Portable Appliance Testing (PAT Testing) is a process used to check the safety of electrical appliances and equipment connected by flexible leads. The aim is to identify faults that could lead to electric shock, fire or equipment failure. This page explains how PAT testing works, who typically needs it, how often inspections are recommended, and what the results mean for workplace safety.
PAT Testing services are available when you come to RB Services. We also tailor our portable appliance testing programme to suit your business needs, including one-off inspections, routine schedules and risk-based testing plans designed for offices, premises, warehouses and educational settings.
These tests are required for Health & Safety and Insurance purposes for all electrical appliances to ensure that they are safe to use in your workplace or organisation. The team at RB Services are able to carry out these tests at your workplace to minimise disruption to your working day. Once an appliance has passed the PAT test, it will be issued with a label to say it is safe, you will be issued with a full report / certificate and a handy reminder of when the next test is due.
We provide PAT testing across the Midlands and nationwide. You can also view our PAT Testing Locations to find your nearest service area.
Our PAT Testing pricing is straightforward, with no hidden fees and no shortcuts. Whether your business has just a few items or a large number of appliances, we provide transparent estimates and can tailor packages for commercial and multi-site testing requirements.
PAT testing is commonly carried out in workplaces and commercial environments where electrical equipment is used daily. This includes offices, hospitality venues such as cafés, pubs and hotels, schools and care facilities, retail units, warehouses, construction sites, and rental or managed properties.
From small businesses to larger organisations, regular inspection of portable appliances helps identify faults early and supports a practical, risk-based approach to electrical safety management.
We offer total compliance services from testing to repairs, allowing our clients to be rest assured that the electrics in their working environment are safe.
We supply and service Fire Extinguishers, this is a legal requirement in your work place. They have to be serviced annually by law…
In time all electrical wiring begins to deteriorate and it is therefore essential to test all fixed wires regularly to ensure complete compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations.
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) involves checking electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use and free from damage that could cause shocks, fires, or failures. It helps businesses meet their health and safety responsibilities, avoid potential risks, and protect staff, visitors and customers from electrical hazards.
Any organisation that uses electrical equipment in a business environment should consider PAT testing. This includes offices, schools, shops, warehouses, healthcare facilities, hospitality venues, and managed properties. Responsible persons, business owners, facilities managers and compliance officers all have a duty to ensure equipment is safe to use.
There is no fixed legal interval for PAT testing, but frequency should be based on a risk assessment of your environment and equipment use. Many organisations choose annual testing as a practical standard, with more frequent testing where equipment is used heavily or in harsher conditions, and routine visual checks between formal inspections.
PAT testing should be performed by a competent person, someone who understands inspection procedures, how to use PAT test equipment, and how to interpret results safely and accurately. This can be an in-house trained person or a qualified external provider like RB Services, which offers professional testing and clear documentation.
When an item fails PAT testing, it may need to be repaired, taken out of use, or replaced depending on the issue. A failed test indicates a potential safety risk. You receive a clear report showing the failed items and recommendations for corrective actions to help ensure your premises remain safe and compliant.
Yes, keeping records of PAT tests is best practice and supports your safety management systems. Documentation helps demonstrate compliance during audits, supports discussions with insurers, and ensures you can plan future testing schedules effectively. Records typically include inspection results, dates, and test labels applied to equipment.
Yes. A thorough PAT test includes both a visual inspection of plugs, cables, and casings for obvious signs of damage, and the use of calibrated electrical test equipment to verify electrical safety parameters like earth continuity and insulation resistance where appropriate.
