Your EICR covers the fixed wiring. It doesn't cover the kettle, the microwave, the lamp or the extension lead you've left for your tenants — or the computers, heaters and chargers in your office. PAT testing fills that gap, and gives you a record to show for it.
What is PAT testing?
PAT stands for portable appliance testing. The IET Code of Practice (5th edition, 2020) describes it as the "in-service inspection and testing" of electrical equipment: a careful look at each item, plus the electrical tests that suit it. It covers equipment that plugs in — kettles, toasters, microwaves, washing machines, fridges, lamps, heaters, vacuum cleaners, computers and extension leads.
An EICR is different: it inspects and tests the fixed installation — the wiring, consumer unit, sockets and lights. Fixed appliances wired straight into the installation, such as an electric shower or a built-in oven on its own circuit, are covered by the EICR rather than a PAT test. Our guide to EICR vs EIC vs PATexplains how the checks fit together.
Who needs PAT testing?
HMO landlords
Every HMO licence requires the licence holder to keep the electrical appliances they supply safe, and to give the council a declaration about their safety if it asks. A current PAT register is the simplest way to back that declaration up. Our HMO electrical safety guide covers the wider rules.
Landlords of furnished and part-furnished lets
If you provide appliances, your tenants rely on them being safe. Testing them at the start of each tenancy shows they were checked, and the register gives you a dated record if a question ever comes up.
Businesses
Offices, shops, salons and cafés use PAT records to show their equipment is being looked after, and insurers, landlords and managing agents may ask to see them.
Short lets and serviced accommodation
Guests use your appliances just as tenants do, and they change far more often. A PAT register shows every item was checked, and makes it easy to spot anything that has gone missing or been replaced since the last test.
What we do, step by step
- List everything. Each item goes on a register, so nothing is missed.
- Visual inspection. Plug, cable and casing, whether the fuse is the right size, the cord grip where the cable enters the plug, and any signs of overheating or damage. Many faults can be spotted by eye.
- Electrical tests. The right tests for each type of appliance — for example, earth continuity on appliances with an earthed metal case, insulation resistance, and polarity on extension leads.
- Labels. Each item gets a pass or fail label.
- Your register. A list of everything tested, with the result and when each item should next be checked.
- Failures explained. If something fails, we label it, tell you why, and say whether it's worth repairing — a damaged plug, say — or should be replaced. With your agreement, it's taken out of use.
Why appliances fail
The usual culprits are easy to miss in day-to-day use:
- damaged or taped-up cables;
- cracked plugs, sockets on extension leads, or casings;
- the wrong fuse in the plug;
- a loose cord grip, leaving the inner wires exposed;
- signs of overheating around plugs and adaptors;
- extension leads plugged into other extension leads.
How often?
There's no single interval for every appliance. It depends on the type of equipment and how it's used: a kettle in a busy shared kitchen has a harder life than a lamp in a spare room. Your register notes a recommended retest date for each item. For a rented home, a sensible routine is to test at the start of each new tenancy, whenever you add an appliance, and when the register says so. New appliances still go on the register with a visual check, so your record is complete from day one.
Between tests
A quick look before use catches a lot. Check that cables and plugs aren't damaged, and stop using anything that sparks, smells hot or trips the power. If you're a landlord, ask your tenants to report damaged appliances straight away, and take them out of use until they've been checked or replaced.
What to expect on the day
We work room by room, or desk by desk in an office, so nobody is without their equipment for long. Each item is unplugged only while it's being tested. Computers and network equipment need shutting down first, so in a business it helps to plan the visit with your IT support, or to book a quieter time of day.
Book it with your EICR
PAT testing fits neatly into an EICR visit: one appointment, one set of access arrangements, and less disruption for your tenants. Add the number of appliances when you book your landlord EICR or HMO EICR — or book PAT testing on its own.
What it costs
PAT testing is priced per appliance, so the total depends on how many items there are. Tell us roughly how many and you'll know the price before anything is booked — where it isn't shown online, we confirm it on the phone first.
How to prepare
- Gather the appliances you want tested, or tell us where to find them.
- Make sure plugs and sockets are easy to reach.
- Shut down computers and anything else that shouldn't lose power without warning.
- Tell us which appliances are yours and which belong to your tenants — we test the items you ask us to.
What to do with your register
Keep it with your tenancy or business records. Send a copy to your letting agent, keep it ready for an HMO licence declaration, or show it to your insurer if they ask. When the retest dates come round, the register tells you exactly what needs checking.
Why book with us
- Labels and a full register — clear evidence of what was tested and when.
- Easy to combine with your EICR, in one visit.
- Failures explained in plain English, with no pressure to buy anything.
- Access arranged with your tenants or agent.
- Insured — £5m public liability insurance.
- London-wide — all 32 London boroughs and the City of London.
- Nothing booked until we call to confirm the details.
Request a quote
Request a quote — tell us roughly how many appliances there are and where, and we'll call to confirm the price and a date. Or call us on 07301 010244.