Portable Appliance Testing (PAT): A Complete Guide for 2025

Electrical safety is a crucial part of maintaining any home, business, or rental property. One of the most common ways to ensure appliances are safe to use is through Portable Appliance Testing (PAT). This simple yet essential process helps identify potential risks before they cause harm, making it an important part of both legal compliance and responsible property management.

In this guide, we’ll cover what PAT testing involves, why it matters, the costs you can expect, and how often you should get it done.

What Is Portable Appliance Testing?

Portable Appliance Testing, often called PAT testing, is the process of checking electrical equipment and appliances to make sure they are safe to use. The term "portable" can be a little misleading, it doesn’t just mean small devices you can carry. It includes anything that plugs into a socket, from kettles and computers to extension leads, industrial equipment, and even some heavy-duty machinery.

The testing process usually involves two stages:

1. Visual Inspection: looking for damage to cables, plugs, and casings.
2. Electrical Testing: using specialist equipment to check the appliance’s safety features, insulation, and earth connections.

Why Is PAT Testing Important?

Electrical faults can cause fires, injuries, or even fatalities. PAT testing reduces these risks by identifying issues early. For businesses, landlords, and organisations, it also helps demonstrate compliance with UK safety regulations.

Some of the main benefits include:

• Protecting employees, tenants, and customers.
• Reducing fire hazards.
• Meeting legal health and safety requirements.
• Extending the life of appliances by catching faults before they worsen.
• Avoiding potential fines or insurance issues in case of accidents.

Who Needs PAT Testing?

Although the law doesn’t specifically state how often PAT testing should be carried out, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 requires all electrical systems to be maintained safely. This means that most businesses, landlords, and public organisations will need regular testing.

Common examples include:

• Landlords: ensuring rental property appliances are safe for tenants.
• Offices: protecting staff working with computers, printers, and kitchen appliances.
• Schools and Universities: checking the safety of equipment used by students.
• Factories and Workshops: ensuring power tools and machinery are safe.
• Hospitality Industry: making sure catering and cleaning equipment is reliable.

Even homeowners sometimes choose to get PAT testing for extra peace of mind, especially if they have older appliances.

What Does PAT Testing Involve?

A qualified PAT tester will usually:

1. Inspect each appliance visually.
2. Test it with a PAT machine to check insulation resistance and earth continuity.
3. Label the appliance as “Passed” or “Failed.”
4. Provide a detailed report with results.

This report is often essential for businesses and landlords to prove compliance.

How Often Should PAT Testing Be Done?

The frequency of PAT testing depends on the type of appliance and environment. For example:

• Office equipment may only need testing every 2 to 4 years.
• Portable appliances in rental properties are often tested annually.
• High-risk environments such as construction sites may require testing as often as every 3 months.

Your PAT tester can give tailored advice based on your property and appliances.

How Much Does PAT Testing Cost?

The cost of PAT testing depends on several factors, including:

• The number of appliances being tested.
• Whether you’re charged per item or a flat rate.
• The type of property (office, rental, industrial).
• Location (prices in London are often higher).

On average in the UK, you might expect to pay between £1 and £3 per item if many items are tested, or a fixed call-out fee of £50 to £150 for smaller jobs. Bulk testing generally lowers the cost per appliance, which makes it more affordable for businesses with lots of equipment.

Tips to Keep PAT Testing Affordable

1. Test in bulk: the more items you include in one visit, the lower the cost per item.
2. Schedule regular visits: avoiding last-minute emergency call-outs keeps prices down.
3. Work with a trusted local provider: national companies sometimes charge more.
4. Keep appliances organized: easy access reduces testing time, lowering costs.
5. Combine with other services: some electricians offer package deals with fire alarm testing, EICRs, or emergency lighting checks.

Common Appliances That Need Testing

While most plug-in devices should be tested, some of the most common include:

• Computers, monitors, and printers.
• Kettles, microwaves, and toasters.
• Extension leads and power strips.
• Hairdryers, heaters, and fans.
• Power tools and workshop machinery.

What Happens If You Don’t Do PAT Testing?

Skipping PAT testing can lead to serious consequences:

• Increased risk of fire or electric shock.
• Legal non-compliance under health and safety regulations.
• Insurance issues if an accident occurs and no safety checks were carried out.
• Fines or penalties for landlords and businesses.

Ultimately, the cost of not testing is often far higher than the cost of getting it done.

Can You Do PAT Testing Yourself?

It is possible to carry out basic visual checks without training, such as spotting frayed wires or damaged plugs. However, formal PAT testing requires specialist equipment and knowledge.

In the UK, only a competent person can perform PAT testing. This usually means a qualified electrician or trained PAT tester with the right equipment. For businesses and landlords, using a certified professional provides a proper safety record that can be used in audits, insurance claims, or legal disputes.

Choosing the Right PAT Testing Provider

When hiring someone to do PAT testing, look for:

• Qualifications and experience in electrical safety.
• Clear pricing without hidden fees.
• Detailed reports that can be kept for records.
• Flexibility to test outside of business hours if needed.
• Good reviews and reputation in your area.

Final Thoughts

Portable Appliance Testing may feel like just another box to tick, but it plays a huge role in keeping people safe and ensuring compliance with the law. For landlords, business owners, and facility managers, the small investment in PAT testing brings peace of mind, reduces risks, and helps avoid costly accidents.

Whether you’re running a small office or managing multiple properties, scheduling regular PAT testing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect both people and property in 2025.