Electrical safety is a legal requirement for businesses, and Fixed Appliance Testing (FAT) ensures that your hardwired electrical equipment is safe, compliant, and operating efficiently.
Whether you run an office, factory, or warehouse, we provide expert testing services across Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire, and Kent to keep your workplace safe and compliant.
Fixed Appliance Testing (FAT) is all about making sure your hardwired electrical appliances are safe and working as they should be.
Unlike PAT Testing, which checks plug-in devices, FAT focuses on things like air conditioning units, ovens, hand dryers, industrial machinery, and heating systems—anything that’s permanently wired into your electrical system.
Regular testing helps prevent electrical faults, overheating, and fire hazards, ensuring your business stays safe, compliant, and risk-free.
It’s also a key part of meeting UK safety regulations, including the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
If your business has hardwired electrical equipment, then yes—you need FAT.
It’s essential for:
✔ Offices – Checking air conditioning, hand dryers, water boilers, and heaters
✔ Factories & Industrial Sites – Testing CNC machines, ovens, compressors, and other machinery
✔ Warehouses & Distribution Centres – Inspecting conveyor belts, forklift charging stations, and roller shutters
✔ Retail & Hospitality – Ensuring kitchen appliances, display lighting, and extraction fans are safe
✔ Landlords & Property Managers – Making sure fixed appliances in rental properties meet safety standards
We work with businesses across Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire, and Kent, providing expert testing to help you stay compliant and protected.
Different workplaces have fixed or hard-wired electrical appliances that require regular safety inspections and testing.
Whether you’re managing an office, factory, or warehouse, it’s essential to ensure that all permanently wired equipment is compliant with BS 7671 and safe to use.
Below, we outline common fixed appliances found in offices, factories, and warehouses, all of which should be included in your Fixed Appliance Testing (FAT) schedule.
Each environment requires Fixed Appliance Testing (FAT) to ensure compliance with BS 7671 and workplace safety regulations.
When we carry out FAT, we don’t just tick boxes—we do a thorough job to make sure everything’s working safely.
Our fully qualified electricians (CG 2391, CG 2377, and experienced in electrical testing & safe isolation techniques) follow a step-by-step process:
1️⃣ Visual Inspection – Checking for damage, overheating, loose wires, and wear.
2️⃣ Safe Isolation & Disconnection – Making sure it’s safe before testing.
3️⃣ Electrical Testing, Including:
We follow BS 7671, the IET Code of Practice, and Guidance Note 3, ensuring everything meets the highest safety standards.
Ensure your hard-wired electrical appliances and machinary are safe, compliant, and fully operational.
✔ BS 7671 compliant inspections
✔ Fast, professional support for businesses & landlords
✔ Serving Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire & Kent
📅 Book your appointment today!
Fill out the form, and our experts will be in touch.
Got questions about Fixed Appliance Testing (FAT)? We’ve got the answers!
Whether you’re a business owner, landlord, or facilities manager, it’s essential to ensure your hardwired electrical appliances are safe, compliant, and regularly tested.
Below, you’ll find expert answers to common queries about FAT regulations, BS 7671 compliance, inspection frequency, and safety standards, all explained in simple terms.
Fixed Appliance Testing (FAT) is the inspection and electrical safety testing of hard-wired appliances that are permanently connected to the electrical system.
Unlike PAT Testing, which applies to plug-in appliances, FAT covers appliances such as:
Fixed Appliance Testing ensures these appliances are safe, compliant, and operating correctly according to BS 7671 and the IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment.
Fixed appliances are often overlooked in electrical safety management, yet they pose significant risks if not regularly inspected.
Fixed Appliance Testing (FAT) helps to:
✔ Prevent electrical fires & shocks
✔ Identify hidden faults in hardwired appliances
✔ Ensure compliance with health & safety laws
✔ Meet insurance & legal requirements
By following Guidance Note 3 of BS 7671 and IET standards, professional electrical inspectors ensure all fixed appliances meet the highest safety standards.
There is no specific law mandating FAT, but UK legislation requires businesses and landlords to maintain electrical systems in a safe condition.
Key regulations include:
Regular Fixed Appliance Testing is the best way to prove compliance and avoid legal risks or penalties.
The Responsible Person—such as the business owner, employer, landlord, or facility manager—must ensure that all fixed electrical appliances are safe for use.
Failure to maintain electrical safety could result in fines, legal action, or invalidated insurance claims.
A qualified electrical inspector (holding both CG 2391, CG 2377, or equivalents) will carry out:
All testing follows Guidance Note 3 of BS 7671 and IET Code of Practice recommendations.
The frequency of Fixed Appliance Testing (FAT) depends on the environment and risk level.
General recommendations include:
A risk assessment can help determine the appropriate testing schedule for your business.
Testing time varies based on the number and type of appliances. On average:
We work efficiently to minimise disruption to your business.
If an appliance fails Fixed Appliance Testing, you should:
🚫 Immediately stop using the appliance
🔧 Arrange for repairs or replacement
📋 Ensure a re-test before putting it back into use
We will provide recommendations for corrective action to restore compliance.
We adhere to:
✔ BS 7671: Requirements for Electrical Installations
✔ IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing
✔ Guidance Note 3 of BS 7671
Our inspectors are CG 2391 & CG 2377-qualified professionals experienced in safe isolation techniques and electrical testing.
Fixed appliances are often hardwired and hidden, making wear and tear difficult to spot. Regular testing helps to:
Regular FAT ensures that potential issues are fixed before they cause serious problems.
| PAT Testing | Fixed Appliance Testing (FAT) |
|---|
| Tests plug-in appliances | Tests hardwired appliances |
| Includes items like laptops, kettles, printers | Covers ovens, air conditioning, water heaters |
| Performed frequently (annually or biennially) | Typically done every 3-5 years |
| Less complex, faster testing process | Involves safe isolation & in-depth electrical testing |
The cost depends on:
We offer competitive pricing and can provide a free quote for your requirements.
✔ Qualified electrical inspectors (CG 2391, CG 2377 & experienced in BS 7671 inspections)
✔ Comprehensive testing & certification
✔ BS 7671 & IET Code of Practice compliance
✔ Minimal disruption to your business
✔ Fast, reliable, and professional service
📞 Call us: 01276 300 351
📧 Email us: office@esielectrical.co.uk
📍 Serving businesses in Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire & Kent
Alternatively, fill out our contact form, and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.
Got questions about electrical safety, fire alarms, or compliance testing? Let’s chat!
✅ Expert advice on EICRs, PAT Testing, Fire Alarms & More
✅ Flexible appointment times to suit your schedule
✅ Qualified professionals serving Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire & Kent
Simply fill out the form below, and one of our specialists will contact you to book a consultation at a time that works for you.
📅 On-Site & Remote Appointments Available
📍 Serving Businesses, Landlords & Property Managers
Let’s make your property safe, compliant, and risk-free – Book your appointment today!
Fill out the form below, and one of our electrical and fire safety specialists will get back to you as soon as possible.
📞 Prefer to speak to us directly? Call us at 01276 300 351
📧 Or email us at office@esielectrical.co.uk
We aim to respond to all inquiries within 24 hours.
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