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PAT Testing
of Electrical Equipment

Ensure your electrical appliances are safe, compliant, and properly maintained with professional PAT Testing.

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) helps businesses, landlords, and organizations meet legal obligations under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

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PAT Testing

The electrical safety check of workplace electrical equipment

What is PAT Testing?

Portable Appliance Testing is a set of inspections and a routine of tests performed on workplace electrical equipment to ensure the safety of the user.

All PAT Testing is carried out by experienced engineers, in line with a strict set of guidelines laid out in the IEE Code of Practice for In-service Inspection of Electrical Equipment.

Why Do I need PAT Testing?

ConsiderΒ PAT TestingΒ as the equivalent of an annual gas safety check, but for the electrical equipment in your workplace. Whether its computer equipment in your office, tools within your workshop or factory, right down to the kitchen kettle, it’s not just important, but a legal requirement that we ensure they are safe for our staff and visitors to use.

Under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, employers have a duty to ensure that the electrical equipment they provide is safe and being used for the purpose it is designed.

Portable appliances can be extremely dangerous if left unchecked and the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) report that faulty portable appliances are responsible for 25% of all reported electrical accidents.

Is PAT Testing a legal requirement?

Electricity is so dangerous that many different rules and regulations are in place to protect the staff and visitors to commercial premises against electrical hazards. Regular Electrical Maintenance is important to ensure systems are running efficiently and safely.

The running theme of all electrical regulations are summed up as follows:

Preserve the safety of persons and livestock against the effects of electric shock and burns, in accordance withΒ Regulation 130-01;Β BS 7671:2008Β Requirements for Electrical Installations

Protect against damage to property by fire and heat arising from a defect in the electrical installation or equipment.

Key points from the current United Kingdom Electrical Law, Regulations and Codes of Practice are detailed below.:

TheΒ Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974Β puts a duty of care upon both employer (sections 2, 3 and 4 etc.) and employee (section 7) to ensure the safety of all persons using the work premises. This includes the self-employed.

TheΒ Management of HealthΒ & Safety at Work Regulations 1999Β state:
β€œEvery employer shall make a suitable and sufficient assessment of:

(a) the risks to health and safety of his employees to which they are exposed whilst they are at work; and
(b) the risks to the health and safety of persons not in his employment arising out of or in connection with the conduct by him of his undertaking”. (Regulation 3 (1))

TheΒ Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998Β state:
β€œEvery employer shall ensure that work equipment is so constructed or adapted as to be suitable for the purpose for which it is used or provided”. (Regulation 4 (1))
β€œEvery employer shall ensure that work equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working orderΒ andΒ in good repair.”

TheΒ Electricity at Work Regulations 1989Β state:
β€œAs may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, such danger”. (Regulation 4 (2))
β€œ β€˜System’ means an electrical system in which all the electrical equipment is, or may be, electrically connected to a common source of electrical energy and includes such source and such equipment”. (Regulation 2 (1))c

β€œElectrical equipment includes anything used, intended to be used or installed for use, to generate, provide, transmit, transform, rectify, convert, conduct, distribute, control, store, measure or use electrical energy”. (Regulation 2 (1))

Unlike Gas Regulations, there is no legal document stating that electrical equipment must beΒ PAT Tested. However, from the documents highlighted above, it is clear to see that companies have a legal duty to make sure that electrical items are β€˜maintained so as to prevent danger’.

The accepted method for the Health & Safety Executive and Insurers is to ensure a regular programme ofΒ Portable Appliance TestingΒ is in place to reduce risks.

What Does The Testing Cover?

Our engineers test a wide range of electrical equipment for businesses to help minimise the risk of accidents caused by the use of faulty appliances and extension leads.

The inspection and testing (PAT Testing) process includes:

  • Visual Inspections
  • Checks for damaged flexes and plugs
  • Inspection for correct wiring of appliances
  • Earth continuity tests
  • Earth leakage tests
  • Polarity tests
  • Insulation resistance tests
  • Recording appliance details and test results
  • Affixing a durable barcoded PAT Testing label
Β 
Appliances and machinery that are connected to the fixed electrical installation of the building are covered under Fixed Appliance Testing. To reduce disruption to your business, ESI: can organise this to be carried out at the same time

How can ESI Electrical Safety Inspections help me with my PAT Testing inspection?

There are complex regulations on testing, site tools and workshop equipment require regular tests due to the environment in which they are used, whilst most offices and factories tend to have their equipment tested once a year.

ESI Engineers are equipped to carry out electrical checks on all standard 240v equipment, 110v site tools, and 3-Phase (415v) machinery and hard-wired appliances like heaters and hand driers. All of our PAT Testing Engineers are qualified electricians, time served and City & Guilds Qualified to the latest standards.

