Question 1

What is PAT testing?

Accepted Answer

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is the process of examining electrical appliances to make sure they are safe to use. It combines a visual inspection with electrical tests to identify insulation, earth or wiring faults before they cause harm.

Question 2

Is PAT testing a legal requirement?

Accepted Answer

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the Health & Safety at Work Act require employers, landlords and self-employed people to keep electrical equipment safe. PAT testing is the recognised way to demonstrate you have done so.

Question 3

How often should PAT testing be done?

Accepted Answer

Frequency depends on the equipment and environment. Offices typically test every 12–24 months, construction sites every 3 months, and rental properties between tenancies. We can recommend a schedule for your setting.

Question 4

Who is responsible for PAT testing?

Accepted Answer

The business owner, employer or landlord is responsible for ensuring electrical equipment is safe. In most cases they appoint a competent PAT testing company like SparkSafe to carry out the work.

Question 5

What does PAT testing involve?

Accepted Answer

A visual inspection followed by electrical tests using calibrated equipment — earth continuity, insulation resistance and polarity where applicable. Every item is labelled and logged on your asset register.

Question 6

Does PAT testing cover all electrical equipment?

Accepted Answer

It covers any portable or movable appliance that plugs into a socket — kettles, PCs, monitors, extension leads, chargers, power tools and more. Fixed wiring is covered by a separate EICR inspection.

Question 7

How much does PAT testing cost?

Accepted Answer

We charge a small call-out fee plus a per-appliance rate that drops as the count rises. Send your postcode and appliance count for a fixed quote — usually within one working day.

Question 8

How long does PAT testing take?

Accepted Answer

Roughly 60–100 appliances per engineer per day. Most small offices, shops and surgeries are completed inside half a day with no disruption to staff.

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