Why PAT Testing Is Now Called Electrical Equipment Testing (EET)
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT testing) has been the go-to term for electrical safety inspection in the UK for decades. Recently, however, a broader phrase — Electrical Equipment Testing (EET) — is appearing in updated guidance and standards.
This article explains what’s behind the change, why it matters, and how it affects your compliance process. If you perform inspections or use tools to manage testing workflows, including mobile solutions like the iCertifi PAT Testing App, this guide is for you.
👉 Explore the iCertifi Mobile PAT Testing App — designed to streamline all your PAT/EET compliance tasks — here:
What’s Behind the Terminology Shift?
The shift from “PAT testing” to Electrical Equipment Testing (EET) comes from updates in industry standards and best practice documents. Organisations such as the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) now use broader terminology like Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment in their Code of Practice.
The key reason is simple:
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“Portable” was too narrow: Many items requiring testing aren’t strictly portable, yet they still need routine inspection and electrical testing.
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Clarity for duty holders: The term electrical equipment is clearer for businesses and compliance teams responsible for workplace safety.
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Alignment with modern standards: Raised expectations in documentation and guidance favour broad, functional phrasing over legacy jargon.
Despite this shift in nomenclature, the core safety objective remains unchanged: ensure electrical equipment is safe to use.
Is EET Different to PAT Testing?
No — not in practice.
Whether it’s called PAT testing or Electrical Equipment Testing (EET):
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The goal is to demonstrate electrical equipment is safe and compliant.
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The process involves a combination of visual inspection and electrical tests, such as earth continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, and more.
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The same principles, outcomes, and safety benefits apply.
In other words, EET is the modern umbrella term for what many still recognise as PAT testing. Most businesses and technicians will encounter both terms in guidance and in practice.
Why This Matters for Your Business
1. Compliance Communication
Using both terms (PAT and EET) in manuals, policies, and training clarifies expectations for teams and clients.
2. Search Visibility & Website SEO
People search for PAT testing, EET testing, Electrical Equipment Testing, and combinations of terms. Including both sets of language in your content helps you capture a wider audience.
3. Accurate Documentation
Policies and safety guidance that refer to Electrical Equipment Testing reduce ambiguity, especially for duty holders unfamiliar with older jargon.
Using the Right Tools Makes EET/PAT Easier
If you’re responsible for managing inspection and testing workflows, choosing the right tool can make compliance straightforward.
The iCertifi Mobile PAT Testing App is built to support both traditional PAT testing and broader electrical equipment inspection workflows, helping you:
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Capture test results on iPhone, iPad and Mac
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Produce compliant test certificates instantly
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Standardise your process across sites and technicians
Learn more: https://icertifi.co.uk/mobile-pat-testing-app/
Best Practice: How to Talk About PAT & EET on Your Website
Here are quick SEO signals to use when updating your own site:
Headings you can use
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What is Electrical Equipment Testing (EET)?
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PAT Testing vs EET — What’s the Difference?
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Why the Name Change Matters for Your Business
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How Mobile Tools Support PAT/EET Compliance
Suggested internal text snippets
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“Also known as Electrical Equipment Testing (EET), PAT testing ensures all electrical equipment remains safe to operate.”
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“Use the iCertifi PAT Testing App to manage your electrical equipment testing workflows efficiently.”
By linking your blog to your main product using relevant anchor text like Mobile PAT Testing App or PAT/EET compliance solution, you signal relevance to Google and help users navigate to the app page.
Conclusion
The shift from PAT testing to Electrical Equipment Testing (EET) reflects updated industry language, but the underlying safety processes remain the same. By using both terms and linking high-value content — like your iCertifi product page — you improve both clarity and SEO performance.
👉 Ready to upgrade your PAT/EET workflow with powerful mobile support?
Check out the iCertifi PAT Testing App: