Thermal imaging cameras on the other hand, give immediate visual feedback. For example, if an electrical panel is malfunctioning, a quick scan with a thermal camera can instantly pinpoint the overheated component so the electrician immediately knows what the problem is and can focus on the right area. There’s no need for lengthy investigations so it saves both time and money on labour and the quick turnaround for clients leads to better service and potentially increased business.

Energy efficiency

With energy efficiency at the top of the list of concerns for homeowners and businesses alike, electricians are getting more calls to help cut down on energy waste. Thermal imaging cameras are a great tool for the job, letting electricians scan electrical systems to spot heat loss or stressed components – usually signs that something’s burning through more energy than it should.

Armed with this information, electricians can suggest fixes like swapping out inefficient parts or rebalancing loads, helping clients save on bills and lower their carbon footprint. It’s a win-win for anyone aiming to be more sustainable and keep costs down. Plus, for electricians, offering this kind of service can be a real differentiator and bring in extra business.

HIKMICRO has developed a range of thermal imaging cameras that are well suited to the needs of electricians and electrical contractors. Its latest models, the Mini2 V2 and Mini2 Plus V2, make good cost effective and portable solutions for on-the-go inspections as they turn smartphones into powerful thermal diagnostic tools by attaching directly to Android and iOS devices. The Mini2 series has a 256 x 192 pixel resolution and uses SuperIR image enhancement technology to deliver sharp and detailed visuals. These devices have two lens options available: a focus-free wide-angle for larger areas and a manual focus lens for close-up inspections of circuits and other small components making them flexible enough for electricians scanning large installations or troubleshooting smaller issues.

Put it in your pocket

For those looking for a standalone option, HIKMICRO’s Eco Series and Pocket E models are designed with electricians in mind. The user-friendly Eco Series   automatically tracks temperature irregularities and has a built-in laser pointer to highlight problem areas quickly. These features make it ideal for both new and experienced electricians. The portable Pocket E model is designed to fit comfortably into a pocket so it’s always on-hand during inspections. Despite its compact size, it has a 3.5-inch touchscreen for easy viewing and uses SuperIR technology to ensure crisp, high-contrast images.

Thermal imaging cameras are no longer specialist tools – they have become an essential part of an electrician’s toolkit. With their ability to identify faults early, streamline diagnostics and improve energy efficiency, these devices offer significant value to both electricians and their clients. The increased affordability and versatility of thermal cameras mean that they are now within reach of even smaller contractors, making them a must-stock product for wholesalers looking to cater to modern electrical professionals.

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