PAT Testing FAQ

PAT testing is the inspection and, where appropriate, electrical testing of appliances and equipment. Visual inspection checks for issues such as damaged cables or plugs; the electrical tests depend on the equipment. The results help you manage electrical safety and identify items needing attention.

UK workplace law requires electrical equipment to be maintained to prevent danger. It does not impose a blanket annual PAT test. The appropriate maintenance arrangements depend on the risks. Check any additional conditions in your insurance, contract or site policy.

Read the HSE’s PAT testing guidance.

Start with the mains-powered equipment used at your premises: appliances, power supplies, extension leads and detachable mains leads. Tell us about 110V tools, industrial plugs, fixed connections or specialist equipment before booking so the scope can be agreed. See what counts as an appliance.

The battery-powered laptop itself is not a mains test item. Its mains power supply is, and a detachable mains lead is another separate item. A power supply with a removable mains lead therefore counts as two items. Our counting guide shows how to estimate your total.

Consider how and where each item is used, how often it moves and its history of damage. User checks, formal visual inspections and electrical testing are different activities and can have different intervals. Our frequency guide explains how to plan them.

For 1–49 standard appliances, the flat rate is £85. At 50 or more, it is £40 attendance plus £0.95 for every appliance. All prices exclude VAT. Additional tests, industrial equipment and agreed London attendance supplements cost extra. Use the quote calculator, or contact us for a larger or multi-site quote.

No. Microwave leakage testing costs an additional £4.50 excluding VAT per microwave, on top of its electrical appliance test. Testing 110V or 16A/32A commando-style equipment also attracts an additional charge, including on jobs with fewer than 50 items. Tell us the quantities and plug types for a tailored quote.

Electrical testing can require disconnection. Identify servers, tills, refrigeration and any equipment that must remain running before the visit, then agree access and shutdown arrangements with the responsible person. Do not unplug critical equipment just to prepare for testing. Use our pre-visit checklist.

Keep failed equipment out of service until it has been appropriately repaired and assessed as safe, or replace it. The results should identify the failure so the responsible person can arrange action. Do not keep using an item because its previous label shows a pass.

AiO provides digital documentation with itemised results. Use the appliance IDs, locations and outcomes to manage follow-up actions and your equipment register. A report records the inspection or testing carried out; it is not a guarantee of future safety or complete legal compliance. Read our certificate and report guide.

HSE says new equipment should be supplied safe and normally does not need a formal PAT inspection or test. A visual check for damage is recommended. Include new purchases in your equipment management arrangements and check any applicable site or contractual requirements.

The person must be competent for the work. Electrical testing requires suitable equipment, the knowledge to use it correctly and the ability to interpret the results. Competence depends on the task; being able to carry out a simple user check does not qualify someone for every electrical test.