PAT Testing FAQ

Is PAT testing a legal requirement in the UK?

Currently, there is no definitive legal requirement for the process of PAT testing. This said however, the government does have regulations that have been put into place to keep businesses and people safe. The UK Health and Safety Executive and insurance companies will require you to perform PAT tests in commercial settings to comply with various health and safety regulations, these include:

• Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974

• The Electricity at Work Regulations of 1989

• The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations of 1998

• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations of 1999

What does PAT testing stand for?

Portable appliance testing (PAT), sometimes written as PAT testing is the examination of electrical equipment and appliances to ensure that they are in a safe condition and effectively as safe as the day they were purchased or entered service.

What is PAT testing?

Portable appliance testing is the visual inspection and testing of business premises to ensure that the appliances are safe to use. It is the legal responsibility of a business owner to ensure electrical safety within their business, a PAT tester will test equipment for many potential faults including insulation resistance, earth continuity, and lead polarity.

How often does PAT testing need to be done?

Caterham PAT Testing can advise you best on how often to get your items tested. It is a common myth that all your items need to be tested every year. This might be so for some of your items but other could be tested every 2 or 3 years depending on the environment where they are being used.

What needs PAT testing?

By basic definition, any electrical appliance or equipment needs to be tested. All items that are connected to mains power will need to be checked.

This includes anything from extension leads to a vending machine. Wireless appliances such as cordless drills do not require a portable application test, however, their battery chargers that plug into the wall in order to charge the equipment does.

What is the legal requirement for PAT testing?

Under the portable appliance testing (PAT) law all employees, landlords and even anyone who is self-employed is required to ensure their portable electrical appliances are safe and suitable for use.

Do rental properties need PAT testing?

It is a requirement for all HMO landlords to conduct annual PAT tests on all electrical appliances within the property. Private landlords currently have no obligations to conduct PAT testing within the properties however we strongly suggest that you do get appliances checked every year. We often come across many landlord owned items that are unsafe in rented accommodation.

Do I need a PAT test certificate?

It is your responsibility as a business owner or landlord to demonstrate that your electrical items have been checked either visually or by using a company like Caterham PAT testing. We will issue a certificate and asset logs of all items tested.

How much does a PAT test cost?

All of our prices are listed here. Our prices start at £50. Please get in touch for a detailed quotation.

Who can perform a PAT test?

By law, a PAT test must be conducted by a competent person, you may wish to either take a PAT testing course yourself to achieve a PAT testing qualification of sorts, or employ a qualified safety engineer who can do it on your behalf. Caterham PAT Testing engineers are City and Guilds qualified and highly experienced to ensure that your testing is carried to the highest standards.