Why Offices Should Get PAT Testing Done After Moving Premises

If your office has just moved, you should arrange PAT testing straight away. It is one of the simplest ways to make sure everything is safe before your team settles in.

Moving equipment, unplugging cables and setting everything back up can create risks you would not normally see.

What Changes When You Move Office

Even if your equipment worked fine before, a move can affect it. During a move:

• Cables get bent, stretched or damaged

• Plugs are removed and reconnected many times

• Equipment is handled, packed and unpacked

• New desk layouts can lead to overloaded sockets

Small issues like this often go unnoticed but can become safety risks later.

Your Duty Of Care Still Applies

The law does not change just because you moved buildings. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, you must make sure all electrical equipment is safe to use.

That includes:

• Computers and monitors

• Chargers and power leads

• Extension cables and adapters

If your team is using it for work, you are responsible for it.

Why Testing After A Move Makes Sense

PAT testing, now known as ITEE (Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment), checks that your equipment is safe after it has been moved and set up again. This is important because faults are often caused during handling, not daily use. 

A quick test can pick up damaged cables, identify overheating risks, spot worn or unsafe items and prevent future faults or fire risks It gives you a clear starting point in your new office.

It Is Not Just About Large Equipment

One of the biggest risks comes from small items. Things like phone chargers, USB cables and extension leads are used all day and often left plugged in.

These can wear out quickly, overheat if damaged and be missed during basic checks.

Under the newer ITEE approach, these items are included because they pose real risks.

Why The Name Changed From PAT Testing

You will still hear the term PAT testing but the correct term is now ITEE.

This change reflects a wider focus. It is not just about portable appliances anymore. It covers all electrical equipment that could pose a risk, including cables and accessories.

This is especially important after a move, where these smaller items are often affected the most.

Need PAT Testing After Your Office Move?

Getting testing done after moving is a small job that can prevent serious issues.

It shows you are taking safety seriously, keeps you in line with your legal duties and gives peace of mind to your team.

If you have recently moved premises or are about to, now is the right time to check your equipment.

TISS Electrical carry out ITEE testing for businesses of all sizes. Call our team at 01245 377 625 today and we will make sure your equipment is safe, compliant and ready for use in your new space.

Does Your Company Have A Duty Of Care For Home Workers Equipment?

Yes, your company still has a duty of care, even when staff work from home.

Just because the equipment is not in your office does not mean your responsibility disappears. If your team uses electrical equipment for work, you are expected to make sure it is safe.

What The Law Says In Simple Terms

Two key laws apply here:

• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

• The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

These require employers to make sure electrical equipment is safe to use. This includes anything your staff use to do their job, whether that is in an office or at home.

So if an employee is using a laptop, monitor, charger or extension lead for work, you still have a responsibility to manage the risk.

Does This Apply To Home Working?

Yes, it does. Home working does not remove your duty of care. It just changes how you manage it. For example, you may not be able to inspect everything in person, but you should still:

• Make sure equipment is suitable and safe

• Give clear guidance on safe use

• Check for obvious risks where possible

If something goes wrong and you have not taken reasonable steps, it can still come back to you as the employer.

What Equipment Should You Be Thinking About?

It is not just large items like computers. You should also think about:

• Chargers and power cables

• Extension leads

• Docking stations

• Any electrical item used for work

These smaller items are often the biggest risk because they are used daily and can wear out quickly.

Why “PAT Testing” Is No Longer The Full Picture

You may already be familiar with PAT testing. Today, the correct term is ITEE, which stands for Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment.

PAT testing focused on portable items but ITEE covers all electrical equipment that could pose a risk. That includes things like cables and accessories, which were often missed before.

This wider approach reflects how real risks happen in everyday use.

How Damaged Cables Can Become A Fire Risk At Home

Imagine a home worker using a laptop charger all day, every day. The plug might be fine but the cable could be worn or damaged. Over time, it heats up and becomes a fire risk.

Under older thinking, that cable might not even be checked. Under ITEE, it is part of the inspection because it clearly poses a risk.

