Electrical, Lifts & Access
PAT Testing
Portable appliance testing for commercial buildings across Yorkshire, the Humber, and surrounding areas, carried out by qualified, experienced engineers with full documentation issued after every visit.
Robinsons Facilities Services carries out PAT testing for offices, schools, healthcare premises, hospitality businesses, and industrial sites across Harrogate, Leeds, Sheffield, Hull, York, and the wider region. For requirements outside the area, get in touch.
Prefer to talk? Call 01423 226578
Is PAT testing a legal requirement?
PAT testing is not a standalone legal requirement in the UK, but the duty to maintain electrical equipment in a safe condition is a legal obligation.
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that all electrical systems (including portable appliances) are maintained so far as is reasonably practicable to prevent danger.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places a broader duty on employers to ensure the safety of employees and others on the premises.
PAT testing is the recognised method of demonstrating compliance with these obligations. It is recommended by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and, in practice, is required by most commercial property insurers as a condition of cover.
For commercial landlords, the duty extends to ensuring that electrical equipment provided as part of a tenancy is safe.
What does PAT testing involve?
A PAT test is a two-stage process: a visual inspection followed by electrical testing using specialist equipment.
Step 1: Visual inspection
The engineer checks the appliance, its cable, and plug for signs of damage, incorrect wiring, inadequate insulation, or other visible defects. Many faults are identified at this stage.
Step 2: Electrical testing
Instruments are used to check earth continuity, insulation resistance, and lead polarity. The specific tests applied depend on the class of appliance:
- Class I equipment (which relies on an earth connection for safety) requires earth continuity testing.
- Class II (double-insulated) equipment requires insulation resistance testing only.
Each tested item is labelled and recorded. A full appliance register and PAT test certificate are provided on completion.
How often should PAT testing be carried out?
Testing frequency is determined by the type of appliance, how it is used, and the environment in which it operates. The IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment provides the standard guidance used across the industry.
General guidance for common commercial appliance categories:
- IT equipment (computers, monitors, printers) — every 1 to 4 years, depending on environment and usage. Office environments typically require testing every 2 to 4 years.
- Kitchen and catering appliances (kettles, microwaves, toasters) — every 6 to 12 months. These are high-use, high-risk items and require more frequent inspection.
- Extension leads and portable tools — every 6 to 12 months in commercial or industrial environments; every 1 to 2 years in lower-risk office settings.
- Photocopiers and fixed office equipment — every 2 to 4 years in a standard office environment.
- Handheld power tools and site equipment — every 3 months in construction or heavy industrial use.
These are recommended intervals, not rigid rules. A risk-based approach, taking into account the environment, user type, and previous test results, should inform your final testing schedule.
Our engineers can advise on appropriate frequencies for your specific site and asset types.
What we provide
Experienced engineers
All PAT testing is carried out by qualified, experienced engineers
Appliance register
A full record of every item tested, including pass/fail status, test date, and next recommended test date.
PAT test certificate
Issued on completion as proof of testing for insurance, audit, and H&S purposes.
Labelling of tested items
Each tested item is labelled with the test date and result.
Quarantine recommendations
Where an item fails or presents a risk, we clearly identify it and advise on repair or removal from service.
How PAT testing works with Robinsons
Step 1: Book a visit
Send a quick enquiry or call us on 01423 226578. We’ll come back to you promptly, confirm the cost upfront, and find an engineer slot that works around your site.
Step 2: Testing is carried out
Our engineer attends, carries out visual inspections and electrical testing across all identified appliances, and labels each item on completion.
Step 3: Documentation issued
You receive your PAT test certificate and full appliance register, ready for your records, your insurer, or your next compliance audit.
Pricing
From £0.65 + VAT per item
Pricing depends on the number of appliances, site complexity, and access requirements. We confirm costs before we attend, work around your schedule, and get the job done with minimal disruption to your day.
Most commercial premises are completed in a single visit, with full documentation issued the same day. No repeat visits, no hidden charges.
For sites requiring regular PAT testing, this can be included within a Planned Preventative Maintenance & Compliance Contract, which provides preferential rates and scheduled visits.
We cover Harrogate, Sheffield, Hull, York, and the wider Yorkshire, Humber, and surrounding area.
Request a PAT test test visit across Yorkshire and the Humber →
PAT Testing FAQs
PAT testing is not a named legal requirement, but it is the standard method of complying with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, which requires employers to ensure electrical equipment is maintained safely. Most commercial insurers also require evidence of regular PAT testing as a condition of cover.
Any electrical appliance that is connected to the mains supply via a plug is considered a portable appliance for PAT testing purposes. This includes computers, monitors, printers, desk fans, kettles, microwaves, toasters, extension leads, power tools, and industry-specific equipment. Fixed equipment that is regularly disconnected and moved may also require testing.
Frequency depends on the type of appliance and the environment. Office IT equipment typically requires testing every 1 to 4 years. Kitchen appliances and portable tools used in commercial environments should generally be tested every 6 to 12 months. The IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment provides the formal guidance.
PAT testing must be carried out by a competent person. That’s someone with sufficient knowledge, skill, and experience to carry out the work safely and to interpret the results. All PAT testing carried out by Robinsons Facilities Services is completed by qualified, experienced engineers.
Items that present a risk or fail electrical testing are quarantined and removed from use pending repair or replacement. We clearly identify any failed items and advise on the appropriate next steps.
You receive a PAT test certificate and a full appliance register covering every item tested. These documents confirm which items passed, which were quarantined, the test dates, and the recommended next test dates. This documentation is suitable for insurance requirements, H&S audits, and internal records.
An experienced engineer can typically test an individual appliance in a few minutes. For a standard office environment with 50–100 appliances, testing is usually completed in half a day or less. Larger sites or more complex environments will take longer. We’ll give you a realistic estimate when you book.
Yes. PAT testing can be scheduled as part of a PPM & Compliance Contract alongside other statutory compliance services, giving you predictable costs and a structured testing schedule. Contract customers also receive preferential rates.
Yes. PAT testing covers individual portable appliances connected via a plug. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) covers the fixed electrical installation of the building, including the wiring, distribution boards, sockets, and other fixed components. Both are recommended for commercial properties, but they test different things.
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A short video summarising of what Portable Appliance Testing (or PAT Testing) involves. A must watch video for facilities managers and business owners.
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