Strict guidelines on testing intervals, test procedures and requirements of inspecting engineers are laid down in theΒ IET Code of Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment (5th Edition). Our engineers are qualified and conversant with the regulations, to give you the best advice.

Since 2001, ESI Electrical Safety Inspections have carried out over two million appliances safety checks across the South East, with our team of experts you are in safe hands.

Speak with one of our team today for advice on how we can set up and run your workplaceΒ electrical safetyΒ programme, ensuring your business is kept safe and compliant.

portable appliance testing - pat testing

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PAT Testing?
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Ensure your electrical appliances are safe, compliant, and fully operational.

βœ” IET Code of Practice compliance inspection and testingΒ 
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βœ” Serving Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire & Kent

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FAQ - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Popular Questions

PAT Testing is an essential part of workplace electrical safety, ensuring that all portable electrical appliances are safe to use and compliant with UK regulations.

Whether you’re a business owner, landlord, or facilities manager, regular PAT Testing helps prevent electrical hazards, reduces the risk of fire, and ensures compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.

In this section, we answer the most common questions about PAT Testing, including legal requirements, testing frequency, and what appliances need to be tested.

If you have any further queries, our team of qualified PAT Testing engineers is here to help.

General Requirements

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

It helps identify potential hazards such as electrical shocks, overheating, and fire risks, ensuring compliance with UK workplace safety regulations.

There is no specific law that requires PAT Testing, but UK legislation, including the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, states that electrical equipment must be maintained in a safe condition.

PAT Testing is the most widely accepted method to prove compliance.

The business owner, employer, landlord, or building manager is legally responsible for ensuring that all electrical appliances are regularly tested and safe to use.

Failing to maintain electrical safety could lead to fines, legal action, or liability in the event of an accident.

The frequency of PAT Testing depends on the appliance type and the risk level of its environment.

General recommendations include:

  • Offices (computers, printers, monitors): Every 1-2 years
  • Shops, hotels, and public spaces: Annually
  • Construction sites & industrial equipment: Every 3 months
  • Landlord appliances (rental properties): Annually or at each new tenancy

A risk assessment can determine the exact testing schedule for your business.

Testing & Compliance

PAT Testing applies to any electrical appliance, including:

  • Computers, printers & office equipment
  • Kettles, microwaves & kitchen appliances
  • Heaters, fans & air conditioning units
  • Power tools & extension leads
  • TVs, lamps & entertainment equipment
  • 110v Tools and Equipment
  • 3-Phase Industrial machinery

If you’re unsure whether an appliance needs testing, our team can advise based on BS 7671 and IET Code of Practice guidelines.

A qualified PAT tester will:

  1. Visually inspect the appliance, cable, and plug for damage.
  2. Perform electrical safety tests, including earth continuity, insulation resistance, and polarity.
  3. Label the appliance with a PASS or FAIL sticker.
  4. Issue a detailed PAT Testing report for compliance records.

If an appliance fails, you will be advised on repairs or replacements.

If your PAT Testing certificate expires, you may not be compliant with health and safety regulations.

This can put employees and customers at risk and invalidate your insurance.

Regular testing ensures continued compliance.

Businesses and landlords should keep a record of all PAT Testing, including:

  • The PAT Testing Certificate & Report
  • A list of tested appliances
  • Pass/fail results and recommendations
  • Any corrective actions taken

These records prove compliance and may be required for insurance or legal inspections.

Safety & Fault Prevention

If an appliance fails, it must be:
🚫 Removed from use immediately
πŸ”§ Repaired or replaced before use
πŸ“‹ Re-tested to confirm safety

Our team will guide you on the best solution.

Β 

Faulty appliances are a major cause of electrical fires and injuries.

PAT Testing detects damaged cables, overheating, and faulty wiring, allowing issues to be fixed before they become a hazard.

PAT Testing is for portable appliances with a plug. For fixed appliances (wired into the mains, such as cookers and hand dryers), we offer Fixed Appliance Testing (FAT) to ensure safety and compliance.

PAT Testing & Your Business

Testing times vary depending on the number of appliances. On average:

  • 20-30 appliances take around 1 hour
  • Large offices, factories, or hotels may take several days.

We aim to minimise disruption to your business and will create a plan before starting testing.

Pricing depends on:

  • The number of appliances
  • The type of business
  • The location
  • Working hours of the engineer

We offer competitive rates with discounts for multiple sites.

Get in touch for a free quote.

βœ” Fully qualified PAT testers with industry certifications
βœ” BS 7671 & IET Code of Practice compliant
βœ” Minimal disruption to your business
βœ” Detailed reporting & compliance certification
βœ” Emergency & out-of-hours testing available

Booking & Contact

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.

πŸ“… On-Site & Remote Appointments Available
πŸ“ Serving Businesses, Landlords & Property Managers

Let’s make your property safe, compliant, and risk-free – Book your appointment today!

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