There is no law requiring every appliance to be PAT tested every year. The legal duty, under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, is to maintain equipment so that it does not cause danger. The HSE says the frequency of inspection and testing should depend on the type of equipment and the environment in which it is used.
Suggested intervals
The figures below reflect commonly used guidance from the IET Code of Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment. Treat them as starting points to adjust by risk.
| Environment | Formal visual inspection | Combined inspection and test |
|---|---|---|
| Construction sites (110V equipment) | Monthly | Every 3 months |
| Industrial and commercial kitchens | Every 3–6 months | Every 6–12 months |
| Hotels, HMOs, holiday lets | Every 6–12 months | Every 12–24 months |
| Offices and shops (handheld items) | Every 6–12 months | Every 1–2 years |
| Offices and shops (IT and stationary items) | Every 2 years | Every 4 years or less |
Landlords
Private landlords in England are not legally required to PAT test, but must ensure appliances they supply are safe. PAT testing between tenancies, or annually in HMOs, is a sensible and easily evidenced approach. Social landlords in England must check the electrical equipment they provide at least every five years.
User checks matter most
Most faults, such as damaged cables, cracked plugs and scorch marks, are found by looking. Encourage staff and tenants to check equipment before use and report problems.
See PAT testing prices from £2.20 per item.