A failed PAT test should trigger action, not just a red label. The priority is to prevent potentially unsafe equipment from continuing to be used until the fault has been properly dealt with.

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Should failed equipment stay in use?

No. HSE guidance says equipment that fails a user check, formal visual inspection or relevant combined inspection and test should not be used until it has been repaired by a competent person.

What can cause a failure?

Common reasons include:

• Damaged flexible cables
• Cracked or damaged plugs
• Poor cord grips
• Exposed internal insulation
• Damaged casings
• Earth continuity or insulation problems identified during testing
• Equipment unsuitable for the environment in which it is being used

Repair or replace?

Whether an appliance should be repaired or replaced depends on the equipment, the fault and whether a safe repair is economically sensible. Electrical repairs should be carried out by someone competent for the work.

Should repaired equipment be checked again?

After repair, the equipment should be checked to confirm that it is safe before being returned to normal use. The appropriate checks will depend on the nature of the repair and equipment.

Why failed-item records are useful

Although PAT records are not automatically required by law, recording failures can help identify trends. If a particular equipment type, department or location produces repeated faults, that may justify a change in equipment choice or inspection frequency.

What should staff do if they see damage before the next test?

They should report the defect and stop using the item if it could be unsafe. PAT testing should never become a reason to ignore obvious damage between formal inspections.

Preventing failed equipment returning to use

A clear quarantine process is useful where several people share equipment. The failed item can be labelled or moved to a controlled location while repair or replacement is arranged, reducing the chance that another employee unknowingly reconnects it.

Official HSE guidance

See HSG107: Maintaining portable electrical equipment for guidance on faults, maintenance and competent testing.

Need professional testing and clear failure reporting?

National PAT Compliance provides PAT testing and digital reporting across the UK. Contact us for a quotation.