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Good practice

Portable appliance testing (PAT)

Not a legal must, but you must keep appliances safe, and testing is the easy way to prove it.

Applies to: Any property where you provide electrical appliances.

How oftenRisk-based; yearly or every 2 years is common, plus a quick look at each changeover
Who can do itA competent person with PAT training
Typical costAbout £1 to £3 per item, often with a £60 to £100 minimum
If it's missedNone specific, but insurers and agencies may ask for it

What the rules say

HSE is clear that the law does not make PAT testing a legal requirement. You must still keep the appliances you provide safe, and the GOV.UK fire guide says they should be checked periodically.

What to do

  1. Keep an inventory of appliances you provide.
  2. Get them tested and labelled.
  3. Remove anything with a damaged plug or lead straight away.

Elsewhere in the UK

Scotland: A PAT report on the appliances you supply, no more than 5 years old and with each item labelled, is a mandatory licence condition.

Tips from the field

  • Register new appliances with the manufacturer so you hear about recalls.

Official sources

Costs are typical 2025/26 prices, not official figures. This is general information, not legal advice. Last checked 26 Sept 2026.

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