Overview
What this service covers and when to book
What the law says about PAT testing, how often to test, what's checked and what it costs, for Nottingham businesses and landlords.
Quick answer
PAT testing (portable appliance testing) checks that plug-in electrical equipment is safe to use. The law doesn't name PAT testing or set a fixed interval. It does require employers and landlords to keep electrical equipment safe, and regular testing with a written record is the usual way to show you do. Urgent Electrical Services tests appliances across Nottingham from £78 including VAT for up to 5 items.
Key facts
| What it is | A visual inspection and electrical test of plug-in equipment |
| Legal basis | Electricity at Work Regulations 1989; Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 |
| Fixed interval in law? | No. How often depends on the type of equipment, how it's used and where |
| Price with us | From £78 inc VAT for up to 5 items, in fixed bands up to 50 items |
| What you get | A pass or fail label on every item and a full written register |
| Landlords | Not a specific legal requirement for most lets, but appliances you provide must be safe. Many HMO licences ask for it. |
What is PAT testing?
PAT testing is a routine check of electrical equipment that plugs into a socket. It has two parts:
- A visual inspection of the plug, cable, casing and fuse, looking for damage, overheating, the wrong fuse and poor repairs. Most faults are found at this stage.
- Electrical tests that suit the type of appliance. These include earth continuity, insulation resistance and, where appropriate, leakage current and the polarity of leads.
Each item gets a label showing whether it passed and the test date. Every result goes into a register.
Is PAT testing a legal requirement?
The law doesn't use the words "PAT testing". It sets duties that testing helps you meet:
- The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require electrical systems and equipment at work to be maintained so they don't cause danger.
- The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 require work equipment to be kept in good repair.
- Landlords must make sure any electrical appliances they provide are safe at the start of a tenancy and stay safe.
The Health and Safety Executive takes a risk-based approach: the checks you need depend on the equipment and the risk. A written PAT register is the simplest evidence that you're meeting your duty. It's also what insurers, councils and HMO licensing teams usually ask to see.
How often should appliances be tested?
There's no single legal interval. These are the factors that decide it:
| Factor | Test more often when… |
|---|---|
| Type of equipment | It's Class I (relies on an earth connection) rather than double-insulated Class II |
| Use | It's moved around, handled a lot or used outdoors |
| Environment | It's used in a kitchen, workshop, building site or public area |
| Users | It's used by the public or by many different people |
| History | Items like it have failed before |
As a rule, a low-risk office needs testing less often than a kitchen, a workshop or a construction site. The industry code of practice from the Institution of Engineering and Technology gives suggested intervals for each type of environment. We follow it and agree a schedule with you.
Between formal tests, staff should check plugs and cables before use. Anything with a damaged cable, a cracked plug or scorch marks should be taken out of use straight away.
Class I and Class II: why it matters
| Class I | Class II | |
|---|---|---|
| How it's protected | Relies on an earth connection | Double insulated, no earth needed |
| How to spot it | Usually a metal casing; three-core cable | A double-square symbol on the rating plate |
| Examples | Kettles, toasters, heaters, some power tools | Many laptop chargers, hairdryers, some power tools |
| Testing | Earth continuity and insulation tests | Insulation test only, as there's no earth to check |
What we test
- Office equipment: computers, monitors, printers, chargers, lamps, shredders
- Kitchen appliances: kettles, microwaves, toasters, fridges, coffee machines
- Heating and cooling: portable heaters, fans, dehumidifiers
- Cleaning equipment: vacuum cleaners, floor polishers
- Tools: drills, saws, sanders and other power tools
- Leads: extension leads, multi-way adaptors, computer power leads
- Rental appliances: washing machines, fridges, freestanding cookers with a plug, lamps
Hard-wired equipment, such as electric showers, cookers on their own circuit and fixed heaters, isn't covered by PAT testing. It's checked as part of an EICR.
How much does PAT testing cost in Nottingham?
PAT testing starts at £78 including VAT for up to 5 items, with fixed prices in bands up to 50 items. You can see every band on the PAT testing booking page. Over 50 items is quoted individually. The price includes labels, the register and fuse checks.
What affects the price:
- the number of items
- how spread out they are across the building
- whether testing has to happen outside your opening hours
What happens on the day
- We arrive at the agreed time, which can be before or after your opening hours if you prefer.
- Each item is unplugged for a minute or two, inspected and tested.
- Wrong fuses are corrected on the spot. This is one of the most common faults we find.
- Every item is labelled as passed or failed, with the test date.
- Failed items are taken out of use, and we explain why each one failed.
- You receive your register, listing each item, its location, the tests carried out and the result.
What goes on the register?
- a unique ID for each item
- a description and its location
- the class of equipment
- the visual inspection result
- the electrical test results
- pass or fail
- the test date and a recommended retest date
Keep it on file. It's the document you'll be asked for.
PAT testing for landlords and HMOs
PAT testing isn't a specific legal requirement for most private lets in England, but landlords must make sure any appliances they supply are safe. A PAT register is the easiest way to prove it. HMO licences often include it as a condition, so check your licence. Landlords often book PAT testing alongside an EICR so both are done in one visit.
Book PAT testing
Fixed prices from £78 including VAT, labels and a full register included. Book PAT testing online or call 0115 778 0622.