PAT Testing (or portable appliance testing) is an inspection and test of your electrical appliances and connections to ensure electrical safety. PAT testing helps to reduce the risk of electrical accidents caused by faulty equipment.
You may be wondering who needs PAT testing, what it entails, and how often it should be done. HTS Electrical Ltd have all the answers to your burning questions about portable appliance testing.
Get in touch with our friendly team to book PAT testing for property owners and landlords, and ensure you’re maintaining electrical safety standards in your home or property.
What is PAT Testing, And Why Is It Important?
PAT testing serves a very important purpose in the realm of health and safety, as portable appliance testing regulations cite that portable electrical appliances such as kettles, microwaves, laptops, and power tools must be tested according to work equipment regulations, safety laws, and general electrical safety obligations.
At home and in the workplace, electrical equipment must be safe to use, and PAT testing ensures that there will be no electrical accidents due to electrical faults or electrical defects.
Turn your high risk job sites into low risk environments with PAT testing from HTS Electrical for commercial properties.
PAT Testing: Electrical Safety For Everyone
Regular PAT testing ensures electrical safety in your home or business, and contributes to the maintenance of electrical appliances, extending their lifespan and efficiency.
Not only can annual PAT testing keep you abreast of potential electrical safety defects with any electrical appliances, there is also a legal requirement for PAT testing. As part of UK Health and Safety laws, The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 requires electrical equipment to be maintained to prevent danger. While PAT testing itself is not legally required, it is a preferred method to ensure ongoing safety.
PAT Testing: What Appliances Need To Be Tested?
PAT testing differs from larger scale testing for equipment on construction sites, for example, as the remit for PAT testing only covers appliances with a plug that connects to the mains power supply, including:
- Kettles, microwaves, and toasters.
- Computers, printers, and monitors.
- Power tools and extension leads.
PAT testing should be done on any portable electrical equipment that is not part of a fixed installation. Appliances that use a flexible cable or a plug and socket also qualify as portable appliances, and should also be regularly inspected to make sure the items perform properly and safely.
How Often is PAT Testing Required?
PAT testing frequency depends on the type of workplace and the risk level associated with the electrical equipment. The company’s health and safety regulations will no doubt include a strict legal requirement to PAT test items every 12 months or less.
Who Can Perform Portable Appliance Testing?
Only a licensed electrician should perform PAT testing, and employers, property owners, and commercial people need to ensure PAT testing is done by authorised personnel.
The test results should then be logged correctly. Records of PAT testing should include the date of the test, the result, and any actions taken. Keeping accurate records helps to ensure compliance with PAT testing regulations.
PAT Testing for Landlords and Property Owners
Landlords and property owners have a legal duty to ensure that electrical systems and appliances within their properties are safe.
The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 specifies that electrical equipment provided for tenants must be safe at the start of the tenancy and maintained in a safe condition throughout, meaning that frequent testing is key for safety purposes.
What Can Happen When Failing to Comply with PAT Testing Regulations?
As a landlord or homeowner, neglecting to PAT test electrical appliances can increase fire and electrocution risks, and failure to comply with PAT testing regulations can result in serious injury or even death.
Continued infractions as a landlord can trigger prosecution and court proceedings, resulting in substantial fines from local authorities.
Ensure Compliance With HTS Electrical
HTS Electrical are on hand to take away the stress of PAT testing regulations, and are one call away from arriving at your business or property to undertake professional and speedy electrical work on new appliances and old.
Our qualified electricians will test equipment in a matter of hours, including a formal visual inspection and electrical testing based on the manufacturer’s instructions.
Need a PAT tester? Get In Touch Today
PAT Testing FAQs
How often should a PAT test be done?
The frequency depends on the type of equipment and its use, but as a guideline you should look to conduct PAT testing:
- Office equipment: Every 2–4 years.
- Industrial equipment: Annually.
- Rental property appliances: At the start of each new tenancy.
Is PAT testing being phased out?
No, PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) is not being phased out. It remains an important part of ensuring workplace safety in the UK, even though there is no legal requirement for periodic testing.
Is PAT testing a legal requirement for landlords in 2025?
While not explicitly required by law, regulations such as the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Electricity at Work Regulations mandate that employers and landlords ensure electrical equipment is safe. PAT testing on electrical installations in rental properties is the most effective way to comply.
What happens if you don’t do the PAT test?
If you don’t perform a PAT (Portable Appliance Test) or similar safety checks, there’s an increased risk of electrical accidents such as shocks, fires, or equipment failure. Faulty appliances, like frayed cables or damaged plugs, may go unnoticed without regular inspections, putting users at risk and potentially causing workplace disruptions or costly repairs.
For businesses and landlords, failing to ensure electrical equipment is safe can result in legal issues. The UK’s Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require employers to maintain electrical equipment in a safe condition, and while PAT testing isn’t mandatory, it’s a recognised way to demonstrate compliance. Neglecting safety measures could lead to fines, legal action, or voided insurance claims if an incident occurs.
