PAT Testing for London Landlords and Small Businesses: What It Covers and How It Fits With Your EICR

PAT testing (portable appliance testing) is the routine safety check of electrical appliances that plug into a socket. Here is what London landlords and small business owners need to know, and how it fits alongside an EICR.

What PAT testing covers

A competent tester visually inspects each appliance, its plug and its lead, then tests earth continuity and insulation with a PAT tester. Kettles, microwaves, fridges, washing machines, extension leads, office computers and power tools are typical items. Each appliance gets a pass or fail label and the results are recorded.

Is PAT testing a legal requirement?

There is no single law that says every appliance must be PAT tested every year. Instead, landlords and employers have a duty to make sure the electrical equipment they supply is safe, and PAT testing is the usual way to show it. Many letting agents, insurers and HMO licences ask for PAT records, so in practice most landlords who supply appliances have them tested.

PAT testing is not an EICR

An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) covers the fixed wiring: the consumer unit, circuits, sockets and lighting. PAT testing covers the appliances plugged into it. Landlords in England must have an EICR at least every five years; PAT testing is the sensible extra for any appliances you provide. Booking both on the same visit saves a call-out.

How often?

It depends on how the appliance is used. Equipment in a busy office or a rented flat between tenancies is often tested every one to two years; items that are moved a lot or used on building sites more often. A good rule for landlords is to test at the start of each new tenancy.

PAT testing and EICRs in North, East and West London

Energy North is a London electrical contractor with City & Guilds certified electricians. It provides PAT testing, fire alarm certificates and EICR inspections from £100 with the certificate emailed the same day, plus consumer unit upgrades, EV charger installation and rewiring.