PAT Testing for Businesses Explained
Wherever you work, whatever your business, you’re likely to have at least one portable appliance. Basically, that’s an electrical appliance that can be unplugged and moved from one power source to another. Look around you and you’ll probably notice a computer, kettle, microwave, TV or fridge for example. In most commercial settings, that list is extensive.
Portable appliance testing (PAT testing) is best practice in most industries. It ensures workplace electrical equipment is safe and maintained in good working order.
Here, we’ll take you through all you need to know about PAT testing for your business.

What is PAT testing?
Commercial Portable Appliance Testing (PAT testing) is an essential health and safety procedure for businesses. It ensures any portable electrical equipment or electrical appliance that you use is safe.
A PAT test involves two steps:
- A formal visual inspection
- A test using a portable appliance tester.
Tests with a portable appliance tester should only be conducted by competent people. They comprise an earth continuity test, an insulation test and a leakage test. A full PAT test will cover those three tests along with a formal visual inspection.
During a visual inspection, the PAT tester will look at aspects like:
- damage to the lead
- damage to the plug
- visible wires
- loose or broken parts
- visible evidence of overheating
- cable storage
- appliance storage.
Additional electrical safety checks
User checks aren’t technically part of the PAT testing process but they are advisable. Put simply, a user check is a basic visual assessment that everyone should do before using any electrical equipment at work. If in doubt, don’t touch it!
Visual inspections are more formal and involved. They look for signs of damage or potential faults. They should only be conducted, and recorded, by competent people.
Is PAT testing a legal requirement?
There’s no absolute legal requirement for businesses to do regular PAT testing. That said, there are strict guidelines to ensure the safety of portable electrical equipment and all electrical systems. As a business owner, you have an obligation to keep employees and visitors to your workplace safe. You want to avoid hazards like electric shocks and fires, so it makes sense to take preventative measures.
Relevant regulations and safety standards include:
- The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
- Electrical Equipment Safety Regulations 2016
- The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
- IET Code of Practice.
Find out more about these safety standards and our PAT testing services
What items need to be PAT tested in an office environment?
The term ‘PAT testing’ is slightly misleading as it’s not just portable electrical appliances that need to be checked regularly. Generally, anything that plugs into the mains should be PAT tested.
As a business owner, you’re likely to know which electrical appliances are used most. Prioritise PAT testing the appliances you use the most frequently and which create the most high risk. In a busy office, it may be computers, photocopiers, TV monitors, servers and more. On a construction site, there’ll be power tools and extension leads. In the work kitchen, it’ll be the fridge, toaster, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine and kettle.
Can I perform PAT testing myself or do I need a professional?
Officially, you don’t have to use a qualified electrician (although we would recommend it). It can be a ‘competent person’. For peace of mind, it’s a good idea to choose an experienced, professional PAT tester or PAT testing company to check the safety of your electrical equipment. When we do a PAT test, we’ll flag any issues and provide you with a report of what needs to be repaired or upgraded.
How often should PAT testing be done in business?
Again, there are no hard and fast rules on how regularly you should PAT test electrical equipment. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that equipment that’s used regularly in a more high-risk environment should be checked more frequently than others. A risk assessment is the easiest way to identify how often your equipment should be checked.
Whilst there’s no legal requirement to record inspections, it’s a good idea. Labelling tested equipment with a sticker that displays the test date is useful as part of a maintenance scheme.
Check the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website for full details
Case study: Kew Gardens
We were delighted when the Kew Gardens team awarded us their PAT testing contract. Initially it was for a three year period, but it’s since been extended by another two years as they’ve been so pleased with our high quality work.
As you can imagine, these historic buildings and diverse installations are complex. We need to plan work incredibly carefully and thoughtfully. We work collaboratively with our client, as well as their on-site engineers, to ensure we achieve the desired results each and every time, year on year.
Our experts can help to keep your business, and its people, safer
Our NICEIC qualified, experienced electrical engineers can help to keep your work environment safe and to minimise the risk of electrical incidents.
We offer comprehensive testing services from PAT testing to electrical installation condition report (EICR) and fire safety checks (including fire alarms and emergency lighting).
Chat to us about our competitive prices for PAT test costs, electrical inspection and testing. We’re here to help you.