07576 584901Testmasterinfo@gmail.com 24/7 online enquiries About Services Areas ReviewsOur WorkSocialContact07576 584901Request a Free Quote Home/Blog/PAT testingPAT testing # What should you do when an appliance fails PAT testing? By Test Master UK24 October 20262 min read Service illustration: pat testingA failed PAT testing result should lead to a clear action, not just a label. The priority is preventing unsafe equipment from being used while a competent person decides whether repair or replacement is appropriate. The register should show how the issue was resolved, especially where several people share responsibility for the same appliance. ## Prevent accidental reuse Follow the tester's advice about making the item unavailable for use. Depending on the circumstances, that may involve safe disconnection, removal or a controlled quarantine arrangement. A label can be missed or removed, so it should not be the only barrier where someone could plug the appliance in again. Tell the person who uses or manages the equipment what has happened. In a shared house or office kitchen, a failed item can otherwise be replaced with another unchecked appliance from a cupboard. Make the temporary arrangement clear and do not improvise an unsafe substitute. ## Read the defect, not just the pass/fail column Ask which observation or test led to the failure and what action is recommended. A damaged flex, an unsuitable repair and an electrical test result are different problems. Do not attempt internal repairs, change protective components or bypass a fault merely to obtain a pass. A competent repairer should judge whether the appliance can be made safe and what inspection or testing is needed after repair. If replacement is the sensible option, record the new item separately so its history does not become confused with the old one. ## Close the action in the register Keep the asset ID, defect, date removed from service and repair or replacement outcome together. If the same fault appears repeatedly, investigate the cause: handling, cable routing or the appliance's suitability may matter more than the retest date. For inspection and documented outcomes, arrange PAT testing and appliance records. If the suspected problem is in sockets or the fixed wiring rather than the appliance, discuss EICR testing for the installation with an appropriate scope. ## Know when the situation is urgent Smoke, burning smells, shock incidents and exposed live parts need an immediate safety response, not a routine booking. Keep people away from danger and obtain appropriate emergency help. Do not keep trying an appliance to see whether the fault disappears. - Prevent unsafe equipment returning to use. - Record the specific defect and recommended action. - Use a competent person for repairs and checks. - Link the resolved outcome to the asset record. ## Sources and further reading - HSE: Portable appliance testing FAQs - HSE: Maintaining portable electrical equipmentGeneral guidance for premises in England, checked on 5 November 2026. Requirements depend on your property, systems and applicable conditions. Follow competent advice, current official guidance and your local authority's requirements. ## In this guide - Prevent accidental reuse - Read the defect, not just the pass/fail column - Close the action in the register - Know when the situation is urgent ## Need testing for your premises? Greenford-based electrical and fire safety services across London. Get a free quote 07576 584901 ## Related guides All guides PAT testing · 2 min read ## PAT testing records: what a useful appliance register should contain Make PAT testing records easier to use with consistent asset IDs, locations, test outcomes, defect actions and risk-based review dates. 18 October 2026 PAT testing · 3 min read ## PAT testing in an HMO: a practical guide for landlords Identify landlord-supplied appliances, plan risk-based PAT testing and keep useful HMO safety records alongside your EICR testing report. 29 October 2026 Electrical and fire safety compliance testing for businesses, property managers and landlords across London and Greenford. Read our Google reviewsLeave us a review ## Services - PAT Testing - Commercial EICR Testing - Residential EICR Testing - Emergency Lighting Testing - Fire Alarm Testing - Fire Extinguisher Servicing - Fire Door Inspection - Fire Risk Assessments - Remedial Works for Fire Compliance ## Service Areas - Greenford - Central London - All London Boroughs - West London - North London - South London - East London - Ealing - Uxbridge - Slough - Watford ## Contact - 07576 584901 - Testmasterinfo@gmail.com - Postal address669 Greenford Road, UB6 8QL - LinkedInOpening hours: 24/7 online enquiries © 2026 Test Master Ltd. All rights reserved. HomeAboutReviewsOur WorkContactPrivacy PolicyTerms & ConditionsCookie Policy Call NowFree Quote Chat on WhatsApp