Portable Appliance Testing in London

PAT Testing Services in London

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) checks the condition and safety of electrical appliances and equipment through a visual inspection and, where appropriate, electrical testing. RCD Electrical provides PAT testing for landlords, offices, shops and other commercial premises across London, with clear results recorded for tested items.

Visual Checks & Electrical Tests Appliance Test Records London Appointments
Book PAT Testing 020 3488 2928
PAT testing services in London

Practical Appliance Safety Checks for Workplaces and Rental Properties

RCD Electrical carries out PAT testing for workplaces, landlords and organisations across London. Each visit combines visual inspection with the electrical tests appropriate to the appliance, its construction and how it is used.

Visual inspection before electrical testing Testing matched to equipment type and risk Clear results, labels and appliance records
01 · Service overview

What PAT Testing Can Cover

PAT testing checks electrical equipment that can be moved or connected by a plug. The scope is agreed around the appliances present and the risks created by their use.

01

Office and IT Equipment

Computers, monitors, printers, chargers, extension leads and other equipment used in offices or shared workspaces.

02

Kitchen and Staff Appliances

Kettles, microwaves, fridges, coffee machines and cleaning equipment supplied for staff, tenants or visitors.

03

Tools and Movable Equipment

Power tools, site equipment and frequently moved appliances that may need closer inspection because of wear or harsher use.

Visual inspection is a central part of PAT testing. A tester may identify split cables, damaged plugs, loose parts, scorch marks or unsuitable repairs before an electrical test begins. PAT testing does not replace an EICR or investigation of the fixed installation where sockets or circuits are causing problems.
02 · Inspection and testing scope

What a Competent PAT Testing Visit Includes

Every appliance starts with a visual check. Electrical tests are then selected to suit the equipment class and the information available from the manufacturer.

01

Appliance Identification

The item, location and basic description are recorded so the result can be traced to the correct appliance.

02

Casing and Controls

The enclosure, switches, covers and accessible parts are checked for damage, heat, contamination or unsafe modification.

03

Plug and Fuse

The plug, pins, fuse rating, wiring and cord grip are examined where the construction allows access.

04

Cable and Strain Relief

Flexible cables and leads are checked for cuts, crushing, exposed conductors, poor repairs and movement at entry points.

05

Earth Continuity

Class I equipment may require an earth continuity test to confirm the protective earth path remains effective.

06

Insulation and Other Tests

Insulation resistance, polarity, leakage or functional checks may be used where appropriate for the appliance and test method.

Testing should match the equipment

Not Every Appliance Needs the Same Tests or the Same Interval

Class I, Class II, detachable leads and specialist equipment are not assessed in exactly the same way. The visit should also reflect how often an item is moved, who uses it and whether the environment is clean, wet, dusty or physically demanding. See the HSE PAT testing FAQs, portable equipment maintenance guidance and PAT testing explanation from Electrical Safety First.

03 · Workplaces, landlords and managed property

Testing Frequency Should Follow Risk, Not a Calendar Habit

The right inspection and testing interval depends on the appliance, how it is used, where it is used and what earlier checks have found.

Low risk

Office Equipment

Equipment that stays in a clean, dry position may need a different maintenance plan from items moved every day.

Frequent use

Hospitality and Shared Areas

Kettles, cleaners and staff appliances can be handled often, making cable and plug damage more likely.

Supplied

Rental Property Appliances

Landlords and managing agents should keep supplied appliances safe and maintain records suited to their duties.

Harsh use

Tools and Site Equipment

Portable tools exposed to movement, dust, impact or outdoor conditions usually need closer attention.

Risk-based intervals

Review the interval after failures, repairs, changes of use or evidence that equipment is being damaged more quickly than expected.

The HSE states that there is no blanket legal requirement to PAT test every appliance annually. Electrical equipment must be maintained to prevent danger, with checks and tests selected around risk. For rented homes in England, also check the current government electrical safety guidance for private and social landlords.
04 · From appliance list to report

How PAT Testing Is Carried Out

A well-organised visit identifies the equipment, checks its condition, applies the correct tests and records any action needed.

