Portable Appliance Tests (PAT Testing)

Keeping your premises compliant and your equipment safe. Honest testing, clear reporting, and no unnecessary costs across Dorset, Hampshire, and Wiltshire.

Why Choose Us

Straightforward Electrical Safety

We provide thorough Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) for businesses of all sizes - from small offices and workshops to warehouses, retail sites, and managed properties.

Our team brings real operational safety experience. We know what constitutes a genuine electrical hazard, what doesn't, and how to keep you compliant without disrupting your business.

Whether you need an annual test of all office equipment, testing for heavy workshop machinery, or straightforward advice on testing frequencies, we handle it.

No overselling, no unnecessary costs.

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Experience

What Our Testing Covers

All testing is carried out in accordance with the IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment.

During a PAT test we conduct:

Visual Inspections

We thoroughly inspect the plug, casing, and cable for damage, overheating, exposed wiring, or incorrect fuses, which accounts for the majority of electrical failures.

Earth Continuity Testing

For Class I appliances, we test the earth connection to ensure that, in the event of a fault, the current will safely flow to earth rather than causing an electric shock.

Insulation Resistance Testing

We apply a test voltage to ensure the internal insulation is intact and preventing current from leaking to the exterior casing.

Functional Checks

We verify that the appliance powers on and operates correctly without tripping safety devices.

Labelling & Documentation

We apply a clear pass or fail label to every item tested and provide a comprehensive digital asset register and compliance certificate for your records.

When Do You Need Testing?

Over-testing costs you money. Under-testing puts you at risk.

When annual testing is the right call:

Equipment used in high-risk or harsh environments, such as construction sites, workshops, or commercial kitchens, typically requires annual or even 6-monthly testing due to the higher likelihood of damage.

When longer intervals make more sense:

For low-risk environments like standard offices, the IET Code of Practice often recommends longer intervals (e.g., 2-4 years) for stationary equipment like desktop computers, provided regular visual checks are carried out by staff.

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Experience

Your Legal Requirements

Under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, employers must ensure that all electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury is maintained in a safe condition.

Maintenance is a legal requirement. While the law does not explicitly state that 'PAT testing' must be done annually, it does require a systematic approach to maintenance. PAT testing is the universally recognised method for demonstrating compliance with this law.

Records demonstrate compliance. In the event of an electrical accident or a fire caused by a faulty appliance, you will need to prove to the HSE or your insurer that you took reasonable steps to maintain the equipment. A PAT testing register provides this proof.

The consequences of non-compliance are serious. Faulty electrical appliances are a leading cause of workplace fires and electric shocks. Failing to maintain equipment can invalidate your insurance and result in prosecution.

We take the administration out of compliance. We advise on appropriate testing frequencies, track your renewal dates, and provide all the documentation you need to demonstrate that your premises are properly maintained.

Covering Your Area

Bournemouth
Southampton
Portsmouth
Chichester
Guildford
Basingstoke
Andover
Romsey

Winchester
Salisbury
Christchurch
Poole
Weymouth
Shaftesbury
Dorchester
& Beyond . . .

Who We Work With

We work with businesses and property managers across the South. Our clients include:

• Commercial offices and business parks

• Warehouses and industrial units

• Retail units and hospitality venues

• Landlords and managing agents

• Schools, care homes, and public buildings

• Tradespeople and small workshops

If you're responsible for fire safety on a premises, we can help.

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Experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PAT testing a legal requirement?

PAT testing is not explicitly named as a legal requirement, but the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 place a legal duty on employers to ensure that all electrical equipment which may cause danger is maintained in a safe condition.

PAT testing is the universally recognised method for demonstrating compliance with this duty. In the event of an electrical accident or fire, the HSE and insurers will expect evidence of a systematic maintenance programme, and a PAT testing register is the standard form of that evidence.

How often does electrical equipment need to be PAT tested?

There is no single legally mandated frequency. The IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment recommends that testing intervals are based on a risk assessment of the environment and the type of equipment.

As a general guide, equipment used on construction sites or in harsh environments should be tested every 3 months to annually, equipment in commercial kitchens and workshops annually, and equipment in low-risk office environments every 2 to 4 years. Stationary equipment like desktop computers in offices may only require a visual inspection.

What is the difference between a PAT test pass and fail?

A PAT test pass means the appliance has passed both the visual inspection and the relevant electrical tests - earth continuity, insulation resistance, and functional checks - and is considered safe for continued use.

A pass label is applied showing the test date and the next recommended test date. A PAT test fail means the appliance has a fault that makes it potentially unsafe. A fail label is applied and the appliance must be taken out of service immediately.

It must not be used again until the fault has been repaired and the appliance retested and confirmed as safe.

Get expert fire safety support with over 30 years of experience across Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and beyond. You'll receive a free site survey and only ever be recommended what you genuinely need.

No overselling, no unnecessary costs.