PORTABLE APPLIANCE TESTING

Why it matters

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is the process of checking that electrical appliances are safe to use. For holiday let owners and small businesses, it isn’t just about ticking a box—it’s about protecting your guests, employees, and property.

Whether you own a holiday let or run a business), you have a legal responsibility to ensure electrical equipment is safe. While PAT Testing itself isn’t a specific legal requirement, it’s the recommended method of complying with several key UK regulations, including:

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – requires employers and self-employed people to ensure the health and safety of employees and the public.
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 – requires all electrical systems and equipment used at work to be maintained to prevent danger.
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) – requires work equipment to be maintained in safe working order.
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 – requires risk assessments to ensure equipment is safe.
For holiday let owners in England, you need to be aware of important new fire safety rules that came into force on 1 October 2023. These changes reinforce compliance under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) and implement updates from the Building Safety Act 2022.

By carrying out regular PAT Testing, you can:

Demonstrate compliance with the law.
Reduce the risk of fire and electrical accidents.
Provide reassurance to your guests, employees, and insurers.
Protect your reputation as a responsible holiday let or business owner.#

Ensure your insurance is not invalid if you cant evidence PAT testing

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at becky.nicholls3@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What is PAT Testing?

PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) is a process of checking electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use. It involves both a visual inspection and electrical tests using specialist equipment.

Is PAT Testing a legal requirement?

PAT testing itself isn’t a specific legal requirement, but UK health and safety laws (such as the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989) require employers, landlords, holiday let owners and businesses to keep electrical equipment safe. PAT testing is the most recognised way of proving compliance. Without the evidence of safety you could be fouling foul of authorities, facing fines or worst still putting your clients/guests/employees at risk

How often should PAT testing the carried out?

The frequency depends on the type of equipment and the environment it’s used in. For example, power tools on a construction site may need testing more often than office equipment. Many businesses opt for annual testing as a good rule of thumb and this is often a requirement of insurance

What needs PAT Testing?

Any appliance that plugs into a mains socket should be tested – from computers, kettles, and printers, to extension leads, hairdryers, tools, and larger machinery.

Do I get a certificate?

Yes. After testing, you’ll receive a detailed report and a PAT certificate confirming your compliance, which can be shown to insurers, auditors, or safety inspectors and is evidence that you have carried out appropriate safety checks

PORTABLE APPLIANCE TESTING

Why it matters

Frequently Asked Questions

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