Portable Appliance Testing

PAT Testing in
Reading & Berkshire

Level 3 certified portable appliance testing for offices, schools, hospitality venues, retail units, and more. Certificates issued the same day. No hidden charges.

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The Basics

What Is PAT Testing?

PAT testing (Portable Appliance Testing) is the systematic inspection and electronic testing of portable electrical appliances to confirm they are safe for continued use. It is carried out in two stages: a visual inspection of the plug, cable, and appliance body, followed by an electronic test of earth continuity and insulation resistance using a specialist PAT tester.

A "portable appliance" is any piece of electrical equipment connected to the mains supply by a plug. This includes laptops, monitors, desk fans, kettles, power tools, floor lamps, extension leads, and more.

After testing, each appliance receives a pass or fail label. A detailed certificate is issued covering all items tested, giving you a complete audit trail for your records.

Legal Context

Is PAT Testing a Legal Requirement?

There is no specific UK law that requires PAT testing by name. However, employers and building owners have a clear legal obligation under:

  • The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

    — which require all electrical systems and equipment to be maintained in a safe condition.

  • The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

    — which places a general duty of care on employers for the safety of employees and visitors.

  • The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

    — which require employers to assess and control workplace risks.

PAT testing is the recognised, practical method for demonstrating that you have met these obligations. Insurers, landlords, and councils increasingly require a valid PAT certificate as a condition of cover or occupation.

Who Needs PAT Testing?

Any Workplace That Uses Electrical Equipment

If your premises has portable electrical appliances and employees or members of the public use them, you are responsible for their safety.

Offices & Co-working
Schools & Colleges
Hotels & B&Bs
Restaurants & Cafés
Retail Shops
Warehouses
Care Homes
Event Venues
Dental & Medical
Hair Salons
Gyms & Leisure
Rental Properties (HMO)

What's Included

What You Get with Every PAT Test

Visual Inspection

Each appliance is inspected for damaged cables, cracked plugs, overheating signs, and signs of misuse before any electronic test is run.

Earth Continuity Test

An electronic test confirms the earth wire is intact and provides a low-resistance path to earth — the critical safety circuit.

Insulation Resistance Test

Tests that the insulation around live conductors is intact and preventing any unwanted current leakage.

Pass / Fail Labels

Every tested appliance gets a clearly dated label showing its status and next test date — essential for your records.

Same-Day Certificate

A full test register listing every appliance tested, its result, and the tester's details. PDF and printed options available.

Failed Appliance Report

Any failed appliances are flagged with notes on the likely fault, so you know exactly what needs repair or replacement.

Testing Frequency

How Often Should PAT Testing Be Done?

The IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) Code of Practice recommends a risk-based approach to testing intervals. There is no single "one size fits all" answer — frequency depends on the type of equipment, the environment it is used in, and how it is handled.

Equipment Type Environment Suggested Interval
Stationary IT equipment (PCs, monitors) Low risk (office) Up to 4 years
Portable IT (laptops, tablets) Low risk (office) Up to 2 years
Kitchen appliances (kettle, microwave) Medium risk Annual
Extension leads Any Annual
Power tools High risk (workshop) 3–6 months
Equipment used by the public Any Annual

Source: IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment, 5th Edition.

FAQs

Common Questions About PAT Testing

What appliances are tested?

Any portable appliance with a plug, including kettles, microwaves, desk fans, lamps, laptops, desktop PCs, monitors, printers, phone chargers, extension leads, and power tools. Fixed appliances (hardwired equipment) are not covered by PAT testing — those require an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report).

Will testing disrupt my business?

Rarely. Most PAT testing is done in situ — appliances don't need to be powered off for long. We work methodically through your premises at a pace that minimises downtime. Testing can also be arranged outside business hours.

Do I need to be present during testing?

You or a representative should be available to allow access to areas and answer any questions about specific appliances. You don't need to hover — most clients carry on with their day while the test is being done.

How do I receive my certificate?

Your PAT test register and certificate are issued as a PDF by email on the day of testing. Printed copies can be provided on request.

Do you test in Newbury, Wokingham, or Bracknell?

Yes — PAT-ON covers all of Berkshire and the Thames Valley including Reading, Newbury, Wokingham, Bracknell, Maidenhead, Slough, and surrounding areas.

Book Your PAT Test Today

Get in touch for a no-obligation quote. Most bookings confirmed within 48 hours.

Request a Quote Call 07379 134 540