The Electrical Items Businesses Forget to Include in PAT Testing
The Electrical Items Businesses Forget to Include in PAT Testing
When businesses think about PAT testing, they often think about the obvious items first.
Kettles, microwaves, computers, monitors, printers and extension leads are usually easy to identify.
But in many workplaces, rental properties and high street businesses, there are plenty of electrical items that can be missed simply because they blend into the background.
That can leave gaps in your records and, more importantly, gaps in your maintenance routine.
Why Items Get Missed
Electrical equipment is not always sitting neatly on a desk waiting to be checked.
Some items are fixed in place, tucked behind counters, hidden under desks, kept in cupboards or used only occasionally.
Others become so familiar that nobody really thinks of them as portable appliances at all.
For businesses, landlords and letting agents, this is why a practical walk-through of the premises is important.
Commonly Forgotten Items
Some of the most commonly missed electrical items include:
- Phone chargers and laptop chargers
- Desk lamps and floor lamps
- Extension leads and multi-way adaptors
- Card machines and payment terminals
- Wi-Fi routers and small network equipment
- Speakers, radios and music systems
- Fridges, freezers and small kitchen appliances
- Cleaning equipment such as vacuums
- Portable heaters and fans
- Equipment stored in cupboards or spare rooms
Individually, these items may seem minor.
But if they are being used regularly, moved around, plugged in and out, or left running for long periods, they still form part of your electrical safety responsibility.
Small Items Can Still Develop Faults
A charger, lamp or small appliance can still become damaged through normal use.
Cables can split, plugs can loosen, casings can crack and signs of overheating can appear over time.
The item may still work, but that does not always mean it is in safe condition.
This links closely with our guide on keeping equipment maintained in a safe condition.
Different Businesses Have Different Risks
The forgotten items will vary depending on the type of premises.
In an office, it might be chargers, lamps, monitors, extension leads and small kitchen appliances.
In a salon, it might be hairdryers, straighteners, clippers, lamps, heaters and reception equipment.
In a café or restaurant, it might be blenders, toasters, fridges, microwaves, coffee machines and cleaning equipment.
In a rental property, it might be landlord-supplied appliances, lamps, kitchen items and portable equipment provided with the property.
Records Matter
One of the benefits of PAT testing is that it provides a clearer record of what has been checked.
If items are missed, the records may not give a full picture of the equipment being used on site.
That can be a problem if a business, landlord or letting agent later needs to show that reasonable steps were taken to manage electrical safety.
Our related guide on the most common faults found during PAT testing explains why small defects should not be ignored.
A Better Approach
A sensible PAT testing visit should include a practical look at how the premises is actually used.
That means checking the obvious equipment, but also asking what else is plugged in, stored away or used occasionally.
For landlords and businesses, it can help to make a simple list of electrical equipment before the visit so nothing important is missed.
You can also read more about the risk-based approach in our guide on how often PAT testing should be carried out.
Practical PAT Testing Across Glasgow and East Dunbartonshire
Thorn PAT Testing provides straightforward PAT testing for small businesses, landlords and letting agents across Glasgow, Bearsden, Milngavie and East Dunbartonshire.
We help you identify the everyday items that need checked, keep clear records and maintain a practical approach to electrical safety.
Need PAT Testing for Your Business or Rental Property?
Thorn PAT Testing provides reliable, straightforward PAT testing for businesses, landlords and letting agents across Glasgow, Bearsden, Milngavie and East Dunbartonshire.
We help you keep electrical equipment checked, recorded and properly maintained.
Need Advice?
If you are unsure what should be included in PAT testing for your workplace, rental property or business premises, feel free to get in touch.
Thorn PAT Testing provides PAT testing services for landlords and businesses across Glasgow, Bearsden, Milngavie and surrounding areas.