  1. 01

    Confirm the Scope

    We confirm the site, appliance numbers, equipment types, access, working hours and any existing asset list.

  2. 02

    Visual Inspection

    The appliance, plug, cable and accessible parts are checked before electrical test equipment is connected.

  3. 03

    Electrical Testing

    Suitable tests are completed for the appliance class and construction, with results interpreted by a competent person.

  4. 04

    Label, Record and Explain

    Passes, failures and limitations are recorded. Failed items are identified clearly and the next action is explained.

Before the appointment

Make the Appliances Available and Easy to Identify

Good access reduces disruption and helps the appliance list match the equipment actually tested.

  • Provide an estimated appliance count
  • Include detachable leads and chargers
  • Arrange safe access to equipment
  • Mention restricted hours or critical devices
Equipment that fails should not simply be returned to use. It may need repair, replacement or retesting. Where the problem appears to come from a socket, circuit or wider installation, we may recommend electrical fault finding, an EICR or separate electrical maintenance work.
Work Not Included Unless Agreed
  • Internal appliance repairs or replacement parts
  • Dismantling specialist or sealed equipment
  • Testing of the fixed wiring installation
  • Moving inaccessible or operationally critical equipment
05 · Results, labels and records

What PAT Testing Results Mean

The result should make the next action clear. A label is useful for identification, but the appliance record gives the fuller picture.

Pass

Suitable for Continued Use

No electrical safety defect was identified within the inspection and tests completed on the day.

Fail

Remove from Use

The item has a defect or result that makes continued use unsafe until the issue is resolved.

Repair

Repair and Retest

A suitable repair may allow the appliance to return to service after it has been inspected and tested again.

Refer

Further Investigation

The appliance, socket or fixed supply may need additional electrical investigation outside the PAT testing scope.

Record Each tested item can be listed with its location, description and result.
Label Pass or fail labels help staff identify the status of an appliance at the point of use.
Action Failures and limitations are separated so the responsible person knows what to do next.
If a result points beyond the appliance

We Separate Appliance Faults from Fixed Wiring Problems

A damaged appliance and a faulty socket need different remedies. We explain when further investigation of the fixed installation is appropriate.

View Fault Finding Service
06 · PAT testing costs and quotations

What Affects the Cost of PAT Testing

The quotation depends on the number and type of appliances, site access, locations, working hours and the level of recording required.

An accurate appliance estimate helps Send the postcode, appliance count, property type and preferred testing time so the visit can be planned properly.
Small Appliance Batch
Quoted

For a smaller office, shop, rental property or managed space with a clear appliance count.

The minimum visit, appliance mix, access and reporting requirements affect the quote.
Book PAT Testing Call Now
Appliance estimate required
Managed Testing Workplace or Landlord Portfolio
Quoted

For offices, hospitality sites, rental properties or shared buildings with mixed appliance types.

Room access, asset lists, tenant or staff coordination and failed-item reporting shape the scope.
Request a Quote Call Now
Site details may be required
Large or Multi-Site Programme
Quoted

For higher appliance volumes, several floors or multiple London locations needing planned attendance.

Appliance volumes, site sequence, out-of-hours work and reporting format affect the programme.
Plan Testing Call Now
A structured schedule may be required

Repair work, replacement parts and retesting are not included unless they are agreed. A low per-item rate may not represent the full cost where access, records or several locations are involved.

07 · Appliance safety and responsible maintenance

Why PAT Testing Matters

Damaged electrical equipment can expose staff, tenants and visitors to electric shock, burns or fire. PAT testing supports a wider maintenance system built around user checks, visual inspection and suitable electrical tests.

A pass label is a record of the condition found on the test date, not a permanent guarantee. Any appliance that is later dropped, damaged, wet, scorched or develops a loose cable should be removed from use and checked again.

Visible damage and electrical faults Testing Finds Problems That Normal Use Can Hide

A careful visual inspection can reveal damaged plugs, split cables, poor repairs and signs of overheating. Electrical tests can identify defects that are not visible from the outside.

