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Fixed
Appliance
Testing

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.

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Fixed Appliance Testing (FAT)

The electrical safety check of hard-wired workplace electrical equipment

What is Fixed Appliance Testing (FAT)?

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 systemsβ€”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.

Do I Need Fixed Appliance Testing?

If your business has hardwired electrical equipment, then yesβ€”you need FAT.

It’s essential for:

βœ” Offices – Checking air conditioning, hand dryers, water boilers, and heaters
βœ” Factories & Industrial Sites – Testing CNC machines, ovens, compressors, and other machinery
βœ” Warehouses & Distribution Centres – Inspecting conveyor belts, forklift charging stations, and roller shutters
βœ” Retail & Hospitality – Ensuring kitchen appliances, display lighting, and extraction fans are safe
βœ” 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.

Fixed Appliances by Industry – What Needs Testing?

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.

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  • Air Conditioning Units – HVAC systems permanently wired into the electrical supply.
  • Hand Dryers – Installed in restrooms and connected directly to the mains.
  • Water Heaters & Boiling Water Taps – Fixed under-sink units or wall-mounted boiling water dispensers.
  • Storage & Wall Heaters – Permanently connected electric heaters used for temperature control.
  • Security & Access Control Systems – Door entry systems, card readers, and electric gate motors.
  • Network Server Power Supplies – Dedicated power feeds for data cabinets and IT infrastructure.
  • Three-Phase Industrial Machinery – Heavy-duty production and assembly machines wired directly to a distribution board.
  • Welding Equipment – Fixed welding stations that require high voltage connections.
  • CNC Machines & Lathes – Precision manufacturing machines permanently wired into electrical circuits.
  • Air Compressors – Industrial air supply systems directly connected to the mains.
  • Industrial Ovens & Kilns – High-temperature heating appliances used in manufacturing.
  • Extractor Fans & Ventilation Systems – Hardwired air extraction systems for hazardous work areas.
  • Forklift Chargers
  • Boilers and Industrial Space Heaters
  • Hoists and Vehicle Lifts
  1. Conveyor Belt Systems – Electrically powered conveyor lines used for automated sorting and movement of goods.
  2. Pallet Wrapping Machines – Fixed equipment for securing loads with stretch film.
  3. Electric Roller Shutter Doors – Motorised warehouse doors permanently wired for security and access control.
  4. Dock Levellers & Loading Bay Equipment – Powered platforms for efficient loading and unloading.
  5. Forklift Charging Stations – Fixed charging points for electric forklifts and material handling equipment.
  6. Fire Alarm & Emergency Lighting Systems – Hardwired safety systems integrated into the building’s electrical network.

Each environment requires Fixed Appliance Testing (FAT) to ensure compliance with BS 7671 and workplace safety regulations.

What’s Involved in a Fixed Appliance Test?

When we carry out FAT, we don’t just tick boxesβ€”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:

  • Earth Continuity Testing – Checking if the appliance is properly earthed.
  • Insulation Resistance Testing – Making sure insulation is intact to prevent shocks.
  • Functional Load Testing – Seeing how the appliance performs under normal use.
  • Polarity & Circuit Protection Checks – Ensuring correct wiring and safety features.

4️⃣ Certification & Reporting – We provide a Fixed Appliance Testing Certificate, detailing the results and proving compliance.


We follow BS 7671, the IET Code of Practice, and Guidance Note 3, ensuring everything meets the highest safety standards.

FIXED APPLIANCE TESTING (FAT)

Need Help with Fixed Appliance Testing?
Let’s Talk!

Ensure your hard-wired electrical appliances and machinary are safe, compliant, and fully operational.

βœ” BS 7671 compliant inspections
βœ” Fast, professional support for businesses & landlords
βœ” Serving Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire & Kent

πŸ“… Book your appointment today!
Fill out the form, and our experts will be in touch.

Call us on 01276 300 351

FAQ - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Popular Questions

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.

