PAT Testing
Portable appliance inspection and testing for commercial sites, designed around sensible risk-based testing, clear asset records and straightforward reporting.
Professional PAT testing for commercial premises
PAT testing is the commonly used name for the inspection and electrical testing of portable and movable electrical equipment. It helps businesses, landlords and dutyholders identify damaged, unsuitable or electrically unsafe equipment as part of a wider electrical maintenance system.
A proper PAT service is more than attaching a sticker to an appliance. Each item begins with a visual inspection of the plug, cable, casing and accessible parts, followed by the electrical tests that are appropriate to the appliance class and design.
What the PAT testing service includes
- Visual inspection of plugs, flexible cables, cases and accessible components
- Identification of the appliance and its electrical class
- Appropriate electrical safety tests for the equipment being inspected
- Individual asset identification and recorded test results
- Clear pass/fail status and notes where defects are identified
- Digital records suitable for facilities, landlords and workplace files
- Repeat-testing schedules that can be built around the client’s risk profile
Typical equipment that can be included
Depending on the site and what is included, PAT testing can cover common workplace and portable equipment such as computers and monitors, kettles, microwaves, extension leads, chargers, cleaning equipment, power tools, kitchen appliances and other plug-connected electrical equipment.
Some fixed or specialised equipment may need a different inspection or testing approach. The agreed scope will be confirmed before attendance so there is clarity from the start.
How the testing process works
Site & asset review
Confirm the premises, estimated appliance numbers, access and any higher-risk areas.
Visual inspection
Check the condition of the appliance, plug, cable and obvious signs of damage or misuse.
Electrical tests
Carry out the tests appropriate to the appliance type and electrical class.
Records & results
Record the asset, result and any observations so the client has a usable audit trail.
How often should PAT testing be carried out?
There is no single rule saying every appliance must be tested every 12 months. A sensible interval is based on risk — including the type of equipment, the environment it is used in, how frequently it is moved or handled, who uses it and whether previous inspections have found defects.
A low-risk office appliance may justify a different inspection interval from equipment used in a workshop, construction environment or public-facing setting. The aim is to create a proportionate maintenance programme rather than applying the same frequency to every item.
What you receive after testing
Customers receive a clear appliance register showing the asset identification, test result, test date and relevant observations. Where defects are found, they are highlighted so the responsible person has a clear record for repair, replacement or removal from service.
For recurring commercial work, asset records can also make repeat visits quicker to manage and give facilities teams a consistent history of the equipment tested at each site.
Need PAT testing for your premises?
Tell us roughly how many appliances you have, the type of premises and whether you need a one-off visit or recurring programme, and we can provide a clear quotation.
Request a PAT Testing QuoteCommon questions about PAT testing
Useful answers for businesses, landlords and facilities teams planning an electrical equipment inspection programme.
Is PAT testing a legal requirement?
There is no UK law that simply states every portable appliance must receive a PAT test every year. However, employers and dutyholders have duties to maintain electrical equipment so that it remains safe. Inspection and testing are commonly used as part of demonstrating that electrical equipment is being maintained appropriately.
Does everything need testing every year?
No. Test and inspection intervals should be proportionate to risk. Equipment type, location, frequency of use, movement, user behaviour and previous results can all affect how often inspection or testing is appropriate.
What is the difference between a visual inspection and an electrical test?
A visual inspection looks for issues such as damaged plugs, loose parts, split cables, exposed conductors, heat damage or unsuitable repairs. Electrical testing uses suitable test equipment to check relevant safety characteristics of the appliance. The exact tests depend on the equipment and its electrical class.
What appliances can be included?
Common plug-connected and movable workplace equipment can normally be included within the agreed service. Examples include IT equipment, kitchen appliances, extension leads, cleaning machines, chargers and portable tools. Fixed or specialised equipment may require a different approach and should be identified when the work is agreed.
What happens if an appliance fails?
The failed result is recorded and the item identified so the responsible person can take the appropriate action, such as repair, replacement or removal from service. A failed test does not itself repair or make the appliance safe.
Do you provide a PAT testing report?
Yes. The service includes digital asset records showing the appliance identification, result, test date and relevant observations, giving the customer a clear record of the inspection and testing completed.
Can PAT testing be arranged for multiple sites?
Yes. We can structure PAT testing for commercial and multi-site customers so records and repeat visits are organised by site rather than treated as isolated one-off jobs.
Can you arrange repeat PAT testing?
Yes. Where ongoing inspection or testing is appropriate, repeat visits can be planned around the agreed risk-based interval so the customer has a consistent maintenance programme.