How Often Should You PAT Test in a Hotel or B&B?

Guy hudson
Jul 11
5 min read

Maintaining electrical safety in hospitality settings is absolutely essential—not just to comply with UK workplace regulations but to create a secure and professional environment for guests and employees alike. Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) plays a major role in safeguarding against electrical hazards. However, many hotel and B&B owners still wonder: how often is PAT testing required, and how should it be approached in a hospitality context?

This guide explains everything you need to know about PAT testing in hotels and B&Bs, including legal considerations, frequency recommendations, and practical tips for implementation.

Understanding PAT Testing

PAT testing refers to both the visual inspection and electrical safety testing of portable appliances. Its purpose is to ensure that every item—from kettles and hairdryers to lamps and mini fridges—remains safe for use. Appliances that pass PAT testing help reduce the risk of electric shocks, fire hazards, and appliance failure.

Legal Context

Under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, every employer or business operator is legally required to maintain electrical systems in a condition that prevents danger. Although there is no specific legislation stating how often each appliance must be tested, failing to prove maintenance could result in liability claims or fines. PAT testing is widely accepted as a suitable method to meet this requirement.

Who Can Perform PAT Testing?

Testing should be carried out by a "competent person"—someone who possesses the relevant training, understanding of the equipment, and access to suitable testing devices. This could be a member of staff with PAT training or an external specialist with hospitality experience.

Why Frequency Depends on Risk

PAT testing schedules should be tailored to the risk associated with each appliance rather than applied uniformly. This risk-based approach helps maximise efficiency and safety while reducing unnecessary testing.

Factors influencing PAT testing frequency include:

Type of appliance (stationary, portable, hand-held, IT equipment)
Frequency of use (high-use daily items vs. rarely used equipment)
Environment (kitchens, guest rooms, offices, or damp areas)
Accessibility (used by trained staff or untrained guests)
Condition and age of the appliance
Manufacturer guidance

By combining these risk indicators, hotel owners and managers can establish a rational PAT testing schedule.

Industry-Recommended PAT Testing Intervals

Several regulatory bodies and industry experts provide practical guidance on suitable testing intervals based on risk. While these are not mandatory, they are considered best practice for demonstrating due diligence.

IET Code of Practice Guidelines

Appliance Type	Visual Inspection	Combined Test
Stationary Appliances	Every 24 months	Every 60 months
IT Equipment	Every 24 months	Every 60 months
Portable Appliances	Every 12 months	Every 24 months
Moveable Equipment	Every 12 months	Every 24 months
Hand-Held Appliances	Every 12 months	Every 12-24 months

Additional Recommendations by Industry Providers

Hairdryers and kettles in guest rooms: test every 12 to 24 months.
Cleaning tools like vacuum cleaners, steamers, and irons: every 6 to 12 months.
Low-risk items such as desktop PCs: 48 to 60 months.

If appliances show signs of damage, frequent repairs, or reside in high-traffic areas, the testing frequency should increase.

Building a Risk-Based Testing Schedule

Creating a comprehensive PAT testing routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a breakdown of how to implement a structured system based on appliance risk.

1. Create a Complete Appliance Inventory

Start by listing every portable appliance on your property. Include:

Brand and model
Location (room or area)
Type of appliance
Who uses it (staff or guests)
Frequency and intensity of use

An accurate inventory helps identify high-priority items and streamline maintenance scheduling.

2. Set Visual Inspection Intervals

Routine visual checks identify surface-level faults such as exposed wiring, broken casings, or plug damage. These inspections can be carried out by staff or cleaners trained to spot problems.

Visual inspection recommendations:

Guest kettles and hairdryers: every 6 months
Cleaning appliances: every 3 to 6 months
Office equipment: every 24 months

3. Determine Electrical Testing Frequency

Electrical testing checks for deeper faults like poor insulation resistance or faulty earthing. These require testing tools and a competent tester.

Suggested intervals:

High-traffic guest room appliances: every 12 months
Cleaning tools (hoovers, floor polishers): every 12 months
Low-risk items in secure areas: every 48 to 60 months

4. Maintain Testing Records and Labels

Although not a legal obligation, keeping PAT records and labelling items is essential for traceability. These should include:

Date of last test
Name of tester or company
Pass/fail status
Next due date

Labels reassure guests and assist with internal audits and inspections.

Hotels vs B&Bs: How PAT Testing Differs

Hotels

Larger number of appliances across multiple floors
May require phased testing per floor or department
Guests often use more electrical devices simultaneously
Requires testing coordination to minimise downtime

B&Bs

Fewer rooms, typically fewer than 10 appliances per room
Easier to schedule during guest changeovers
Testing may be completed in a single visit

Regardless of size, both settings must meet the same duty of care under UK law. The main difference lies in volume and testing logistics.

Guest-Room Appliances That Require PAT Testing

Make sure to include the following in your PAT inventory:

Hairdryers
Kettles and toasters
Mini fridges
Desk and bedside lamps
Flat-screen televisions
Portable heaters or fans
Alarm clocks and charging stations
Hospitality irons and ironing boards with built-in sockets

Since guests may misuse or unintentionally damage these items, they should be treated as higher-risk appliances.

Extra Tips for Property Owners

Here are additional strategies to help simplify and improve your PAT testing process:

Provide basic PAT awareness training to all cleaning and maintenance staff
Purchase appliances that carry a CE marking and manufacturer safety instructions
Replace older equipment with newer models that are easier to test and maintain
Bundle testing with other services like emergency light checks or fire alarm maintenance
Use digital tools to schedule reminders for upcoming test dates

Keeping PAT testing efficient means integrating it with broader safety and compliance practices.

Risks of Ignoring PAT Testing

Overlooking PAT testing could lead to a range of serious consequences, including:

Legal implications: Failing to maintain equipment may breach the Electricity at Work Regulations
Invalid insurance claims: If an incident occurs, insurers may deny claims due to lack of testing records
Guest safety hazards: Faulty appliances increase the risk of fire or electric shock
Reputation damage: Negative reviews or news coverage could harm your brand and bookings

Prevention is far cheaper and safer than responding to incidents after they happen.

Responsibilities Under UK Law

Responsibility for ensuring equipment is safe lies with:

Hotel owners and B&B landlords
Managers or duty holders
Letting agents (if managing serviced accommodations)

They must ensure a proper PAT regime is in place, even if the actual testing is outsourced.

How to Choose a PAT Testing Provider

Selecting the right provider can save time, money, and stress. Look for:

Experience working with hotels, B&Bs, or holiday parks
Flexibility for testing outside normal hours
Full reporting, including digital logs and certification
Advice on future test scheduling and appliance safety
Optional add-ons like fire alarm or emergency lighting tests

Companies like Global Compliance offer all-in-one solutions tailored to your hospitality needs.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're managing a 100-room hotel or a four-room B&B, PAT testing is a key part of your health and safety commitment. A well-structured PAT testing programme keeps your appliances reliable, your guests safe, and your business compliant with UK law.

By understanding the risk-based approach and applying regular inspections, you can avoid unnecessary disruptions and keep your property running smoothly.