Plug and cable condition

Frequent movement can loosen cord grips, expose conductors or damage insulation.

Protective earth

Class I equipment relies on an effective earth path as part of its safety design.

Insulation condition

Suitable testing can identify deterioration that may allow current to reach accessible parts.

The Electrical Safety First PAT guide explains how visual checks and electrical tests work together.

Legal duties and testing intervals Annual PAT Testing Is Not a Blanket Legal Rule

UK law requires work equipment with the potential to cause injury to be maintained safely, but it does not prescribe annual PAT testing for every appliance. The maintenance plan should reflect risk.

Type of equipment

A desk lamp and a construction tool are exposed to very different levels of damage.

Environment and use

Movement, moisture, dust, heat and the number of users affect how quickly defects may develop.

Previous results

Failures and repairs provide evidence for shortening or reviewing the next interval.

The HSE PAT testing FAQs confirm that frequency depends on the equipment and the environment in which it is used.

PAT testing and fixed wiring PAT Testing Does Not Replace an EICR

PAT testing concerns appliances and equipment. An EICR examines the fixed electrical installation, including circuits, consumer units, earthing and wiring accessories.

PAT testing

Checks the condition and safety of individual appliances within the agreed scope.

EICR

Assesses the condition of the fixed electrical installation and records classification codes.

Fault finding

Investigates a specific problem such as tripping, loss of power, heat or damage at a socket.

Where the concern is with circuits or sockets rather than the appliance, arrange an EICR or electrical fault investigation.

Competence, landlords and records Useful Records Make Safety Action Easier to Manage

A clear appliance list, result and failure reason help the responsible person remove unsafe items, arrange repairs and review the maintenance interval.

Competent testing

The tester needs suitable knowledge, equipment and the ability to understand the results.

Landlord duties

Supplied appliances must be managed in line with the duties that apply to the property and landlord sector.

Practical evidence

Records and labels are useful management tools even where a specific label format is not required by law.

For rented properties in England, review the current government guidance for private and social rented sectors.

Plan testing around real appliance risk

Build a Clear PAT Testing Programme

Send the postcode, appliance estimate, property type and any existing records. We will use that information to confirm the practical scope.

Book PAT Testing 020 3488 2928
Before you book

Details That Help Us Plan Your PAT Testing

A useful enquiry gives a realistic appliance count, explains where the items are located and identifies any access or operational limits. This keeps the visit focused and reduces disruption.

Estimate the Appliance Count

Include desktop equipment, kitchen appliances, cleaners, tools, extension leads, chargers and detachable power leads.

Explain Locations and Access

Tell us how many rooms, floors or sites are involved and whether equipment can be safely unplugged during the visit.

Share Existing Records

Provide an asset list, previous report or known failure history where available, and mention equipment that needs special handling.

Book PAT Testing Call 020 3488 2928
PAT testing and appliance safety inspection by RCD Electrical in London
PAT testing guidance for London properties and workplaces

PAT Testing Questions

Direct answers about visual checks, electrical tests, legal duties, testing intervals, failed appliances, records and booking PAT testing in London.

PAT testing should be proportionate to risk

The appliance type, electrical class, environment, frequency of movement and previous results all affect the inspection and testing plan.

01What is PAT testing?

PAT testing is the examination of electrical appliances and equipment to check they are safe to use. It normally combines a visual inspection with electrical tests selected for the item.

02Does PAT testing include a visual inspection?

Yes. Visual inspection is essential because damaged plugs, cables, casings and unsuitable repairs may not be identified by electrical test equipment alone.

03Is annual PAT testing required by law?

No blanket UK rule requires every portable appliance to be tested annually. Equipment must be maintained to prevent danger, and the inspection or testing interval should follow risk.

04How often should appliances be tested?

Frequency depends on the appliance, how often it is moved, the environment, who uses it and previous results. A power tool may need checking more often than fixed office equipment.

05What equipment can be included?

The scope can include office equipment, kitchen appliances, cleaners, extension leads, chargers, detachable leads, tools and other movable or plug-connected equipment.

