PAT testing FAQs
Find clear answers to everyday questions about electrical safety, legal requirements, and our testing procedures across the North East. We make appliance compliance straightforward, transparent, and completely hassle-free for your business or rental property.
Common questions about our testing service
Whether you need annual compliance checks for an office, school safety testing, or landlord certificates, here is everything you need to know about our fast, low-disruption visits and reports.
What happens if an item fails, and do we fix things on the spot?
If an appliance fails the test, we’ll explain what’s wrong and what’s needed to make it safe. We can usually carry out minor repairs during the visit, including plug replacements, fitting the correct fuse, and tightening or re‑terminating loose wires. Once repaired, we retest the item straight away.
If something can’t be safely repaired, we’ll mark it as failed, label it clearly, and include it in your report so you know exactly what action to take.
How long does PAT testing take, and do I need to prepare anything?
Most visits are completed quickly — small offices, shops, or rental properties usually take 30–90 minutes, depending on the number of appliances. You don’t need to prepare much; just make sure we can access all rooms and equipment. Everything else is handled by us, with minimal disruption to your day.
How often should PAT testing be done?
Most businesses and landlords book PAT testing every 12 months, which is the standard recommendation for keeping equipment safe and meeting insurance or licensing requirements. Higher‑risk environments — like workshops, salons, or kitchens — may need testing more frequently. We can advise on the right schedule for your premises.
Will I get reminders when my next PAT test is due?
Yes — we send annual reminders so you always know when your next PAT test is due. This helps landlords, businesses, and HMOs stay compliant without having to track dates themselves. Your reminder includes the previous test date, the due date, and a quick link to book your next visit.
Will I receive an itemised list of everything tested?
Yes — every visit includes a full itemised appliance list. This shows each item we tested, its pass/fail result, any repairs carried out (such as plug or fuse replacements), and the date it was checked. It’s included with your digital certificate and sent within 24 hours of payment, ready for insurers, audits, or licensing checks.
Do I need to switch anything off before you arrive?
No — there’s nothing you need to switch off in advance. During testing, we only unplug each appliance for a few seconds while it’s checked, so your power supply and normal working day stay uninterrupted. Computers, tills, and essential equipment can be tested at a convenient moment to avoid downtime.
Do you test extension leads, multi‑way adapters, and chargers?
Yes — all extension leads, multi‑way adapters, power strips, and plug‑in chargers are fully tested during your visit. These items are some of the most common causes of electrical faults, so we check them carefully for damage, overloading, and correct fuse ratings. Each one is labelled and included in your digital report.
Do you test kitchen appliances like kettles, microwaves, toasters, and fridges?
Yes — all portable and plug‑in kitchen appliances are fully tested during your visit. Items like kettles, microwaves, toasters, fridges, and small catering equipment are checked for electrical safety, correct fuse ratings, and any visible damage. Each appliance is labelled and included in your digital report within 24 hours of payment.
Do you test appliances in hard‑to‑reach areas?
Yes — we can test appliances in hard‑to‑reach areas such as under desks, behind counters, or in busy workspaces. We work carefully around your setup and only move items when it’s safe to do so. If something genuinely can’t be accessed, we’ll let you know and include it in your report so you have a clear record.
When do I receive my certificates and reports?
Your digital PAT Testing Certificate and full itemised appliance report are sent within 24 hours of payment. They arrive by email and are ready to use immediately for insurance, audits, licensing, or compliance checks.
Ready to secure your compliance?
Book your testing appointment with Apex PAT Testing Northeast today. We offer flexible scheduling, including out-of-hours testing and digital certificates issued within 24 hours.