What PAT testing actually involves
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is the visual inspection and electrical testing of portable electrical equipment, to confirm it's safe to keep using. Here's what we check, how often, and what you get at the end.
Why it matters
Under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, anyone responsible for a workplace or rented property has a duty to make sure electrical equipment doesn't create a risk of injury. PAT testing is the recognised, insurer-accepted way of evidencing that you've met that duty, and it's often written directly into public and employers' liability policy conditions.
It also catches faults before they cause harm: damaged cables, incorrect fuses, failed earth continuity and insulation breakdown are common findings that aren't visible without testing.
What we test
Every item gets a visual inspection first (plug, cable, casing, strain relief), followed by electrical testing appropriate to the appliance class:
- Earth continuity (Class I appliances)
- Insulation resistance
- Polarity and lead integrity
- Functional check where relevant
Anything that fails is tagged and logged on the spot, so you know about a problem appliance straightaway rather than waiting on the written report.
How often equipment needs retesting
There's no single legal number. The IET Code of Practice sets out risk-based intervals depending on equipment type and environment. As a general guide:
| Environment / Equipment | Typical interval |
|---|---|
| Construction sites, 110V tools | 3 months |
| Public-facing equipment (kettles, extension leads) | 6–12 months |
| Industrial and workshop equipment | 6–12 months |
| Office IT equipment (fixed desk use) | 2–4 years |
| Rental property appliances | At changeover, or annually |
We'll confirm the right schedule for your specific site as part of your quote, rather than applying a blanket interval that doesn't fit how the equipment is actually used.
Tag colour and what it tells you
Traditionally, testers rotate tag colour each year so anyone can spot an out-of-date test at a glance, alongside the full digital asset register we provide.
Get a fast, no-obligation PAT testing quote
Tell us a bit about your site and we'll come back with a quote, usually within one working day.