Portable electrical equipment safety
PAT testing and portable appliance inspection in London
A practical, risk-based route for checking and maintaining portable electrical equipment used in rented property, workplaces and managed premises.
What PAT testing actually means
PAT is the commonly used term for examining electrical appliances and equipment to help confirm that they are safe to use. A sensible maintenance regime usually combines user checks, formal visual inspection and, where appropriate, electrical testing.
Visual examination matters because some defects are visible but may not be revealed by electrical testing alone.
No blanket annual PAT rule
UK law does not require every portable appliance to receive a PAT test every year. The legal duty is to keep relevant electrical equipment maintained in a safe condition. Inspection and testing frequency should be proportionate to risk, equipment type, use and environment.
For how PAT fits alongside EICRs, remedials and rented-sector duties, see our Electrical Safety Management Guide.
A risk-based maintenance approach
User checks
Simple checks can identify obvious damage, loose parts, damaged cables, overheating or other visible problems before equipment is used.
Formal visual inspection
A competent person can carry out a more structured inspection at appropriate intervals based on the equipment and how it is used.
Electrical testing
Testing may form part of the maintenance regime where the level of risk, equipment type or operating environment makes it appropriate.
Where this service fits
Portable equipment maintenance can be relevant in offices, shops, communal areas, managed residential property, hospitality, care settings and other workplaces. The correct interval should not be chosen by habit alone; it should reflect the equipment, how often it is moved or used, previous maintenance history and the environment in which it operates.
How Primelinks coordinates the work
Primelinks Compliance coordinates booking, property or site information, commercial administration and follow-up. Inspection and electrical testing are carried out by competent personnel with the appropriate equipment and ability to interpret the results.
Prepare your PAT testing enquiry
Send the postcode, premises type and approximate appliance count. Include equipment locations, access hours and any items that cannot be disconnected during normal operation.
What affects the quote?
Equipment volume, site layout and access arrangements influence the quote. Confirm the inspection and testing scope, how the equipment results will be recorded, and how damaged or failed items will be reported. Repairs and replacement equipment should be scoped separately.
Send your enquiry, then confirm the scope, price and appointment arrangements before booking.
Related services and guidance
Need portable electrical equipment checked?
Tell us the property or workplace, approximate equipment volume and operational context and we will coordinate the next step.