PAT testing in Edinburgh
Portable Appliance Testing (known as PAT testing), is an essential aspect of health and safety in both residential and commercial settings.
What is PAT testing?
Portable Appliance Testing (known as PAT) is the process of ensuring that electrical appliances are safe to use:
- Visual Inspection of Appliances: This includes checking the appliance for damage such as frayed cables, damaged plugs, loose parts, or signs of overheating.
- Electrical Tests of each Appliance: Various electrical tests are conducted to ensure that the appliance is safe to use. This might include tests for earth continuity, insulation resistance, and functionality.
- Appliance Labelling : After testing, appliances are typically labelled with a pass or fail sticker, and the details are recorded in a formal log, all stickers supplied by IES will be branded and have the date of inspection clearly marked on them.
- Certification: In many instances, a formal certificate is issued to confirm that the PAT testing has been carried out according to relevant standards. All cert from IES will be sent electronically on the day of the visit.
Get in touch with us today
If you are just looking to book Portable Appliance Tests (PAT) as soon as possible, please click the link below and fill out our enquiry form. Please upload a picture of your current certificate which lets us provide you with an accurate quote, failing that please let us know how many appliances you require to have tested.
We cover Edinburgh and the surrounding areas and will get back to you as swiftly as possible.
Thank you for reaching out!
What is classed as a portable appliance for PAT testing
A portable appliance that needs testing include any appliance that uses a flexible cable or a plug and socket that is intended to be moved, or can easily be moved. So for example kettles, TVs, washing machines and standard lamps are portable appliances.
How often should PAT tests be conducted?
The frequency of Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) depends on the type of equipment, its usage, and the environment it’s in.
While there are no strict legal requirements, regular testing is essential for safety and compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and if renting a property you must meet the repairing standard.
High-risk environments, such as construction sites, require testing every 3 months due to heavy use, while industrial settings typically need inspections every 6-12 months.
In offices, low-risk appliances like computers may only need testing every 2-4 years, but handheld devices such as kettles and extension leads should be checked annually.
Rental properties should have PAT testing done at least once a year or between tenancies to ensure tenant safety.
PAT tests for landlords & businesses
Is PAT testing a legal requirement for landlords and businesses? Yes, Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is a crucial safety check for landlords renting out properties.
While there is no specific law mandating PAT testing, landlords have a legal duty under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 to ensure that all electrical appliances provided in a rental property are safe.
For offices, shops, and commercial properties, PAT testing is also a legal requirement to ensure the safety of employees and the public. Employers have a duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and must regularly inspect and maintain electrical equipment. PAT testing helps businesses remain compliant while minimising the risk of electrical faults.
Who should perform PAT tests?
PAT tests should be conducted by trained professionals with the expertise to accurately assess electrical safety, identify potential hazards, and ensure compliance with legal and industry standards.
Why choose Ideal as your PAT testing company in Edinburgh?
Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, letting agent, or business owner, our experienced team provides reliable and efficient PAT testing services to keep your appliances safe and compliant.
- Experienced & qualified electricians – Our fully trained engineers use Seaward PAT testing equipment, recording results digitally on-site. We ensure you receive you electronic certificates sent the same day.
- Clear & competitive pricing – We offer fixed prices for smaller properties and per-item pricing for larger ones, ensuring cost-effective solutions. If additional certification is needed, we provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
- Trusted & cccredited – As proud members of SELECT, NAPIT, Trustmark, MCS, and other leading trade associations in the electrical industry, we adhere to the highest standards of quality and professionalism. Our certifications demonstrate our commitment to providing safe, compliant, and expert electrical services you can trust.
PAT Services Offered
Based in Edinburgh, our PAT testing services are designed to meet your specific needs while ensuring the highest safety and compliance standards. With a meticulous approach and an award-winning team, we deliver thorough inspections, reliable testing, and expert certification, giving you complete peace of mind that your portable appliances are safe and fully compliant.
Pricing information
For small rental properties, we offer PAT testing from as low as £3.90 per item when carried out alongside other certification services, or a fixed price of £90 per property.
For larger properties, pricing is available per item, starting from £2 per item, with rates adjusting based on volume to provide the best value.
Our Accreditations
Contact us
To book your PAT tests, contact our friendly team…
Address:
4-5 Parsons Green Terrace
Edinburgh
EH8 7AN
Contact:
Enquiry Form
PAT Testing testimonials
Take a look at what our customers think of our PAT testing service.
Very impressive and professional service, will book again for PAT testing and Electrical Installation services.”
Tam
Edinburgh
Common FAQ’s about PAT Testing
Read more about the common PAT testing questions we often get asked.
Yes, PAT testing is a legal requirement for all landlords and business owners.
Yes, landlords need to undertake PAT tests for appliances.
For tenanted/rental properties the maximum is 5-years, for commercial properties testing is recommended yearly.
PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) is the process of testing and inspecting electrical appliances to ensure they are safe for use. It involves visual checks for signs of damage, wear, or faults, followed by electrical tests to check the condition of insulation, earthing, and other critical safety elements.
PAT testing helps prevent electrical accidents, such as electric shocks or fires, and ensures compliance with health and safety regulations, particularly in workplaces.
The cost of PAT testing can vary depending on factors like the number of appliances, the complexity of the tests, and your location. On average, prices may range from £1 to £4 per appliance for basic testing.
For larger businesses or a high volume of appliances, you might get a discounted rate. It’s best to request quotes from several service providers to compare prices based on your specific needs.
New appliances that are still in their original packaging and have never been used generally do not require PAT testing. However, it’s recommended to carry out a visual inspection to ensure there is no visible damage.
Once the appliance is in use, regular PAT testing should be scheduled based on the manufacturer’s guidelines and the type of appliance, usually annually, to maintain safety standards and comply with health and safety regulations.
No, hard-wired appliances that are directly connected to the electrical supply (e.g., showers, heating systems) do not require PAT testing.
PAT testing is typically for portable appliances with a plug. However, these hard-wired appliances should still be regularly inspected and tested by a qualified electrician for safety, as part of routine electrical maintenance.
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