What is Portable Appliance Testing?
Portable Appliance Testing is the term used to describe the examination of electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use. This should involve a visual examination and usually one or more further electronic tests.
What is it not?
It is not the law that you must pay someone an exorbitant fee each year to place green stickers on every plug in your workplace! It is also not PAT Testing – (that would be Portable Appliance Testing Testing. However, to avoid confusion we will use both terms interchangeably!).
That said, while annual PAT testing is not a legal requirement, it may be a condition of your insurance policy. Many insurers expect evidence that electrical equipment is being checked at appropriate intervals, and PAT testing is a widely recognised way of demonstrating this. Failing to meet those expectations could potentially affect a claim, which makes sensible, documented testing an important consideration for many businesses.
Why Portable Appliance Testing matters?
Electrical faults are a significant cause of workplace fires, injuries, and equipment failure. Regular inspection and testing help to:
- Identify damaged or unsafe equipment before it becomes a hazard
- Reduce the risk of electric shock and fire
- Protect staff, customers, and visitors
- Provide evidence that you are taking reasonable steps to comply with health and safety law
- Support insurance requirements and risk assessments
- Extend the life of your electrical equipment
PAT testing doesn’t have to be excessive or disruptive — but it does need to be done properly.
Competence Is Key
One of the biggest misconceptions is that PAT testing is just about plugging an appliance into a machine and printing a label. In reality, competent testing involves:
- Understanding different classes of electrical equipment
- Carrying out meaningful visual inspections (where many faults are found)
- Interpreting test results correctly
- Knowing when an item should be removed from service
- Keeping clear, accurate records
Poor or “tick-box” PAT testing can provide a false sense of security. That’s why it’s essential that testing is carried out by someone who knows what they’re doing and applies common sense, not just numbers.
Portable Appliance Testing with UntangleIT.tech
At UntangleIT.tech, we provide practical, competent, and proportionate PAT testing tailored to your business — not one-size-fits-all checklists.
- From just £50 per visit
- Testing carried out at a time that suits you and your business
- Minimal disruption to your staff and operations
- Clear, straightforward records and reporting
- Friendly, professional service with no scare tactics or overcharging (many charge per sticker! and are overly liberal with the definition of a “portable appliance”)
Whether your workspace is an office, a retail space, workshop, or salon, we make PAT testing simple, affordable, and hassle-free.
Sensible Safety, Done Correctly
PAT testing isn’t about box-ticking or unnecessary expense — it’s about sensible risk management and keeping people and property safe. When carried out correctly and competently, it’s a valuable part of a wider electrical safety strategy.
If you’d like to arrange PAT testing or want honest advice about what’s appropriate for your setup — get in touch today.