PAT testing (portable appliance testing) is the inspection and testing of electrical equipment that plugs into a socket, such as kettles, heaters, computers, washing machines and extension leads. It helps landlords and employers show they are keeping electrical equipment safe. Polarity Electrics provides PAT testing in London for landlords, HMOs, offices and shops, with every item labelled and a digital record emailed to you, and bulk discounts for multiple properties or sites.
Is PAT testing a legal requirement?
There is no law that uses the words "PAT test", but several duties make regular checks of appliances the sensible way to comply:
- Employers and businesses – the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require electrical equipment to be maintained so far as is reasonably practicable to prevent danger. The frequency of checks should be based on the type of equipment and how it is used.
- Private landlords – the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 cover the fixed installation through an EICR, not appliances. However, landlords must make sure any appliances they supply are safe, and PAT testing provides evidence that they have taken reasonable steps.
- HMO landlords – many local authority HMO licences include conditions about the safety of supplied electrical appliances, and councils may ask for evidence.
- Social landlords – under the 2025 extension of the regulations to the social rented sector, landlords must also ensure electrical equipment they provide is safe, with checks at least every 5 years.
Our article do landlords need PAT testing? explains this in more depth.
What's included
- A formal visual inspection of each appliance, its flex and plug, including checking the correct fuse is fitted
- Electrical tests appropriate to the appliance class, such as earth continuity, insulation resistance and polarity of leads
- A pass or fail label on every tested item, showing the test date
- Replacement of faulty plugs and incorrect fuses where possible during the visit
- Clear advice on any failed items, which are labelled and should be taken out of use
- A digital asset register and certificate listing every item, its location and its result
Who we test for
- Landlords and letting agents – furnished and part-furnished flats and houses, ideally between tenancies
- HMOs – shared kitchens, communal areas and appliances in individual rooms
- Offices – computers, monitors, printers, chargers, kitchen appliances and extension leads
- Shops, cafés and salons – tills, display lighting, hairdryers, kitchen equipment and more
How often should appliances be tested?
There is no single fixed interval. The right frequency depends on the environment and the type of equipment. Equipment that is moved around or handled often, such as power tools or hairdryers, generally needs checking more frequently than a desktop computer that never moves. For rented homes, many landlords choose to test at the start of each tenancy and at regular intervals afterwards, and social landlords must check at least every 5 years. We can recommend a schedule suited to your property and set renewal reminders so it is not forgotten.
Preparing for your PAT test
A little preparation helps the visit run smoothly and keeps costs down:
- Make sure we can reach every appliance, including items in lofts, cupboards and staff kitchens
- Let tenants or staff know in advance, as each item is unplugged briefly during testing
- Save work on computers and switch off equipment that should not be interrupted suddenly
- Gather appliances in tenanted properties, such as spare heaters and extension leads, into one place if possible
- Have a copy of any previous PAT records available so we can update your register
For HMOs, we can coordinate access with tenants and test appliances in communal areas and individual rooms on the same visit.
PAT testing pricing
We give a fixed written quote based on the number of items and properties. For guidance, the figures below are typical London market ranges rather than our published prices:
| Job | Typical London market range |
|---|---|
| Rented flat or house (up to around 10–15 items) | £50 – £90 per visit |
| Offices and larger premises | £1 – £3 per item, often with a minimum charge |
Bulk discounts are available for landlords with several properties, letting agents, and businesses with multiple sites. Combining PAT testing with an EICR at the same visit is usually more cost-effective than booking two separate appointments.
How the process works
- Quote – tell us the property type and approximate number of appliances.
- Booking – we agree a time, including out-of-hours visits for offices and shops.
- Testing – each item is inspected, tested and labelled. Equipment is only unplugged briefly.
- On-the-spot fixes – faulty plugs and fuses are replaced where possible.
- Report – your digital register and certificate are emailed to you.
- Reminders – we let you know when the next test is due.
Why choose Polarity Electrics
- NICEIC Approved Contractor (Enrolment No. 602034000), with 8+ NICEIC-certified engineers
- More than 5,000 jobs completed across London and the Home Counties
- Landlord portal and bulk booking for portfolios
- One visit for PAT testing, EICR and smoke alarm checks
- No call-out charge and £10M public liability insurance
- Renewal reminders so your records stay up to date
Areas covered
We provide PAT testing across London and the surrounding counties, including Westminster, Camden, Islington, Tower Hamlets, Southwark, Newham, Haringey and Watford. See all areas covered.
Related services
- EICR London – the legal requirement for fixed wiring in rented homes
- Commercial EICR – fixed wiring inspection for businesses
- Fire and smoke alarm installation – for landlords and HMOs
- Emergency electrician
To book PAT testing, call 0203 908 4790, email info@polarityelectrics.com or book online. Ask about bulk discounts if you have several properties.
Frequently asked questions
Do landlords legally need PAT testing?
Private landlords in England are not specifically required to PAT test, but they must ensure appliances they supply are safe. HMO licence conditions often require evidence, and social landlords must check equipment they provide at least every 5 years.
Is PAT testing the same as an EICR?
No. An EICR inspects and tests the fixed wiring, while PAT testing covers plug-in appliances. Landlords often book both in the same visit.
How often should PAT testing be done?
It depends on the type of equipment and how it is used. We recommend a schedule based on your property and send reminders when the next test is due.
What happens if an appliance fails?
Failed items are labelled and should be taken out of use. Simple faults such as a damaged plug or wrong fuse can often be fixed during the visit.
Do you offer discounts for multiple properties?
Yes. We offer bulk discounts for landlords, letting agents and businesses with multiple properties or sites, and a fixed written quote in advance.
Can you test outside office hours?
Yes. We can test early mornings, evenings or weekends so staff are not disrupted.