PAT Testing Services

PAT testing (Portable Appliance Testing) is the process of inspecting and testing electrical appliances to ensure they are safe to use. 

It’s commonly used in workplaces, rental properties, and public venues across the UK.

If you're managing a workspace, rental property, or public venue, PAT testing is a practical way to stay compliant and protect users from electrical hazards

What PAT Testing Involves

• Visual Inspection: Checking for obvious signs of damage like frayed cables, cracked plugs, or exposed wires.
• Electrical Testing: Using specialized equipment to test:
  • Earth continuity (for Class I appliances)
  • Insulation resistance
  • Polarity of wiring
• Labelling: Appliances are usually tagged with a pass/fail label and the date of the test.

What Needs to Be Tested?

PAT testing applies to portable electrical appliances, which typically include:

1. Office Equipment - E.g. Computers, monitors, printers
2. Kitchen Appliances - E.g. Kettles, microwaves, toasters
3. Power Tools - Drills, saws, extension leads
4. Entertainment Devices - Speakers, DJ gear, amplifiers

Even items that are not frequently moved (like a fridge or desktop PC) may still be considered “portable” if they have a plug and can be disconnected.

How Often Should It Be Done?

There’s no fixed legal interval, but frequency depends on:

• Type of equipment
• Environment (e.g. construction sites vs offices)
• Risk level (e.g. heavy use or public access)

For example:

• Office equipment: every 12 months
• Construction tools: every 3 months

Legal and Safety Context

• UK law doesn’t mandate PAT testing, but employers and landlords must ensure electrical equipment is safe under:
  • Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
  • Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• PAT testing is one way to demonstrate compliance and reduce liability.

Get in touch with us today to PAT test your equipment!