Professional PAT Testing Across London for Landlords, Businesses & Organisations

PAT Testing is not named in law as a compulsory annual test for every appliance. The legal duty is to maintain electrical equipment so it does not cause danger. A sensible maintenance programme may include user checks, formal visual inspections and electrical testing, depending on the equipment, how it is used and the environment. PAT Testing is one practical way to demonstrate that suitable checks have been carried out.

There is no single legal interval that applies to every appliance. The frequency should be based on risk, including the equipment class, how often the item is moved, who uses it, the environment and the results of previous checks. Handheld tools or equipment used in harsh conditions may need more frequent testing than stationary office equipment. Damaged or repaired items should be checked before returning to normal use.

PAT Testing can cover many plug-in, portable, movable and supplied electrical items, including computers, monitors, printers, kettles, lamps, extension leads, vacuum cleaners, televisions and suitable tools. The correct test depends on the equipment class and construction. Specialist medical, laboratory, industrial or hard-wired equipment may need a different inspection process and should be discussed before booking.

The process starts with a visual inspection of the plug, fuse, flexible cable, strain relief, casing, controls and any signs of overheating, misuse or damage. Suitable electrical tests are then selected for the equipment type, which may include earth continuity, insulation resistance or alternative leakage testing. Each accessible item is identified and the result is recorded in the appliance register.

The appointment length depends mainly on the number and type of appliances, their location and how easily they can be disconnected. A small property or office may take around one to three hours, while larger inventories or several sites can take longer. Accurate item counts, clear access and safely shutting down computers before the visit help the testing move more efficiently.

Yes. Most equipment must be unplugged briefly so the plug, cable and appliance can be inspected and tested safely. Computers should be saved and shut down properly before disconnection. Tell us in advance about servers, alarms, medical equipment, refrigeration or other essential items that cannot easily lose power, so the visit can be planned around operational needs.

A failed item should be removed from use or clearly isolated so it cannot be used accidentally. The reason for failure is recorded, such as a damaged cable, cracked plug, exposed conductor, failed electrical reading or heat damage. Depending on the fault, the item may be repaired and retested or replaced. Repair work and replacement parts are quoted separately unless they were included in the original booking.

Yes. Many defects are found visually before an electrical test is needed. Split cables, loose pins, cracked plugs, damaged casings, taped repairs, exposed conductors, scorch marks and signs of overheating can all make equipment unsafe. An item may fail on visual condition alone even if it still appears to operate normally.

Class I equipment relies on basic insulation and a protective earth, so earth continuity is an important part of testing. Class II equipment is double insulated and normally does not rely on an earth connection. Class III equipment operates from separated extra-low voltage. The equipment class affects which tests are suitable and how the result should be interpreted.

Landlords have a responsibility to provide electrical equipment that is safe. PAT Testing is not automatically required at one fixed interval for every rental property, but it is commonly used to inspect and record the condition of landlord-supplied appliances. Testing before a new tenancy, after damage or when equipment has been repaired can provide useful evidence of a sensible maintenance programme.

No. PAT Testing covers portable, movable and supplied electrical equipment. An EICR assesses the fixed electrical installation, including the consumer unit, circuits, wiring, sockets, switches, earthing and protective devices. One service does not replace the other. A landlord, workplace or managed property may need both as part of its wider electrical safety arrangements.

You receive an itemised digital appliance register showing the equipment description, identification details, test date, result and any relevant notes. Pass or fail labels can be applied where this forms part of the agreed service. The report helps track equipment history and maintenance, but users should still report visible damage immediately rather than waiting for the next scheduled test.

PAT Testing is usually priced using a minimum attendance charge and an agreed rate based on the number and type of items. Larger inventories, multi-site work and repeat portfolio testing may qualify for a batch or day-rate quotation. Specialist items, microwave leakage testing, repairs, parking and out-of-hours work are priced separately where applicable. The final quote is confirmed before booking.

Provide the postcode, property or business type, estimated number of appliances, number of rooms or sites and preferred appointment time. Mention computers, microwaves, 110V tools, industrial equipment or items that cannot be disconnected. It also helps to explain parking, access restrictions and whether testing must take place outside normal operating hours.