Portable appliance testing for landlords and businesses
PAT Testing
PAT testing (Portable Appliance Testing) is a visual inspection and electrical test of portable electrical appliances — such as kettles, laptops, extension leads and office equipment — to confirm they're safe to use, commonly required for landlords, offices and rented equipment.
Definition
What PAT Testing covers
Portable Appliance Testing combines a visual check (for damaged cables, plugs and casings) with an electrical test (earth continuity and insulation resistance, where applicable) on each appliance, resulting in a pass or fail and a label recording the test date. While not a strict legal requirement in most cases, it's widely used as evidence of compliance with the general duty to maintain electrical equipment in a safe condition under the Electricity at Work Regulations.
Suitable for
- Landlords wanting evidence that appliances supplied with a rental property are safe
- Small businesses and offices meeting workplace electrical safety obligations
- Holiday lets and serviced accommodation with regular appliance turnover
- Annual or scheduled testing as part of an ongoing compliance routine
Not suitable for
- Fixed wiring inspection — that's covered by an EICR, a separate service to appliance testing
- Appliances that fail and need repair — a failed item is flagged and should be repaired or replaced, not just re-labelled
Process
How the work is carried out
- 01
Appliance list
Confirming the number and type of appliances to be tested ahead of the visit.
- 02
Visual inspection
Checking each appliance's cable, plug and casing for visible damage.
- 03
Electrical testing
Carrying out the appropriate electrical test for each appliance class.
- 04
Labelling and certification
Labelling each appliance with the test result and date, and issuing a certificate summarising all appliances tested.
Typical timescale
A standard visit testing a typical office or rental property's appliances is usually completed within a few hours, depending on the number of items.
Cost guidance
PAT testing typically costs £55–£150 per item in our area, as a fixed fee covering a set number of items on a single visit, with larger appliance counts priced accordingly. We provide an itemised quotation after confirming your appliance count rather than a fixed headline price.
Limitations and exclusions
- Fixed wiring is not covered by PAT testing — an EICR is the relevant test for the fixed electrical installation
- Appliances that fail testing are labelled accordingly and should be repaired or removed from use, not just re-tested without action
- Testing intervals are a matter of risk assessment rather than a single fixed legal frequency, and we can advise on a sensible schedule for your setting
Areas we cover
PAT Testing across Sussex, Surrey, Kent and South London
Local property styles, planning authorities and neighbourhood coverage for pat testing in each town we work in.
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FAQs
PAT Testing FAQs
Is PAT testing a legal requirement?
There's no single law that names PAT testing specifically, but employers and landlords have a general duty under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 to keep electrical equipment safe, and PAT testing is a widely recognised way to evidence that duty is being met.
How often should appliances be PAT tested?
There's no single fixed legal interval — it depends on the type of appliance, environment and how it's used. We can advise on a sensible testing schedule for your setting based on current guidance.
What happens if an appliance fails the test?
It's labelled as failed and should be removed from use until repaired by a qualified person or replaced. A failed appliance isn't re-certified without that remedy being carried out.
Discuss your pat testing project
Tell us about the property and what you have in mind, and we'll arrange a site visit.
Last reviewed 2026-07-28.