PAT Testing: Do You Need It for Your Craft Fair Setup?

What is PAT testing?

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) involves a visual inspection and electrical test of portable equipment, anything with a plug, to check that it is safe to use. A qualified tester inspects the equipment, runs a series of electrical tests (earth continuity, insulation resistance, etc.), and if it passes, applies a label showing the test date and when the next test is due.

For a craft fair stallholder, that covers most of the kit you plug in at an event:

• Card payment machines and phone chargers.
• Display lighting and fairy lights for your stall.
• Heat guns, glue guns, and soldering irons.
• Extension leads and multi-socket adapters.
• Kettles, toasters, and other catering equipment.
• Any other portable electrical item you plug into a power supply at an event.

The legal position

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that electrical equipment is "maintained in order to prevent danger." That is the full extent of the legal requirement. It applies to the fairy lights, card readers, and extension leads you plug in at a craft fair just as it does in a workplace. The regulations do not specify:

• How maintenance should be done.
• How often it should be done.
• Who should do it.
• Whether testing must be carried out.

PAT testing is one way to demonstrate compliance with this duty, but it is not the only way. The HSE has stated clearly that there is no legal requirement for PAT testing and that the phrase "annual PAT test" has no basis in law.

The real legal obligation is simpler: keep the electrical equipment you use on your market stall safe. How you demonstrate that is up to you.

Why event organisers ask for it

Despite the lack of a legal requirement, many event organisers, especially those running indoor craft fairs at council-owned venues, indoor markets, and larger events, require stallholders to provide PAT certificates as a condition of booking. Many venues that host indoor craft fairs make PAT certificates a condition of their hire agreement, and organisers pass that requirement on to stallholders.

This is the organiser's risk management policy, not a legal mandate. They are protecting themselves by ensuring that every piece of electrical equipment plugged into their power supply has been independently checked.

From the organiser's perspective, it is a reasonable precaution:

• They are providing the electricity supply and are responsible for the venue's safety.
• A faulty appliance could cause a fire, trip the building's electrical system, or injure someone.
• Asking for PAT certificates is a simple, defensible way to manage that risk.

If an organiser requires PAT certificates, you need them to attend the event. Arguing that PAT testing is not legally required, while technically correct, will not change their booking conditions.

How to get your equipment tested

Getting your equipment PAT tested is straightforward and inexpensive:

• Find a local PAT testing company or electrician who offers the service. Many mobile operators will come to your home.
• The typical cost is £1–3 per item, with a minimum charge of around £30–50 for a visit.
• Testing takes a few minutes per item.
• You will receive a certificate listing each item tested, the test results, and the next recommended test date. Labels are applied to each item.

Practical tips:

• Get all your craft fair equipment tested in one session to keep costs down.
• Keep the certificates and bring them to fairs; some organisers ask to see them on the day.
• Label any equipment that has been tested. If you buy new equipment, note that new items do not need PAT testing; they should be safe from the manufacturer.
• The recommended retest interval depends on the environment and how the equipment is used. For most craft fair equipment, every one to two years is reasonable.

Anyone described as a "competent person" can carry out PAT testing: you do not need to be a qualified electrician. Some stallholders buy their own PAT tester and do it themselves, though most find it easier to use a professional service.

The visual inspection alternative

The HSE states that in low-risk environments, regular visual inspection by a competent user is often sufficient to maintain electrical safety. The HSE estimates that up to 95% of electrical faults can be found by visual inspection alone.

A visual inspection involves checking for:

• Damaged or frayed cables.
• Cracked or broken plugs.
• Exposed wires.
• Burn marks or scorch marks on plugs or cables.
• Loose connections.
• Signs of overheating.
• Missing or damaged outer casing.

For stallholders who use minimal electrical equipment on their market stall (a phone charger and a card reader, for example), regular visual inspection before each event is a sensible and proportionate approach to electrical safety, and is legally sufficient.

However, if an event organiser specifically asks for PAT certificates, a visual inspection record will not satisfy their requirements. In that case, get the equipment formally tested.

Practical summary

• PAT testing is not legally required, but keeping your electrical equipment safe is.
• Many craft fair organisers require PAT certificates as a booking condition; check before you book.
• Get your equipment tested if you attend craft fairs regularly: it is cheap, quick, and removes the issue entirely.
• New equipment does not need PAT testing. A visual check on first use is sufficient.
• Keep certificates and labels up to date, and bring them to craft fairs.
• If you use very little electrical equipment, a thorough visual inspection before each event is a reasonable and legally compliant approach, but will not satisfy organisers who specifically require PAT certificates.