PAT Testing in Darlington & Teesside
Looking for PAT testing near you? We provide professional Portable Appliance Testing for businesses, landlords and commercial premises across Darlington, Teesside and the North East. Fast turnaround, clear pass/fail labels and a full written record of every item tested.
What's checked in an electrical PAT test?
What does PAT testing mean?
PAT testing stands for Portable Appliance Testing. It is the process of checking portable electrical appliances — things that have a plug and can be moved — to make sure they are safe to use. This includes everything from computers and kettles in an office to power tools on a construction site.
Each appliance is given a visual inspection and a series of electrical tests. If it passes, a dated pass label is attached. If it fails, the item is taken out of use until it has been repaired or replaced. A written record is provided listing every item tested and its result.
One-off visit or annual contract?
We work with businesses on both a one-off and ongoing basis. An annual contract means you never have to remember when your PAT testing is due — we handle it for you.
What does electrical PAT testing involve?
Each appliance goes through a structured set of checks. The full process takes seconds per item for straightforward appliances and ensures nothing unsafe remains in use.
Checking the appliance body, plug, cable and strain relief for signs of damage, burning, fraying or modification.
Confirming the earth path is intact on Class I (earthed) appliances.
Verifying that the insulation between live parts and the casing has not broken down.
A higher-voltage test to confirm insulation integrity where appropriate.
Confirming the appliance powers on and operates as expected.
A pass or fail label is applied and all results are logged in a full written test record.
Pass and fail labels explained
After testing, every appliance gets a dated label. A green pass label confirms the item is safe to use and shows the date it was tested and when the next test is due. A red fail label means the item has been taken out of service — it should not be used again until repaired or replaced and re-tested. Keeping appliances labelled and records up to date is important for demonstrating due diligence, particularly in commercial and rental environments.
Who needs electrical PAT testing?
While PAT testing is not a strict legal requirement in every situation, it is widely expected as part of an employer's or landlord's duty of care — and often required by insurers, health and safety policies or tenancy agreements.
Businesses & Offices
Employers have a duty under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 to ensure electrical equipment is safe. Office appliances — computers, monitors, chargers, kettles, fans — should all be included in a regular PAT testing schedule.
Landlords & HMOs
Landlords who provide electrical appliances with a rental property — including white goods and portable heaters — should have them PAT tested. HMO licences often require up-to-date PAT testing records as part of compliance.
Schools & Colleges
High footfall and frequent use of electrical equipment in educational settings means regular PAT testing is especially important. Computers, projectors, charging equipment and kitchen appliances should all be tested.
Events & Venues
Events using portable electrical equipment — PA systems, lighting rigs, catering appliances, power tools — typically require valid PAT test records before equipment can be used on site.
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PAT testing Darlington — frequently asked questions
What does PAT testing mean?
PAT testing stands for Portable Appliance Testing. It is the inspection and electrical testing of portable appliances — anything with a plug that can be moved — to confirm they are safe to use. The process involves a visual check and a set of electrical tests, after which each appliance receives a dated pass or fail label and is recorded in a written log. PAT testing is widely used by businesses, landlords and organisations to manage the safety of electrical equipment.
Is PAT testing a legal requirement?
PAT testing itself is not a specific legal requirement, but employers and landlords do have legal duties to ensure electrical equipment is safe under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). PAT testing is the widely accepted way to demonstrate compliance with these duties. Many insurance policies, HMO licences and health and safety policies also require up-to-date PAT testing records.
How often should electrical PAT testing be carried out?
The frequency depends on the type of equipment and the environment it is used in. Office equipment such as computers and monitors typically needs testing every 2–4 years. Portable tools and equipment used on construction sites or in high-risk environments may need testing every 3 months. Appliances in schools, hotels or high-use settings are usually tested annually. We can advise on appropriate intervals for your specific situation.
What types of appliances need PAT testing?
Any portable electrical appliance connected to the mains via a plug can be PAT tested. This includes computers, monitors, keyboards, chargers, kettles, toasters, microwaves, fans, heaters, power tools, extension leads, printers, lamps and more. Fixed appliances such as permanently wired equipment are not covered by PAT testing — these are assessed as part of an EICR instead.
Do you carry out PAT testing in Darlington and across the North East?
Yes — we provide electrical PAT testing for businesses, landlords, offices, schools and commercial premises across Darlington, Teesside, Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough, Durham, Newton Aycliffe, Hartlepool and the wider North East. Get in touch for a fast quote and we can arrange a convenient time to carry out the testing with minimal disruption to your day.
PAT testing across Darlington and the North East
Portable Appliance Testing for businesses, landlords and commercial premises across all of Darlington (DL1, DL2, DL3) and the wider North East.
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- Businesses and offices
- Landlords and HMOs
- Schools and colleges
- Events and venues
- Full written test record
- Pass/fail labels on every item