What Should Employers Actually Do?

You do not need to overcomplicate it. Focus on simple, practical steps:

• Provide safe, good quality equipment

• Replace damaged items quickly

• Encourage staff to report faults

• Carry out checks where possible

The goal is to reduce risk, not create paperwork.

Why Employers Must Take Home Working Safety Seriously

Home working is now normal for many businesses. That means more electrical equipment is being used outside controlled office environments. 

Risks can build up quietly, especially with everyday items like chargers and cables.

Taking a broader approach to electrical safety helps prevent small issues from turning into serious problems.

Need Help Managing Electrical Safety For Your Team?

If you are unsure how to handle testing for office or home working equipment, TISS Electrical can help. Call 01245 377 625 to arrange ITEE testing for your business. 

We will guide you through what needs checking, carry out proper inspections and make sure your equipment is safe and compliant. Simple, clear and done properly.

Does A Rented Property Need An EICR Before Tenants Move In?

 

If you rent out a property, the short answer is yes. You need a valid EICR in place before tenants move in.

It is a legal requirement in many cases and a key part of keeping people safe. Even if everything seems to work fine, the wiring behind the walls is always ageing.

Problems can build up slowly without any clear signs.

That is why testing is done before a tenancy begins, not after something goes wrong.

What Is An EICR And Why Does It Matter?

An EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report. It is a full check of the fixed electrical system in a property. This includes things like:

• Wiring hidden in walls and ceilings
• Sockets and switches
• The fuse box or consumer unit
• Lighting circuits

The purpose is to check if the system is safe to use and highlights anything that needs fixing.

You might hear this called fixed wire testing. That name is still widely used because it clearly describes what is being tested.

The official term is now EICR, which refers to the report you receive at the end.

Is An EICR Required Before New Tenants Move In?

For residential rental properties in England, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 requires landlords to have a valid EICR in place. This means:

• The report must be no more than five years old
• It must be available before tenants move in
• A copy must be given to the tenant

If you are starting a new tenancy, you cannot rely on outdated or missing documentation. The property must be proven safe at the start of the agreement.

What Happens If You Do Not Have One?

Skipping an EICR is not worth the risk. Without one, you could face:

• Fines from the local authority
• Issues with insurance claims
• Legal problems if someone is injured

More importantly, you are putting tenants at risk. Electrical faults can lead to shocks or fires, and they often develop without warning.

What Does The Inspection Actually Check?

An engineer will carry out a full inspection and a series of tests.

They will look for visible damage like cracked sockets or exposed wiring and open the consumer unit to check connections and safety devices.

They will also test circuits to make sure everything is working correctly and check that safety devices like RCDs trip when they should.

Some faults are easy to spot. Others can only be found with proper testing equipment.

Understanding The Results

After the inspection, you receive a report with clear codes.

• C1 means danger is present and must be fixed immediately
• C2 means it could become dangerous and needs urgent repair
• C3 means improvement is recommended but not urgent
• FI means further checks are needed

If your report includes C1 or C2 issues, it will be marked unsatisfactory. These must be fixed, usually within 28 days, before the property can be considered safe.

How Often Does A Rental Property Need Testing?

Most rental properties need an EICR every five years.

However, you may need one sooner if the previous report recommends earlier testing, there has been damage or major electrical work or the condition of the system is uncertain.

The key point is that the property must always have a valid and up to date report.

Why Doing It Before Tenants Move In Makes Sense

Arranging an EICR before a tenancy starts gives you control. You can:

• Fix any issues without disrupting tenants
• Avoid complaints or emergency callouts
• Start the tenancy with clear proof the property is safe

It is far easier to deal with problems early than after someone has already moved in.

Book Your EICR Before Your Next Tenancy

Getting your property ready for tenants should not feel uncertain. With the right checks in place, you know everything is safe from day one.

If your EICR is due or you are unsure where you stand, speak to our TISS Electrical team on 01245 377 625 now.

We will guide you through the process, carry out a proper inspection and make sure your property is ready for tenants without delays.