Pat Testing Services in Felixstowe , Suffolk

There is no single "law" that says you must test every year, but the law does say you must keep equipment safe. Most businesses in Felixstowe choose to have an annual inspection to stay on the safe side and satisfy their insurance companies. High-risk equipment, like power tools on building sites, should be checked much more frequently.

Usually, brand-new items don't need a formal PAT test, but they should still have a visual check to make sure they haven't been damaged in transit. Once they have been in use for a year, they should be added to your regular testing schedule.

It is basically anything with a plug. This includes "portable" items like kettles and laptops, but also "stationary" items like fridges, printers, or even large vending machines. If it plugs into the wall, it needs to be checked.

While the law for landlords specifically focuses on the five-year fixed wire inspection (EICR), you are still responsible for any electrical appliances you provide, such as washing machines or microwaves. Providing a PAT certificate is the best way to prove you have taken reasonable steps to keep your tenants safe.

Yes, we do need to unplug the device to test the lead and the internal resistance. However, we can work with you to do this in stages or outside of your busiest hours to make sure we don't cause any data loss or downtime.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer, as it depends on the type of equipment and how it is used. For example, power tools on a building site might need testing every three to six months, while a computer in a clean office might only need a check every two years. We help you create a schedule that fits your specific risks and keeps you compliant with health and safety guidelines.

While the law does not explicitly say you "must" PAT test every year, it does state that you must ensure all electrical equipment provided in a tenancy is safe to use. PAT testing is the most recognised and reliable way to prove you have met this legal obligation. If a tenant is injured by a faulty appliance you provided, having a PAT certificate is your primary defence.

The term is a bit of a misnomer because it includes things that aren't easily moved. Generally, it refers to any electrical item that plugs into the mains. This includes "portable" items like toasters and drills, "movable" items like electric heaters, and "stationary" items like fridges or washing machines. We even test IT equipment like PC monitors and printers.

New equipment should be supplied in a safe condition and does not technically require a PAT test immediately. however, it is good practice to have it visually inspected for any shipping damage and added to your asset register so it can be included in future testing cycles.