Portable Appliance Testing

If you run a business that uses electrical equipment, it is important that they are safe and well maintained. A PAT test will inspect and certify your appliances, and are often carried out on an annual basis.

Below we have information about PAT test prices, rules & regulations, and professional PAT testers.

Compare PAT Testing Prices

Are you looking for a PAT tester for your electrical appliances? We can help you find a great deal by comparing prices of local PAT testing professionals. To find out how much a PAT test costs in your area, simply use the price calculator below.

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PAT Testing Cost

There are a few important factors that influence the cost of a PAT Test. The main factors are:

• Number of Appliances -PAT testing prices are generally based on the number of items that need to be tested. There is generally a minimum ‘call out’ charge, which covers the first 15 to 20 appliances. The more appliances you need tested, the higher the cost of PAT testing.
• Repairs Required – If your equipment does not pass the PAT test, it will often only require minor repairs that can be carried out by the PAT tester. Repairs will increase the cost of portable appliance testing, but some minor repairs may be included free.
• Location in the UK – A major factor in determining the cost of portable appliance testing is your location within the UK. Typically, costs will be highest in London and the South East of England. Locations without local PAT testers will also cost more.

How much does PAT Testing cost?

The average cost of PAT testing in the UK is £1 to £2 per item. However, testing prices are typically discounted for higher quantities. Most qualified PAT testers also have a minimum ‘call out’ fee, which can range from £25 – £50. If you don’t have enough items to reach the minimum call out fee, you may need to pay the difference.

When working out the cost of PAT tests, it is important to note that many electrical items that dismantle into smaller pieces may need to be tested as 2 or more individual electrical items, which can increase the total price.

Below we have compiled a useful table to help you better understand the average price of a PAT test in the UK.

Please note: the PAT testing prices above are estimates – for accurate pricing, please use our cost comparison tool.

What is PAT Testing?

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is the term used to describe the inspection and examination of electrical equipment to ensure it is safe to use. The test involves both visual inspections and computer testing to ensure it is functioning properly. Most electrical defects can be found by visual inspection, so regular checks of power leads and electrics should be made.

Portable Appliance Testing should be carried out on a regular basis and by a competent person. You can find out more on the HSE PAT testing resource page.

PAT Testing Regulations

It is a common misconception that PAT testing is a legal requirement. Whilst portable appliance testing isn’t compulsory, it is strongly recommended. Using a professional PAT tester or company will ensure that your equipment passes both visual and electrical tests.

Even when using a professional PAT testing service, it is important to carry out your own visual checks in between annual testing. It is the responsibility of the equipment owner to ensure it is safe and working correctly.

PAT Testing Requirements

Electrical PAT tests can be conducted by electricians and qualified PAT testers. For simpler PAT inspections, including assessing the condition of the equipment and leads, the work can be carried out by a competent and trained member of staff. For more advanced testing, a greater level of knowledge is required.

A PAT tester will require:

• The right equipment to carry out the tests
• The training to use the test equipment correctly
• The ability to understand the test results

Is PAT Testing a Legal Requirement?

If you have a solid fuel boiler installed, a one-off service will generally cost between £70 to £140. In most circumstances, a solid fuel boiler service will require more work than other boilers, as the service will include stripping, inspecting and cleaning of the boiler. As a result, solid fuel boilers generally cost the most to service.

PAT Testing Frequency

There is a lot of confusing information regarding rules and regulations for PAT testing frequency, however the law states that there is no required PAT test frequency. According to the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, any electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury must be maintained in a safe condition, but there is no specific mention of of frequency.

It is the responsibility of the equipment owner to ensure that it is maintained and safe. As a general rule, most equipment should be PAT tested on an annual basis. PAT certificates are also generally only valid for a period of 1 year.

Electrical PAT Testing Certificate

If you provide electrical equipment at venues or commercial properties, you may be requested to supply a PAT testing certificate. This is to certify that your equipment is in good working order and has been tested by a competent person. When equipment is PAT tested, you will be supplied with a PAT certificate, which is usually valid for 1 year from the testing date.

A PAT certificate lists all the equipment that has been tested, and indicates whether each item has passed the test. A portable appliance testing certificate also includes information about the test date, renewal date and the PAT testers information. Stickers that include the test information will also be stuck on to your equipment.

If you need a PAT certificate, use our portable appliance testing cost calculator to find local PAT testers.

Money Saving Tips

We love helping UK consumers save more on their home improvements. To ensure you receive the best PAT testing deals, we have put together some helpful tips and tricks.