General Requirements

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:

  • Hand dryers
  • Ovens, hobs & cookers
  • Water heaters & immersion heaters
  • Air conditioning units
  • Hardwired boilers & heating systems
  • Commercial extraction fans
  • Industrial machinery

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:
βœ” Prevent electrical fires & shocks
βœ” Identify hidden faults in hardwired appliances
βœ” Ensure compliance with health & safety laws
βœ” 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:

  • Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 – Requires that all electrical equipment be maintained to prevent danger.
  • Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Employers must ensure a safe working environment.
  • BS 7671: Requirements for Electrical Installations – Provides the national standard for electrical safety compliance.

Regular Fixed Appliance Testing is the best way to prove compliance and avoid legal risks or penalties.

The Responsible Personβ€”such as the business owner, employer, landlord, or facility managerβ€”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.

Inspection & Testing Process

A qualified electrical inspector (holding both CG 2391, CG 2377, or equivalents) will carry out:

  1. Visual inspection – Checking for damage, overheating, loose connections, and wear.
  2. Safe isolation & electrical disconnection – Ensuring safety before testing.
  3. Electrical tests including:
    • Earth continuity testing
    • Insulation resistance testing
    • Functional load testing
    • Polarity & circuit protection checks
  4. Restoration & re-connection – Ensuring the appliance is safe to operate.
  5. Certification & reporting – A Fixed Appliance Testing Certificate is provided, recording all results.

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:

  • Commercial kitchens, hotels & industrial sites – Every 1-2 years
  • Office-based businesses & retail shops – Every 3-5 years
  • Rental properties & HMOs – At each new tenancy or every 5 years

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:

  • Single appliances (e.g., hand dryers, ovens) – 15-30 minutes
  • Larger commercial sites – Several hours or full-days testing upon the number of appliances and availability to isolate the supply.

We work efficiently to minimise disruption to your business.

Compliance & Safety

If an appliance fails Fixed Appliance Testing, you should:

🚫 Immediately stop using the appliance
πŸ”§ Arrange for repairs or replacement
πŸ“‹ Ensure a re-test before putting it back into use

We will provide recommendations for corrective action to restore compliance.

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We adhere to:
βœ” BS 7671: Requirements for Electrical Installations
βœ” IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing
βœ” 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:

  • Identify overheating and insulation breakdown
  • Detect loose or faulty wiring
  • Prevent electrical overloads
  • Reduce fire risks & costly equipment failures

Regular FAT ensures that potential issues are fixed before they cause serious problems.

PAT TestingFixed Appliance Testing (FAT)
Tests plug-in appliancesTests hardwired appliances
Includes items like laptops, kettles, printersCovers ovens, air conditioning, water heaters
Performed frequently (annually or biennially)Typically done every 3-5 years
Less complex, faster testing processInvolves safe isolation & in-depth electrical testing

Booking & Contact

The cost depends on:

  • Number of fixed appliances
  • Type of business/property
  • Location & site size

We offer competitive pricing and can provide a free quote for your requirements.

βœ” Qualified electrical inspectors (CG 2391, CG 2377 & experienced in BS 7671 inspections)
βœ” Comprehensive testing & certification
βœ” BS 7671 & IET Code of Practice compliance
βœ” Minimal disruption to your business
βœ” Fast, reliable, and professional service

How do I book PAT Testing for my business?

πŸ“ž Call us: 01276 300 351
πŸ“§ Email us: office@esielectrical.co.uk
πŸ“ Serving businesses in Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire & Kent

Alternatively, fill out our contact form, and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.

Need more help? Let's Schedule An Appointment

Got questions about electrical safety, fire alarms, or compliance testing? Let’s chat!

βœ… Expert advice on EICRs, PAT Testing, Fire Alarms & More
βœ… Flexible appointment times to suit your schedule
βœ… 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.

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πŸ“ Serving Businesses, Landlords & Property Managers

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