PAT testing — Portable Appliance Testing — is the routine inspection and testing of electrical appliances to verify that they are safe to use. It is one of the most straightforward ways for landlords, businesses, and organisations to meet their duty of care obligations and keep their buildings and occupants safe from electrical risk.
ATO Solutions carries out PAT testing across South West London for a wide range of clients: landlords with furnished rental properties, small businesses and offices, schools, care homes, and commercial premises. We are NICEIC-accredited, our testers are fully qualified, and we provide a complete written appliance register with every job.
What Does PAT Testing Involve?
Despite the name, PAT testing covers a wider range of appliances than most people expect. Any electrical item that has a plug and is not permanently wired into the building can be included — from desk lamps and kettles to power tools, computers, and extension leads.
A full PAT test has two stages:
1. Visual Inspection
- Condition of the plug, cable, and cable entry points
- Signs of damage, overheating, or modification
- Correct fuse rating for the appliance
- Any obvious signs of misuse or unsafe repair
2. Electrical Testing
- Earth continuity test — confirms the earth connection is intact
- Insulation resistance test — checks that live parts are properly insulated
- Polarity check where applicable
- Functional check to confirm the appliance operates as expected
Each appliance receives a pass or fail result. Passed items are labelled with a dated PAT test sticker. Failed items are clearly identified in the written register with a recommendation to repair or remove from service. You receive a full appliance register at the end of the job, which serves as your documentary evidence of compliance.
Who Needs PAT Testing?
Landlords
If you let a furnished or part-furnished property, you have a legal responsibility to ensure that any electrical appliances you supply are safe. This sits under the same framework as your obligation to carry out an EICR on the fixed wiring — both are part of your duty of care as a landlord. PAT testing provides the documented evidence that your appliances have been checked and are safe at the point of tenancy.
Businesses & Offices
Employers have a duty under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) to ensure that all work equipment — including electrical appliances — is maintained in a safe condition. For most offices this means PAT testing computers, monitors, printers, phone chargers, kitchen appliances, and extension leads. The frequency depends on the type of equipment and working environment, but annual testing is standard for most office settings.
Schools, Care Homes & Public Sector
Higher-traffic environments with more intensive appliance use typically require more frequent testing — often every 6 to 12 months. We work with a range of schools, care homes, and public-sector clients across South West London and can accommodate out-of-hours testing to minimise disruption to day-to-day operations.
PAT testing is not mandated by a single specific law — but the legal obligation to maintain safe electrical equipment absolutely is. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, and landlord supply obligations all require equipment to be safe and properly maintained. PAT testing is the recognised method of demonstrating compliance. We never scare-sell this service — but the documentation it provides is genuinely valuable.
Why Choose ATO Solutions for PAT Testing?
We are a NICEIC-accredited electrical contractor
With over 17 years of experience working with landlords, businesses, and organisations across South West London. Here is what you can expect when you book with us:
- NICEIC accreditation — fully qualified testers, properly documented results
- Complete written appliance register provided after every job
- Pass/fail labels applied to every tested item on the day
- Certificates issued within 3–5 days (standard) or 2 days (express)
- Flexible scheduling — we can work around business hours and tenancy changeovers
- Competitive pricing — per-appliance or day-rate depending on volume
- Portfolio pricing available for landlords and managing agents with multiple properties
We cover Wimbledon, Merton, Wandsworth, Sutton, Kingston, Richmond, and the wider South West London area.
How Our PAT Testing Service Works
1.
Contact us for a free quote. We will ask how many appliances need testing and the type of premises — this gives us everything we need to provide an accurate price.
2.
We agree a convenient time. We can work around office hours, tenancy changeovers, or school schedules — including evenings where needed.
3.
Our qualified tester carries out the full visual inspection and electrical testing of all appliances on-site. Each item is labelled with a pass or fail sticker.
4.
You receive a complete written appliance register detailing every item tested, the result, and any recommendations for failed items.
5.
Certificates are issued within 3–5 days (standard service) or within 2 days with our express option.
PAT Testing Pricing
PAT testing is typically priced per appliance for smaller jobs, or as a day rate for larger premises or volume work. The per-appliance rate varies depending on the total number of items — the more appliances, the lower the unit cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PAT testing a legal requirement?
There is no single law that specifically mandates PAT testing by name — but employers and landlords do have a clear legal duty to ensure that electrical equipment is safe. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, and landlord supply obligations all require equipment to be properly maintained. PAT testing is the recognised, documented way of demonstrating that you have met this obligation. In practice, insurers, local authorities, and HSE inspectors will expect to see evidence of regular testing.
How often should PAT testing be done?
The frequency depends on the type of equipment and the environment it is used in. As a general guide: office equipment such as computers and monitors typically needs testing every 1–2 years; appliances in higher-risk environments such as construction sites or kitchens may need testing every 6–12 months; appliances in rental properties should be tested at the start of each new tenancy as a minimum. We can advise on the appropriate frequency for your specific situation when you get in touch.
What appliances need PAT testing?
Any electrical appliance that has a plug and is not permanently wired into the building can be PAT tested. This includes computers, monitors, printers, desk lamps, kettles, microwaves, fridges, televisions, power tools, extension leads, and phone chargers. In a rental property, this covers any appliance you supply as part of the let — white goods, lamps, and any portable electrical items.
How long does PAT testing take?
Testing time depends on the number of appliances and how accessible they are. As a rough guide, an experienced tester can work through 50–100 appliances in a day for a typical office or domestic setting. For larger premises or a high volume of items, we can discuss a multi-day schedule or bring additional resource.
What happens if an appliance fails a PAT test?
Failed appliances are clearly labelled with a fail sticker and recorded in your written register with a note on the reason for failure. We will advise whether the item can be repaired or should be removed from service. We do not carry out appliance repairs ourselves, but can advise on the appropriate next steps. A failed appliance should not be used until it has been repaired and re-tested or replaced.
Do appliances get labelled after testing?
Yes. Every tested appliance receives a dated pass or fail sticker applied on the day of testing. This gives you, your staff, and your tenants immediate visual confirmation of the appliance’s status. The full written register provides the documentary record.
What is the difference between PAT testing and an EICR?
A PAT test covers portable electrical appliances — anything with a plug that is not permanently wired in. An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) covers the fixed electrical installation in the building itself: the wiring, consumer unit, sockets, and switches. Landlords often need both — an EICR for the property’s fixed wiring, and PAT testing for any appliances supplied with the property. We offer both services and can often schedule them together.
Can you carry out PAT testing outside normal business hours?
Yes. We understand that testing during working hours can be disruptive — particularly in offices and schools. We offer flexible scheduling including early mornings and evenings. Contact us to discuss what works for your premises.
Do you offer PAT testing near me?
We carry out PAT testing across South West London, including Wimbledon, Merton, Wandsworth, Sutton, Kingston, Richmond, and the surrounding areas. Call us on 0800 050 2424 or use the contact form below to check availability in your area.
PAT Testing Across South West London
ATO Solutions is based in Wimbledon, SW19 and carries out PAT testing across South West London. We regularly work in Merton, Wandsworth, Sutton, Kingston upon Thames, Richmond, Lambeth, and the surrounding boroughs. We work with individual landlords, property management companies, SMEs, and larger organisations.
