Visual inspection and electrical testing of portable appliances to keep staff, tenants and customers safe.
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is the process of visually inspecting and electrically testing portable electrical appliances to check they are safe to use. It's one of the most common compliance checks for offices, retail units, hospitality venues, schools and rented properties.
Governing regulation: Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
Standard / guidance: IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection & Testing of Electrical Equipment
| Application | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Office equipment (IT, monitors) | Every 12 months |
| Extension leads & multi-way adaptors | Every 12 months |
| Portable power tools (construction) | Every 3 months |
| Kitchen & catering appliances | Every 6–12 months |
| Hotel & rented accommodation | Every 12–24 months |
Frequencies above are general guidance based on published standards and typical risk levels — your risk assessment or landlord obligations may require a different interval.
Faulty appliances are a leading cause of electrical fires and shocks in the workplace. Regular PAT testing satisfies your duty of care under the Electricity at Work Regulations, keeps insurance valid, and gives staff, customers and visiting inspectors confidence that your equipment is safe.
We log every portable appliance on site against your existing register, or build one from scratch.
Plugs, leads, sockets and casings checked for damage before anything is powered on.
Earth continuity, insulation resistance and polarity checks using calibrated test equipment.
Pass/fail labels applied on the spot, with a full digital certificate and asset register to follow.
There's no single law naming PAT testing by name, but the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require you to keep equipment safe — PAT testing is the standard, HSE-recognised way to demonstrate that.
A "competent person" can carry out basic checks, but proper testing needs calibrated equipment and training to interpret results correctly — most businesses use an accredited provider for reliable, insurable records.