06What electrical tests are carried out?

Tests may include earth continuity, insulation resistance, leakage, polarity or functional checks. The correct combination depends on the appliance class and construction.

07How long does PAT testing take?

Timing depends on appliance numbers, equipment types, access and record requirements. An appliance estimate and site details are needed before the visit can be planned.

08Will equipment need to be unplugged?

Usually, yes. Appliances normally need to be safely switched off and disconnected for inspection and testing, so operational or IT equipment should be planned around working needs.

09What happens if an appliance fails?

The item should be identified and removed from use until it is repaired, replaced or confirmed safe after suitable investigation and retesting.

10Do new appliances need PAT testing?

New equipment should be supplied in a safe condition and normally does not need a formal PAT test before first use. A simple visual check is still sensible to confirm it is undamaged.

11What is the difference between PAT testing and an EICR?

PAT testing checks appliances. An EICR assesses the fixed electrical installation, including circuits, consumer units, earthing and wiring accessories.

12Do landlords need PAT testing?

Landlords must keep supplied electrical equipment safe. The exact inspection and testing duties depend on the property and the regulations applying to the landlord sector, so current guidance should be checked.

13Will I receive labels and a report?

The agreed service can include appliance identification, results, failure reasons and pass or fail labels. Records help manage repairs and future inspection intervals.

14Who should carry out PAT testing?

The person must be competent for the work, use suitable test equipment correctly and understand the results. Combined inspection and testing requires more knowledge than a basic user check.

Prepare the appliance list before booking

Send the Appliance Count and Site Details

Include the postcode, estimated appliance numbers, property type, locations, access and any existing asset records.

Book PAT Testing 020 3488 2928
Related electrical services

PAT testing covers appliances. Fixed wiring faults, installation condition and new electrical work need separate inspection, testing or certification.

Fixed installation condition

EICR Testing

Inspect and test the fixed wiring where the condition of circuits, sockets, earthing or the consumer unit needs to be understood. Problems beyond the appliance

Fault Finding & Fixing

Investigate tripping, heat, damaged sockets or loss of power where the fault may be within the fixed installation. Planned electrical upkeep

Electrical Installation & Maintenance

Arrange installation, alteration or maintenance work identified separately from the appliance testing visit. Circuit protection review

Consumer Unit Upgrades

Review outdated or unsuitable protection where wider electrical inspection identifies a need for improvement. Ageing or damaged wiring

Electrical Rewiring

Assess targeted or wider rewiring where the existing fixed installation is unsafe or unsuitable. Urgent electrical warning signs

Emergency Electrician

Arrange urgent help for burning smells, sparking, hot accessories, repeated tripping or sudden loss of power. Office and IT infrastructure

Data Wiring & Cabling

Plan structured cabling separately where office equipment, networks or communications systems need improvement. Building fire safety systems

Fire Alarm Services

Inspect, install or maintain fire alarm systems as a separate part of the building safety plan. Shared and commercial areas

Emergency Lighting

Review emergency lighting in workplaces, communal areas and commercial premises. Dedicated high-load equipment

EV Charger Installation

Plan EV charging through a dedicated assessment of supply capacity, protection and installation requirements.
London coverage

PAT Testing Services Across London

We arrange PAT testing for workplaces, landlords and managed properties across Central, West and North West London, including the areas listed below.

  • Fulham
  • Hammersmith
  • Chelsea
  • Kensington
  • Holland Park
  • Putney
  • Battersea
  • Westminster
  • Central London
  • West London
  • North West London
  • Blackfriars
  • Golders Green
  • Finchley
  • Hendon
  • Hampstead
  • West Hampstead

For a property or workplace outside these locations, send us the postcode and we will confirm whether testing can be arranged.

Arrange PAT testing in London

Book PAT Testing

Book online, call us or send the appliance and site details through our contact page.

Book PAT Testing 020 3488 2928

RCD Electrical provides certified electrical services across London, including emergency call-outs, EICR certificates, fault finding, rewiring and consumer unit upgrades.

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