FAQs – PAT TESTING

There is no single testing frequency that applies to every appliance. The appropriate PAT testing interval should be determined through a risk assessment, taking into account the type of equipment, how often it is used, and the environment in which it operates.

Many businesses work with a health and safety advisor to establish suitable testing frequencies. It’s also worth checking with your insurance provider, as they may have specific requirements for maintaining cover.

At TECC, we’re happy to advise on appropriate testing schedules based on your business and working environment.

When we prepare a quotation based on the number of workstations or employees, we typically allow for around six testable items per workstation. This usually includes:

• Laptop power adaptor
• Laptop power lead
• Monitor
• Monitor power lead
• Extension lead
• One additional electrical item, such as a phone charger, desk fan, heater, or second monitor
  
  

Each appliance and lead is tested, labelled, and recorded individually, providing a complete and compliant PAT testing record.

Yes. We can supply and apply asset labels to both electrical and non-electrical equipment.

Asset tags can be customised to include information such as asset numbers, departments, locations, serial numbers, or any other details you require. Once we understand your requirements, we’ll provide a quotation based on the scope of the work.

The time required depends on the number of appliances, the layout of your premises, and how easily equipment can be accessed.

As a guide, one of our qualified PAT testing engineers can typically test 25–30 appliances per hour under normal working conditions. On larger sites or where there is a greater distance between workstations, testing may take a little longer.

When we provide your quotation, we’ll give you an estimated timescale so you know exactly what to expect and can plan around the visit.

Once payment has been received and cleared, we’ll issue your PAT testing documentation electronically. This includes your PAT testing report, certificate, and any supporting records, allowing you to keep accurate compliance documentation for your business.

As a guide, under our day rate we can typically PAT test up to eight static caravans, with a maximum of 20 testable items per caravan.

If you require testing for fewer caravans or your requirements fall outside our day rate, a minimum charge may apply per caravan. We’re happy to discuss your site and provide a tailored quotation based on the number of caravans and appliances to be tested.

Yes. Wherever possible, appliances should be switched off and unplugged before PAT testing begins. This allows our engineers to carry out a thorough visual inspection of the appliance, plug, cable, and plug pins before completing the electrical tests.

If an appliance cannot be switched off or unplugged due to operational requirements, we’ll carry out a visual inspection of all accessible components and discuss the most appropriate testing method with you. Our aim is to complete the testing safely while minimising disruption to your business.

Devices powered solely by Power over Ethernet (PoE), such as some telephones, CCTV cameras, wireless access points, and network equipment, do not normally require PAT testing because they are not connected to the mains via a standard plug.

If required, our engineers can carry out a visual inspection to check for any obvious signs of damage or deterioration and advise if any further action is needed.

PAT testing combines a thorough visual inspection with a series of electrical safety tests to help ensure your appliances are safe to use.

During the process, our engineers check:

• The condition of the appliance, plug, and cable
• Signs of damage, wear, or overheating
• Correct wiring and earthing (where applicable)
• Electrical safety using calibrated PAT testing equipment
• That the appliance is safe for continued use and meets current safety standards
  
  

Each appliance is then labelled with a pass or fail result and recorded in your PAT testing report.

A three-phase appliance is typically larger electrical equipment designed for commercial, industrial, or construction environments. Examples include heavy-duty machinery, industrial equipment, and some larger workshop tools that require a higher power supply than standard 230V appliances.

Common industrial plug colours include:

• Yellow – 110V
• Blue – 230V
• Red – 415V (three-phase)
  
  

Equipment fitted with 16A to 63A industrial (Commando) plugs is generally classed as a three-phase appliance for PAT testing purposes.

As a guide, one of our engineers can typically test 10–15 three-phase appliances per day, depending on the type of equipment, accessibility, and any operational constraints.

Because testing three-phase equipment is more time-consuming than standard portable appliances, we generally recommend a day-rate quotation for this type of work.

A Class I appliance is an electrical appliance that relies on an earth connection for safety. These appliances have basic insulation and an earth wire that helps protect users if a fault develops.

Common examples include:

Washing machines

Fridges and freezers

Microwaves

Toasters

Kettles

Photocopiers

We PAT test the laptop power supply (power adaptor) and the power lead, as these are the mains-powered components connected to the electrical supply.

The laptop itself is powered by low-voltage DC from the power adaptor and is not normally PAT tested.

For PAT testing purposes:

• 1 laptop power adaptor = 1 test
• 1 power lead = 1 test
  
  

This means a typical laptop setup is recorded as two PAT tests.