Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)

What Is Portable Appliance Testing?

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is the inspection and testing of electrical equipment that can be moved. This includes anything from a kettle or microwave to a hoover or a lamp. These are called portable appliances, and testing them helps ensure they are safe to use.

The inspection and testing is done by a competent person or qualified PAT technician using special PAT testing equipment. They do both a formal visual check and an electrical test to find any hidden faults that could be dangerous.

PAT testing is part of a wider system of electrical safety compliance and is recommended by the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and HSE (Health and Safety Executive) guidelines.

Why PAT Testing Matters for Landlords

As a residential landlord, you have legal obligations under UK law to ensure your property is safe for tenants. This includes the regular inspection and testing of portable electrical appliances that you provide with the property. Whether you offer a furnished flat or a shared house (HMO), any electrical appliances you provide must be safe and in good working order.

Failing to carry out PAT testing may put your tenants at risk and may also lead to serious consequences for you, including fines or legal action. Regular testing helps prove you are meeting your legal duties and following safety standards.

What Appliances Need Testing?

The following portable appliances in your rental property may need to be tested:

• • Kettles, toasters, and microwaves
• • Fridges, freezers, and washing machines
• • TVs and monitors
• • Hoovers and irons
• • Heaters, lamps, and fans
• • Extension leads and chargers
• • Power tools if provided for property maintenance

Remember, PAT testing applies to any item with a plug that can be connected to a power socket. Even small items like phone chargers or hairdryers may pose a risk of electrical accidents if not tested.

What Happens During PAT Testing?

Our comprehensive PAT testing service involves a step-by-step process carried out by experienced portable appliance testers:

1. Formal Visual Inspection

This is the first and most important step. The technician checks the plug, cable, socket, and the appliance itself. They look for visible signs of damage like frayed wires, burn marks, or broken parts.

2. Electrical Testing

If the appliance passes the visual check, it is tested using PAT testing equipment. The tests check:

• • Earth continuity – to ensure the appliance is grounded properly
• • Insulation resistance – to check there's no leakage of electricity
• • Polarity – to ensure the wiring is correct

3. Labelling and Record Keeping

Each appliance is labelled with a pass or fail sticker. You also get a PAT test report listing all the tested appliances, their results, and dates of testing.

4. Recommendations

If any faults are reported, our technician will give advice on repairs, replacement, or further maintenance needed. This helps you plan your next steps.

How Often Should Landlords Arrange PAT Testing?

The frequency of PAT testing depends on the type of property, the appliance, and how often it is used. For most residential landlords, annual testing is a safe and recommended approach, especially for HMOs or student lets.

Here are some helpful rules:

• • High-use appliances like kettles should be tested once a year
• • Less-used items like lamps can be tested every 2–4 years
• • User checks (visual inspections by tenants or landlords) should be done more frequently
• • If there's been damage, or after electrical repairs, the appliance should be tested again

You should also keep records of all previous tests as part of your property maintenance system.

Legal Requirements and Codes of Practice

While PAT testing is not a legal requirement in itself for landlords, it is strongly advised under:

• • Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
• • Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• • HSE Guidance
• • BSI Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment

These rules say that any electrical equipment must be kept in a safe condition, especially if it is supplied to others – such as tenants.

PAT testing is also a key part of preparing for your EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) and keeping up with fixed wire testing in the property.

What You Get from Our PAT Testing Service

We provide nationwide PAT testing services for landlords across the UK. Our service includes:

• • Combined inspection and testing of all portable electrical items
• • Carried out by trained, certified electricians or competent persons
• • Testing of all plug-in equipment supplied with your rental property
• • A full PAT testing report and appliance list
• • Clear safety recommendations and advice on faults
• • Certificate for your property file
• • Reminders for your next due test

Our goal is to offer excellent service at affordable rates so you can protect your tenants and your investment.

Why Choose Us?

We understand landlords have a lot to manage. That's why we make electrical testing simple, stress-free, and reliable.

• • We offer flexible appointment slots, including weekends
• • Our service is quick, clean, and professional
• • We know the legal obligations landlords face and help you stay compliant
• • We support emergency light testing, EICRs, and other electrical safety testing services too