Guides

Care homes mix workplace, residential, and resident-owned electricals. What care homes need to know about PAT testing frequency, records, and safety.

Do offices need PAT testing every year? Not necessarily. What low-risk office workplaces actually need to do about portable appliance safety under UK law.

PAT isn't one thing. It's three levels: user checks, formal visual inspection, and combined inspection and testing. Here's what each covers and who does it.

What happens when a PAT test fails? Covers removing failed equipment from service, repair vs replacement, retesting, and how to record a PAT failure properly.

What should a PAT testing certificate include? When do you actually need one? Covers certificate contents, legal status, and the difference between certificates and registers.

Choosing PAT testing software? Here are the features that matter for in-house testing — and the ones that don't. A practical buying guide for UK businesses.

New electrical equipment comes with a manufacturer's assurance of safety. But does it still need PAT testing before use? Here's what the IET Code of Practice recommends.

Do holiday lets and Airbnb properties need PAT testing? Covers legal duties, insurance requirements, and how to manage appliance safety for short-term rental properties.

Schools have large inventories of portable electrical equipment used by staff and students. Here's what schools need to know about PAT testing requirements, frequency, and record-keeping.

PAT test certificates don't have a fixed expiry. Retest intervals depend on equipment type and environment. Here's how long PAT testing results remain valid.

Most employers' liability and public liability policies expect PAT testing records. Here's what insurers look for, what happens if you can't produce records, and how to stay covered.

There's no legal requirement for PAT testing qualifications in the UK. But competence matters. Here's who can test, what training is available, and what 'competent person' actually means.

Which appliances need PAT testing and which don't? Clear checklist covering portable, movable, stationary, and IT equipment in UK workplaces.

How much does PAT testing cost? Breakdown of per-appliance pricing, in-house vs outsourced costs, and what affects the price for UK businesses.

Common PAT testing record-keeping mistakes UK businesses make — from missing data fields to inconsistent testing schedules. Here's how to fix them.

What do PAT testing label colours mean? Guide to pass/fail stickers, colour coding systems, label information requirements, and best practices.

Step-by-step guide to creating a PAT testing schedule for your workplace. Covers frequency, prioritisation, and ongoing management.

Do UK landlords need PAT testing? Covers HMO requirements, insurance obligations, tenant safety, and how to manage PAT records for rental properties.

Is PAT testing required by law in the UK? Not directly — but the regulations create duties that make it a practical necessity. Here's what the law actually says.

Should you use a free PAT testing template or dedicated software? Compare PAT register spreadsheets vs PAT testing software by cost, features, and team size.

How often should you PAT test? Recommended testing intervals by appliance type, environment, and equipment class — based on IET Code of Practice guidance.

What PAT testing records must UK businesses keep? Covers legal requirements, what to include, retention periods, and how to organise your PAT register.