By The KTech team · Published 14 November 2026
PAT testing in Kingsbridge means having portable electrical appliances inspected and tested at set intervals, so that faults are found before they cause harm in a shop, office or workshop. Portable appliance testing combines a visual inspection with electrical tests, and the results are recorded so that you can show equipment has been checked. Our PAT testing service covers businesses across the South Hams, including Salcombe, Dartmouth, Totnes and Modbury.
This guide explains what PAT testing covers, which items are usually included and how the testing frequency is worked out. It also sets out how to prepare for a visit so that it disrupts your day as little as possible, and how records, labels and simple checks by staff fit together. Read on for a practical picture of what a sensible routine looks like for a small business.
What does PAT testing actually involve?
PAT testing has two parts: a visual check of the plug, cable, casing and connections, followed by electrical tests that measure things such as earth continuity and insulation. A competent person carries out the work, and each item receives a result and a record. A pass means the appliance was safe at the time it was tested, not that it will stay safe indefinitely.
The inspection looks for damage such as cracked casings, frayed leads, scorch marks and badly fitted plugs, which are often the first warning signs of a problem. The electrical tests then confirm that the equipment is wired correctly and that its protection is working as it should. PAT testing is therefore more than a sticker on the plug, and a sensible routine pairs it with everyday checks.
Which items usually need testing?
Most portable equipment used in a business can fall within scope, including kettles, extension leads, computers, monitors, printers and chargers. Power tools, shop display equipment, heaters and fans are often included as well, along with the leads and adaptors that connect them. The list is set by how equipment is used and where, not by its price or brand.
Fixed wiring, sockets and the building's electrical installation are a separate job, usually handled by a qualified electrician. Equipment that is not portable, or that only ever runs from a permanent connection, generally falls outside PAT testing. We can help you list what you have so that nothing is missed when the visit takes place.
- Kettles, toasters and heaters used in staff rooms or behind shop counters.
- Extension leads, power strips and adaptors.
- Computers, monitors, printers and chargers.
- Hand tools and workshop equipment with a mains plug.
How often should PAT testing be carried out?
There is no single fixed interval that suits every business, because the right frequency depends on the type of equipment and the environment it works in. Items that are moved around, used outdoors or handled roughly tend to need more frequent checks than equipment that sits on a desk. A risk-based approach looks at each category and sets a sensible routine for it.
The Health and Safety Executive publishes general guidance on electrical safety at work, and it is worth reading if you are unsure where to begin. Many businesses combine formal testing with regular user checks, and set the formal interval according to what they have found over time. A short written plan helps staff and anyone inspecting the premises understand why the routine is what it is. If you run a holiday let as well, our holiday let PAT testing guide covers guest appliances in more detail.
What records and labels do I need?
A test label on each item shows when it was last tested and when the next test is due, which helps staff spot anything out of date at a glance. The register behind those labels should list each item, its location, the result and any repairs or removals. Keeping these records clearly is often the difference between a smooth check and a stressful one.
Labels should be easy to read, placed where they will not peel off and kept consistent across the premises. When equipment is retired or replaced, update the register so it does not show items you no longer own. A record is only useful if it is accurate, so review it whenever staff or equipment change.
- An asset number or clear description for each item.
- The location, so that the item can be found quickly.
- The date tested, the result and the name of the tester.
- The next due date, shown clearly on the label.
How do I prepare for a PAT testing visit?
A little preparation keeps disruption low and helps the work run smoothly. Gather the equipment that needs testing, group it by room or area, and tell staff in advance which items may be unavailable for a short time. Clear access to sockets and storerooms saves time at the start of the visit.
Unplug any equipment that is not needed on the day, and set damaged items aside so they are not used in the meantime. If the business already keeps a register, have it ready so the tester can update it as they work. Raise anything unusual before the visit, such as specialist kit or equipment that cannot be switched off easily.
What can staff check between formal tests?
Staff can carry out simple user checks between formal tests, and these help catch problems early. Look at the plug, the cable and the casing before using an item, and watch for scorching, a warm plug, a flickering light or a burning smell. Report anything unusual rather than attempting a repair or carrying on with the work.
Keep a simple process for reporting faults, and make clear that a damaged item should be unplugged and taken out of use until someone has looked at it. Training staff to do these checks takes very little time and makes a real difference to safety. If you would like help setting up the routine, use the contact page to tell us about your premises.
- Check the plug, cable and casing before each use.
- Unplug and remove any item that is damaged or scorched.
- Report warm plugs, flickering lights or unusual smells straight away.
- Keep extension leads off the floor, where they can be trodden on.