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PAT Test Certificate London
A PAT test certificate confirms that the portable electrical appliances you provide are safe to use. Whether you're a landlord, letting agent, or HMO in London. It's an important record when supplying electrical items to tenants, employees, or the public. We provide professional Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) across London and the M25, with thorough inspections and same-day certificate delivery.
Landlords, letting agents, and HMOs choose us because we do more than simply tick boxes. Our experienced engineers test every appliance with care. If we find a fault, we'll explain it in plain English and recommend the next steps. You'll receive a clear, reliable pass/fail certificate you can confidently share with tenants, insurers, or property managers. We also offer fixed pricing, same-week turnaround, and a hassle-free service designed for rental properties and commercial premises.
What Is a PAT Test Certificate?
PAT stands for Portable Appliance Testing. A qualified engineer inspects and electrically tests every plug-in item on your property, then issues a certificate listing each appliance, its result, and its next test date. It's the recognised way to prove your electrical items are safe, rather than waiting for something to go wrong first.
The certificate covers anything that plugs into a socket and can be moved: kettles, toasters, microwaves, washing machines, fridges, irons, lamps, extension leads, and portable heaters. Fixed items built into the property, like an integrated oven, fall under your EICR instead.
Benefits of a PAT Testing Certificate in London
Protect your tenants. The most obvious reason, and the one that matters most. A tested appliance is far less likely to cause a shock or start a fire.
Protects you legally. If something does go wrong, your certificate shows you took reasonable steps. That distinction matters enormously in an insurance claim or a legal dispute.
Keep your insurance valid. Many landlord insurance policies expect evidence of basic electrical safety checks. A PAT certificate is exactly that evidence.
Builds tenant trust. Tenants notice when a landlord takes safety seriously. It's a small thing that says a lot about how you manage your property.
Speeds up disputes and inspections. If a council officer or letting agent ever asks for proof your appliances are safe, you produce a certificate instead of scrambling for an answer.
There's really only one downside worth naming: it costs time and money, and it's not legally mandatory by name. But weighed against the risk of an uninsured claim or an injured tenant, it's a small price for real peace of mind.
Is a PAT test a legal requirement for landlords?
Not by name. No law says "you must PAT test." But several laws create a duty to keep supplied appliances safe, and PAT testing is the accepted way to prove you've met it:
- Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 — requires electrical equipment to be maintained to prevent danger
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 — general duty of care for anyone using equipment you provide
- Consumer Protection Act 1987 — covers goods, including appliances, supplied as part of a tenancy
If a faulty appliance causes a shock, a fire, or an injury, your insurer and a court will both ask the same question: what did you do to check it? A PAT certificate is your answer. Without one, you're relying on memory, and memory doesn't hold up well under scrutiny.
How Often Is a PAT Test Required?
There's no fixed legal interval. The IET Code of Practice and HSE both recommend a risk-based approach instead of a blanket rule, based on appliance class, how often it's used, and its environment.
| Appliance Type | Class I (Earthed) | Class II (Double-Insulated) |
|---|---|---|
| Handheld (kettles, irons) | Every 12 months | Every 24 months |
| Portable (heaters, lamps) | Every 12–24 months | Every 24–48 months |
| Movable (washing machines) | Every 24–48 months | Every 48 months |
| Stationary / fixed | Every 48 months | Every 60 months |
For rental property specifically, most London landlords test at every change of tenancy or every 12–24 months, whichever comes first. High-use items in shared kitchens wear faster than a lamp in a bedroom, so we shorten the interval on anything showing early wear.
PAT Testing Process :
PAT testing isn't one action. It's three layered checks.
- User checks — the person using the appliance looks for obvious damage before each use. Informal, not recorded, but it's the first line of defence.
- Formal visual inspection — our engineer examines the plug, cable, and casing closely. This step alone catches around 90% of faults.
- Instrument test — earth continuity and insulation resistance are measured with a PAT tester, confirming the appliance is electrically safe, not just visually sound.
Only the last two stages appear on your certificate. Both are required for a valid pass.
PAT Testing Checklist — What Gets Checked
| Area | What We Check |
|---|---|
| Plug | Cracks, burns, bent pins, correct fuse rating, secure wiring |
| Cable | Fraying, cuts, exposed cores, secure at both ends |
| Appliance body | Cracks, burns, overheating marks, casing damage |
| Connections | Loose or exposed live parts, no DIY modifications |
| Environment | Suitable for the location — no trailing leads in wet areas like bathrooms. |
If the visual inspection fails at any point, we don't proceed to the instrument test. A visibly damaged appliance is unsafe regardless of what the meter says.
Properties: Our PAT Testing Cover in London
We focus purely on residential rental property — no commercial premises. That means:
- Single-let flats and houses.
- HMOs and shared houses, including individual rooms and communal kitchens.
- Student lets.
- Holiday lets and short-term rentals.
- Portfolio landlords managing multiple properties.
If it's a home you rent out, we test it. If it's an office or a shop, that's outside what we cover.
Flexible Pricing
PAT Testing Cost in London
Pricing is based on appliance count, not a flat call-out fee. Let us know your property type and appliance count when you book, and we confirm a fixed price before the engineer attends. No charge for items that pass. No add-ons on the day.
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Fixed pricing agreed before the engineer arrives — no surprises on the day
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Digital certificate delivered fast, ready for tenants or landlord records.
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Why Landlords in London Choose Our
PAT Testing Service
FAQs
Questions? We're glad you asked
The purpose of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is to ensure legal compliance by providing a detailed record of all inspections carried out. The report highlights any necessary corrective actions landlords must take to obtain certification or improve the safety of their property if electrical faults or concerns are found.
During the electrical safety inspection, the following objectives are addressed:
Identify potential hazards in permanent installations such as lights, sockets, fixtures, and electric storage boilers.
