PAT Testing

What Is PAT Testing?

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is the process of checking electrical appliances for safety through a combination of visual inspection and electronic testing. A PAT test verifies that the appliance's insulation is intact, earth connections are sound, and the device won't cause electric shock or fire.

Despite common belief, PAT testing is not a strict legal requirement in the UK. However, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require all employers and landlords to ensure that electrical equipment is maintained in a safe condition. PAT testing is the recognised standard for demonstrating compliance — and the one your insurer will expect to see.

Who Needs PAT Testing?

Landlords

If you provide electrical appliances with a rental property — kettles, ovens, washing machines, portable heaters — you have a legal duty of care to ensure they're safe. While the EICR covers the fixed wiring, PAT testing covers everything that plugs into a socket. Most letting agents and insurance policies now require annual PAT certificates for all supplied appliances.

Businesses and Offices

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers must ensure the safety of all electrical equipment in the workplace. This includes computers, monitors, printers, kettles, microwaves, phone chargers, extension leads, and any other portable or movable electrical item. A PAT test programme demonstrates due diligence and satisfies HSE requirements.

Commercial Premises

Hotels, restaurants, pubs, shops, schools, nurseries, and healthcare facilities all require regular PAT testing. For public-facing businesses, a PAT failure that causes injury or fire can result in prosecution under the Health and Safety at Work Act, with unlimited fines and potential custodial sentences.

What Gets Tested?

PAT testing covers any electrical appliance that has a plug — broadly categorised as:

• Class I appliances — items with an earth connection (kettles, toasters, washing machines, desktop computers)
• Class II appliances — double-insulated items with no earth (phone chargers, laptop power supplies, some power tools)
• Extension leads and power strips — these are appliances too, and a common failure point
• IT equipment — monitors, printers, routers, servers

Testing Frequency

The IET Code of Practice recommends different testing intervals depending on the environment and equipment type:

• Offices and shops: Visual check every 12 months, full PAT test every 2 years
• Industrial and construction: Full PAT test every 3–6 months
• Hotels and rental properties: Full PAT test every 12 months
• Schools and nurseries: Full PAT test every 12 months

PAT Testing Costs

PAT testing is priced per item, with volume discounts for larger quantities:

• 1–50 items: £1.50–£2.50 per item
• 50–200 items: £1.00–£1.50 per item
• 200+ items: from £0.75 per item
• Minimum call-out charge: typically £50–£80

For a typical small office with 30 items (computers, monitors, kettles, extension leads), expect to pay £60–£80. A 100-room hotel with 300+ items would typically cost £300–£450.

What You Receive

After testing, each item receives a pass or fail label with the test date and next test due date. You also receive a formal PAT testing certificate and a register listing every item tested, its class, test results, and status. Failed items must be removed from service immediately until repaired or replaced.

Need PAT testing for your premises? Request a quote — we test any quantity, from a handful of landlord appliances to thousands of workplace items.