What Is PAT Testing and Does My Business Need It?

PAT testing is one of those terms that gets thrown around a lot in business settings — but many business owners aren't entirely sure what it involves, whether they're legally required to do it, or how often it needs to happen. This guide clears it all up.

What Is PAT Testing?

PAT stands for Portable Appliance Testing. It's a process of inspecting and electrically testing portable electrical equipment to check that it's safe to use. A "portable appliance" is broadly anything that has a plug and can be moved — from a laptop charger to a floor-standing photocopier.

The process involves two stages:

1. Visual inspection — checking the plug, cable, casing and any visible parts for damage, signs of overheating or modification
2. Electrical testing — using a PAT tester to check earth continuity, insulation resistance and, for some appliances, leakage current

Each appliance is given a pass or fail result and labelled accordingly, and the results are recorded in a test register.

Is PAT Testing a Legal Requirement?

This is where there's a lot of confusion. There is no specific law that says you must PAT test your appliances. However, several pieces of legislation require employers to maintain electrical equipment in a safe condition:

• The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 — requires that all electrical systems, including equipment, are maintained to prevent danger
• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 — places a general duty on employers to ensure the safety of employees and others
• The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) — requires work equipment to be maintained in good repair

PAT testing is the most practical way to demonstrate that you've met these obligations. In the event of an accident or insurance claim, being able to show a current PAT test register is significant evidence that you've taken reasonable steps to maintain electrical safety.

Who Needs PAT Testing?

Any business or organisation that uses portable electrical equipment should have it tested. In practice, the most common clients for PAT testing include:

• Offices and commercial premises
• Hospitality businesses — hotels, restaurants, pubs and cafes
• Retail units
• Schools, nurseries and educational settings
• Gyms and leisure facilities
• Construction sites and trades
• Landlords who provide electrical appliances in furnished properties
• Event companies and equipment hire businesses

Self-employed individuals and sole traders who use electrical equipment for their work should also consider PAT testing, particularly if they work on client sites or carry insurance that requires it.

How Often Does PAT Testing Need to Be Done?

There's no single fixed interval — the recommended frequency depends on the type of equipment and the environment it's used in. The IET Code of Practice gives guidance based on risk:

Environment	Equipment Type	Suggested Interval
Office or low-risk	IT equipment, desk lamps	Every 2–4 years
Office or low-risk	Extension leads, floor-standing equipment	Every 1–2 years
Industrial or construction	Power tools, extension leads	Every 3 months
Construction (110V)	Power tools and leads	Every month
Hire equipment	Any	Before each hire
Furnished rental property	White goods, lamps, etc.	Annually or on change of tenancy

These are guidance intervals, not legal deadlines. A risk-based approach is sensible — equipment that's used heavily, moved frequently or used in harsher environments should be tested more often.

What Happens During a PAT Test?

A PAT test is straightforward and doesn't require equipment to be taken off site. We work through the premises systematically:

1. Each appliance is visually inspected for damage to the plug, cable, body and any accessories
2. The appliance is connected to the PAT tester and electrically tested
3. A pass or fail label is attached to the appliance
4. Results are recorded in a test register — either a paper document or digital record

Most appliances take just a few minutes to test. For a typical small office, a full PAT test can be completed in a couple of hours with minimal disruption to the working day.

What Happens if an Appliance Fails?

If an appliance fails its PAT test, it should be taken out of service immediately and either repaired or disposed of. A failed appliance should not be used until the fault has been rectified and it has been re-tested and passed. We'll flag any failures clearly and advise on whether repair or replacement is the more practical option.

How Much Does PAT Testing Cost?

PAT testing is typically priced per appliance, with the cost per item reducing as the volume increases. For businesses in Darlington and the North East, you can expect:

• Small offices (up to 25 items): from £60–£100
• Medium premises (25–100 items): from £1.50–£3.00 per item
• Large or industrial sites: priced individually based on volume and access

We'll confirm a fixed price before we start. Get in touch with an approximate number of appliances and we'll give you a quote straight away.

We offer PAT testing for businesses across Darlington, Durham, Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool and the wider North East. Call 07950 388658 for a quote.