PAT Testing: What It Is & Who Needs It 2026
PAT testing — portable appliance testing — checks that plug-in electrical equipment is safe, and it is mainly needed by landlords, employers and event organisers rather than ordinary homeowners. Here is what it covers, who actually needs it, how DIY compares with hiring a professional, typical costs, and how to choose a competent tester.
What PAT testing covers
PAT testing is a combined visual inspection and electrical test of portable appliances — anything with a plug, from kettles and computers to power tools and extension leads. The tester checks the plug, cable and casing for damage, then uses a tester for earth continuity and insulation resistance, and applies a pass or fail label. It does not cover fixed wiring, which is checked separately by an EICR.
Who actually needs PAT testing
There is no law that names a fixed PAT interval, but employers, landlords and the self-employed with business premises have a duty to keep electrical equipment safe, and PAT testing is the usual way to show it. Landlords are commonly asked for it on furnished lets, event and venue organisers often require it, and homeowners generally do not need it for their own home. The right frequency is risk-based — a building site tests far more often than an office.
DIY vs professional PAT testing
A basic visual check — looking for frayed cables, cracked plugs and scorch marks — can be done by a competent person in-house. Full testing with a calibrated PAT tester and a proper record is better handled by a professional, who provides a signed report and labelled items that satisfy insurers and inspectors. For anything beyond a handful of low-risk items, a professional test is usually the safer, better-documented choice.
How to arrange and compare quotes
1. Count the items
List roughly how many portable appliances need testing — it is the main driver of the price.
2. Set the frequency
Base retesting intervals on risk and the environment, not a fixed calendar rule.
3. Ask for records and labels
Confirm you get a signed report, an asset register and pass/fail labels for insurers and inspections.
4. Get three like-for-like quotes
Compare on the same item count and reporting so you judge value, not just headline price.
FAQs
Related guides
Get 3 Free Quotes — Vetted UK Electricians
BestBuilders matches you with up to 3 vetted UK electricians for PAT testing. Compare quotes — no cost, no obligation.