How Often Should Your Business Do PAT Testing? A Sector-by-Sector Guide

Guy hudson
Sep 2
5 min read

Electrical safety is a fundamental requirement for every business in the UK. Whether you run a busy office, a warehouse, a school, or a construction site, electrical appliances are essential to your daily operations—and they all need to be safe. Portable Appliance Testing, more commonly known as PAT testing, is one of the most reliable ways to ensure that safety.

Yet, one question comes up time and again: How often should PAT testing be carried out? The answer isn’t the same for every business. The right frequency depends on your industry, the type of appliances you use, and the environment in which they operate.

This guide breaks down sector-specific PAT testing intervals, explains the legal and insurance context, and highlights the best practices to keep your business safe, compliant, and cost-effective. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how often your business should schedule PAT testing—and how Global Compliance can help you stay on top of it.

Understanding PAT Testing Frequency

PAT testing involves inspecting and testing portable electrical appliances to ensure they are safe to use. It typically includes:

A visual inspection for obvious damage such as frayed cables or cracked casings.
Electrical tests to check insulation resistance, earth continuity, polarity, and leakage currents.

Appliances that pass receive confirmation they are safe to use. Those that fail must be repaired, replaced, or permanently removed from service.

The Legal Position

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that all electrical systems are maintained in a safe condition. While the law does not state exact intervals for PAT testing, it does require employers and landlords to ensure equipment is safe at all times. PAT testing is therefore a widely recognised method to demonstrate compliance.

Risk-Based Approach

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises that the frequency of PAT testing should be based on risk. In other words:

Appliances in low-risk environments (such as offices) can be tested less often.
Equipment in high-risk environments (like construction sites or kitchens) requires much more frequent testing.

Sector-by-Sector PAT Testing Guide

Different industries face different risks. Below is a breakdown of how often PAT testing is typically recommended for each sector.

Offices and Administrative Environments

Stationary appliances (desktops, printers, photocopiers): Every 2–4 years.
Portable equipment (laptops, kettles, extension leads): Every 2 years.
User checks: Staff should carry out quick visual checks regularly.

Why? Offices are considered low-risk environments where appliances are rarely moved. However, extension leads, portable heaters, and kitchen appliances are subject to more wear and tear and should be tested more often.

Shops, Retail, and Hospitality

Appliances accessible to the public (coffee machines, card readers, fridges): Every 12 months.
Frequently handled portable equipment (kettles, microwaves, portable heaters): Every 6–12 months.
Stationary appliances: Every 2 years.

Why? Retail and hospitality settings carry higher risk due to high footfall and public use. Appliances may be moved often and exposed to greater stress, increasing the chance of faults.

Schools, Colleges, and Universities

High-use portable appliances (computers, projectors, extension leads): Annually.
Kitchen and lab equipment: Every 12 months, or sooner if heavily used.
Stationary appliances: Every 2–4 years.

Why? Schools are medium-to-high risk due to the number of users and the heavy reliance on equipment. PAT testing intervals are shorter to ensure protection of students and staff.

Construction Sites

Handheld tools (drills, saws, sanders): Every 3 months.
110V portable appliances: Every 3 months.
Other portable appliances: Every 6 months.

Why? Construction environments are among the highest-risk. Equipment is used intensively, exposed to dust, water, and rough handling, and often moved between sites. Failures here could have immediate, dangerous consequences.

Industrial and Manufacturing Facilities

Portable equipment (grinders, testing instruments, cleaning appliances): Every 6–12 months.
Stationary machinery: Annually.
Appliances in wet/dusty environments: More frequent checks, typically every 3–6 months.

Why? High levels of wear, vibration, and environmental hazards mean appliances must be checked more often than in offices or shops.

Food Service and Catering

Portable kitchen equipment (toasters, kettles, food mixers): Every 6 months.
Stationary catering equipment (fridges, ovens, microwaves): Annually.
Appliances used daily in hot, humid environments: Every 6 months.

Why? Catering environments expose appliances to heat, humidity, and frequent use, all of which increase wear and risk.

Healthcare Settings

Medical equipment: Annually, with strict checks due to patient safety.
Portable appliances (computers, kettles, extension leads in wards): Every 12 months.
Stationary appliances: Every 2 years.

Why? Healthcare is sensitive and high-risk. Any electrical fault could compromise patient care or staff safety.

Why Testing Frequency Matters

Protecting People

PAT testing protects against electric shocks, burns, and fires caused by faulty equipment. In high-risk sectors such as construction or healthcare, lives depend on strict testing schedules.

Ensuring Legal Compliance

If an incident occurs and equipment hasn’t been properly tested, employers or landlords may be found negligent. Regular testing demonstrates due diligence and compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.

Protecting Insurance Cover

Insurers may refuse claims if faulty appliances are linked to fire or injury and no testing records exist. Keeping to recommended intervals safeguards your business financially.

Minimising Business Disruption

Preventive testing reduces the chance of unexpected breakdowns that can halt operations and impact productivity.

Best Practices for Scheduling PAT Testing

Carry Out Risk Assessments

Start by identifying how appliances are used, how often, and in what environment. Risk assessments are the foundation of determining the right frequency.

Combine Visual Checks with Formal Testing

Encourage staff to perform regular visual checks (loose wires, cracks, scorch marks). This complements formal PAT testing and helps spot problems early.

Keep Records

Although not legally required, maintaining records is highly recommended. A log of test results, repairs, and next due dates demonstrates compliance and supports insurance claims.

Avoid Blanket Annual Testing

Annual testing of all appliances may be unnecessary in some sectors. Instead, adopt a risk-based approach that balances safety with cost-effectiveness.

Work with Qualified Professionals

PAT testing must be carried out by competent, trained testers. At Global Compliance, our team follows the latest IET Code of Practice and uses calibrated equipment.

How Global Compliance Helps Your Business

At Global Compliance, we specialise in PAT testing tailored to your sector. Our approach is risk-based, ensuring your business gets the right balance between safety, compliance, and efficiency.

Our Services Include:

Expert assessment of your workplace and equipment.
Visual inspections and full electrical testing.
Clear “pass” and “fail” labelling.
Detailed reporting and compliance documentation.
Scheduled reminders for your next tests.
Practical advice on repair versus replacement.

Whether you manage an office, run a construction site, or operate in healthcare, we’ll create a testing schedule that fits your business.

Conclusion

PAT testing isn’t about ticking boxes; it’s about protecting lives, property, and your business. While there is no fixed legal schedule for testing, adopting sector-specific intervals based on risk is the best way to stay safe and compliant.

Offices: Every 2–4 years for stationary items, every 2 years for portable ones.
Retail, hospitality, and schools: Annually, with more frequent checks for portable appliances.
Construction: Every 3 months for handheld tools.
Industrial and catering: Every 6–12 months, depending on environment.
Healthcare: Strict annual testing.

With Global Compliance, you can rest assured your PAT testing is handled professionally, tailored to your sector, and fully compliant with UK regulations. Call us on 0330 100 5341 or email info@global-compliance.co.uk or use our contact form.