Detect poorly executed electrical work that could threaten occupants’ safety.
Verify that electrical circuits and equipment are not overloaded.
Ensure proper earthing and bonding, and confirm circuit breakers will trip during electrical surges.
Identify any components that do not meet the Wiring Regulations set by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Since April 2021, the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) has been a legal requirement in England for all rental properties, under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.
Landlords must have a qualified professional inspect and test their property’s electrical installations at least every five years. Failure to obtain an EICR can lead to fines of up to £30,000 and liability for any unreported electrical faults.
Local authorities also have the power to carry out emergency repairs if needed, with costs charged to the landlord. If you’re a landlord without a current EICR, it’s crucial to arrange one promptly to comply with the law and protect your tenants.
During an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) assessment, various issues within the electrical system may be identified, including:
The effectiveness of bonding and earthing systems.
The presence and proper functioning of Residual Current Devices (RCDs), especially for outdoor sockets.
The condition of visible cables, lighting fixtures, and downlighters.
Signs of wear or deterioration in electrical equipment and installations.
The suitability of control gear and switchgear.
The operation of sockets, switches, light fittings, and other electrical devices.
Any modifications to the property that may have compromised the electrical system.
Detection of “daisy chaining,” where multiple extension leads are connected together, which can pose a safety risk.
After completing the electrical testing and inspection, the electrician may take a few days to issue the Electrical Safety Certificate, as they need time to upload and analyze the findings.
EICR Codes Explained:
C1 (Danger Present – Risk of Injury): This is the most serious code, indicating an immediate risk of electric shock or fire. Examples include damaged insulation, exposed live parts, or broken switches/sockets. Urgent action is required to fix the issue or isolate the affected part or circuit.
C2 (Potentially Dangerous): This code signals that remedial work is needed soon, as the defect could become dangerous. Examples include missing mains bonding, faulty earthing, or RCDs that fail to trip during testing.
C3 (Improvement Recommended): This code means the installation does not fully comply with wiring regulations but poses no immediate danger. It’s similar to an advisory note—you’re not legally required to fix it, but doing so would enhance safety.
FI (Further Investigation Required): This indicates a potential problem needing more detailed assessment by an engineer before deciding on the next steps.
According to current regulations, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) for rental properties is valid for five years. However, it’s recommended to renew the report at the start of each new tenancy.
According to regulations, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) must be completed by a competent and qualified professional.
This means the certificate should be issued by a qualified electrician who has undergone the necessary training and certification for periodic testing and inspection of electrical installations.
To ensure compliance with the latest safety standards, such as the IET 18th Edition, many qualified electricians register with recognised scheme providers.
Some of the most reputable accreditation bodies in the UK include NICEIC, Stroma, Napit, and Elecsa.
While accreditation with these organisations is not mandatory to issue an Electrical Certificate, electricians must hold the appropriate qualifications and credentials.
To ensure the safety of your family or your rental property, it is important to obtain an electrical safety certificate from reputable professionals. We provides EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) from £119 for 1/3 bed and 4/5 bed for £139
The overall cost of the inspection will also depend on the number of circuits and consumer units/fuse boxes. Obtaining an up-to-date electrical safety certificate is crucial for your peace of mind and the safety of your home or investment property.
The primary purpose of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) inspection is to identify any significant electrical issues within a property’s electrical systems and installations.
The inspection includes both a visual assessment and thorough testing of electrical components inside the property (such as main cables and distribution boards) and outside (like light fittings, switches, and sockets).
Common tests carried out during the inspection include Dead Testing, Live Testing, and Residual Current Device (RCD) Testing. These tests may require a brief power outage.
The time needed for the inspection depends on factors such as the property’s size, age, complexity, and number of circuits. Discovering major faults may also extend the inspection duration.
Summary of EICR Tests:
Visual Inspection: The electrician begins by visually checking the premises and electrical systems for obvious issues.
Dead Testing: This involves three parts—Insulation Resistance Testing, Continuity Testing, and Polarity Testing. These tests detect defective connections, verify insulation integrity to prevent electric shocks, and ensure correct wiring.
Live Testing: These tests confirm that the electrical system can safely disconnect power during a fault, preventing danger or further damage.
RCD Testing: For newer installations, Residual Current Devices are tested to ensure they will trip properly to protect against fire risks.
Yes, the electrician will need to briefly turn off the power to each circuit during testing. This short interruption is necessary to safely carry out the required inspections and ensure accurate results.
The time needed to complete an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) varies depending on factors such as property size, number of circuits, complexity of the electrical system, and any issues discovered during inspection.
Generally, a small apartment may take around 45 minutes to an hour, while larger properties can require three to four hours to complete.
Yes, if any part of the electrical system is deemed unsafe or unsuitable by the engineer, the installation will be marked as 'unsatisfactory.' This means the identified issues must be resolved before the property can be legally rented out.
After the EICR inspection, it may take a few days to receive the results, as the engineer needs time to upload their findings digitally and email the report to you.
If your electrical system meets the required safety standards, the report will be marked as ‘satisfactory.’ However, if it falls short, the report will be classified as ‘unsatisfactory,’ indicating that remedial work is necessary to bring the installation up to standard.
The report will specify which parts of the system failed and why. During the EICR, four codes are used to classify faults. If any C1, C2, or FI codes are recorded, the inspection will be deemed unsatisfactory.
Remedial Work:
C1 Faults: These represent immediate danger. The assessor may take prompt action to isolate the faulty part or even shut down the property until repairs are made.
C2 Faults: These require urgent remedial work, which landlords must complete within 28 days according to UK law.
After completing the necessary repairs, landlords must inform both tenants and local authorities in writing that the work has been carried out within the required timeframe.