Why PAT testing matters
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require employers to maintain electrical equipment so it's safe to use. While the law doesn't set a fixed testing frequency, a programme of inspection and portable appliance testing is the most widely recognised way of showing you're meeting that duty. It also gives landlords evidence that appliances they supply are safe.
What's included
- Formal visual inspection of plugs, cables and casings
- Electrical tests appropriate to each appliance class
- Pass/fail labels on every item tested
- A full asset register and test records for your files
- Minor repairs such as replacing plugs and fuses where possible
- Recommendations for retesting intervals based on risk
Who we test for
Offices, shops, cafés and restaurants, salons, workshops and industrial units, schools and community buildings, and landlords with furnished properties or HMOs. We can schedule testing out of hours to avoid disrupting your business.
How often should appliances be tested?
It depends on the type of equipment and how it's used. A desktop computer in an office needs testing far less often than a power tool on a building site. The IET Code of Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment sets out recommended intervals, and we'll advise on a sensible schedule for your premises.
Need the fixed wiring checked too? See EICR and electrical testing.
Frequently asked questions
Is PAT testing a legal requirement?
There's no law that says appliances must be PAT tested at a set interval, but employers and landlords have a legal duty to keep electrical equipment safe. PAT testing is the recognised way to demonstrate that.
How long does PAT testing take?
It depends on how many items you have. We'll give you an estimate when you book and work around your opening hours.
What happens if an appliance fails?
We'll label it clearly as failed and record it. Where a simple fix such as a new plug or fuse resolves the issue, we can often do that on the spot.