About PATTA

The Portable Appliance Testing Trade Association

Connecting PAT testers across the UK to share knowledge, support one another and raise standards in the industry.

The Portable Appliance Testing Trade Association (PATTA) was created to bring PAT testers together and support the continued development of the profession across the United Kingdom.

Portable appliance testing plays an important role in electrical safety, yet many professionals working in the field operate independently. Historically there has been no single organisation dedicated to connecting PAT testers, encouraging collaboration and promoting best practice within the industry.

PATTA was established to help fill that gap.

Today the association connects over 160 PAT testers across the UK, creating a professional community where members can share knowledge, support one another and contribute to raising standards within the industry.

How PATTA Began

PATTA originally began in 2013 as the PAT Testing Network, an informal group created by PAT testers who had connected through social media and industry discussions.

At the time there were very few opportunities for professionals working in PAT testing to connect with others in the field. The network quickly grew as more testers recognised the value of sharing experience, discussing challenges and supporting one another.

As the community developed it became clear that the industry also needed a more formal organisation capable of representing PAT testers when discussions affecting the profession were taking place.

In 2018 the PAT Testing Network evolved into the Portable Appliance Testing Trade Association (PATTA), allowing the organisation to engage more effectively with industry bodies and represent the interests of PAT testers at a national level.

Supporting the Industry

PATTA works to support the industry by encouraging collaboration, sharing best practice and promoting professional standards.

The association connects PAT testers both online and in person through its members’ network, events and professional discussions. By bringing professionals together, PATTA helps improve the exchange of knowledge and experience across the industry.

Over the years the association has engaged with government departments, standards organisations, manufacturers, training bodies and other industry stakeholders on matters relating to portable appliance testing.

PATTA also contributed to the development of the latest IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment, helping ensure that the practical experience of working PAT testers was represented during the development of the guidance.

Industry Engagement

As part of its work supporting the PAT testing profession, PATTA regularly engages with organisations involved in electrical safety, standards and industry guidance.

Over the years the association has held discussions and meetings with a range of organisations including government departments, standards bodies, manufacturers, training providers and electrical safety organisations.

PATTA has also contributed to industry guidance, including involvement in the development of the latest IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment, where the experience of working PAT testers helped inform the publication.

Through this engagement, PATTA aims to ensure that the practical knowledge and experience of PAT testers is represented when discussions affecting the industry take place.

What PATTA Stands For

PATTA was created with a clear purpose: to support professional PAT testers and encourage higher standards within the industry.

The association is built on a number of core principles:

Collaboration
PATTA believes the industry is stronger when professionals share knowledge and support one another rather than working in isolation.

Professional Standards
We encourage members to work to high standards and to represent the PAT testing profession with integrity and professionalism.

Practical Knowledge
The association values real-world experience. Many of the discussions, resources and guidance shared within the community are based on the practical experience of working PAT testers.

Supporting the Industry
PATTA aims to contribute positively to the wider electrical safety sector by sharing knowledge, encouraging best practice and helping improve understanding of portable appliance testing.

Raising Standards Through Collaboration

PATTA encourages members to share knowledge, discuss industry guidance and support one another in working to high professional standards.

The PAT testing industry operates largely through guidance rather than strict regulation, which means that interpretation can vary. By bringing professionals together and encouraging open discussion, the association helps promote responsible approaches and improve understanding of best practice.

Through collaboration and shared experience, PATTA aims to strengthen confidence in the professionalism of the PAT testing industry.

Leadership

PATTA was founded and is run by professionals working within the PAT testing industry.

The association is led by:

Tim James – Standards Director
Richard Ayre – Operations Director

PATTA is registered as a company limited by guarantee, meaning the organisation does not distribute profits. Income generated through membership is reinvested into running the association, supporting events and continuing work that benefits the industry.

The association is also supported by a voluntary members’ Leadership Group who contribute their time and skills to help develop PATTA and its activities.

The group is made of:

• Lee Turtle
• Chris Moore
• Liam Reed
• Ben Morrison
• Steve Matthews

Join the PATTA Community

PATTA continues to grow as more professionals recognise the value of being part of a supportive and connected industry network.

If you carry out portable appliance testing professionally and believe in collaboration, shared knowledge and raising standards within the industry, we welcome you to become part of the PATTA community.