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myPAT Testing Cost
At a Glance
- The average cost of PAT testing is around £150
- The job will take approximately 3 to 5 hours to complete
- NEW! Our PAT testing cost calculator for instant estimates.
- Complete pricing breakdown for the types of appliances that need to be tested.
- What Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) involves and how long testing should take.
- How to find and hire a PAT testing engineer.
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£150
Table of Contents
- How Much Does PAT Testing Cost?
- What's Included in a PAT Testing Quote?
- Additional Electrical Safety Costs
- Cost of PAT Testing Labour & Timescales
- Factors That Impact PAT Testing Costs
- What Does the PAT Testing Cost Involve?
- Can I Conduct PAT Testing Myself?
- Is PAT Testing a Legal Requirement?
- What Appliances Need PAT Testing?
- Benefits of PAT Testing
- Checklist: Hiring a PAT Tester in the UK
- FAQs
How Much Does PAT Testing Cost?
What is PAT testing?
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT testing) is a term that is used to describe the process of examining electrical equipment and appliances to make sure they are safe to use.
While a lot of defects can be identified visually, others can only be found through proper testing.
Do you need a PAT test and want to know the cost?
The average cost of PAT testing is around £150, but this will depend on a few factors:
- The number of items to be tested
- Whether there are any repairs or replacements needed
Per item, the average cost for PAT testing is around £1 to £3 per appliance. You may be able to get discounts if you have a large number of items to test at the same time. Some companies may choose to charge an hourly rate, which could be around £40 to £60.
Should plug in electricals like microwaves and lamps in holiday lets be PAT tested?
"Yes, all premises that have portable appliances in them should be checked, unless it is used by yourself."
PAT Testing Prices
Many companies will charge an initial fee to cover the PAT testing cost for the first batch of items, followed by a small price for each additional item. With this in mind, you should be sure to budget for both types of fee.
Below is a table of Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) prices, categorised by the number of appliances being tested:
| Number of PAT Test Appliances | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| First 10 appliances | £50 - £100 (flat fee) |
| Additional appliances | £1 - £3 (per item) |
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I'm testing 100 appliances - what's the fee?
You'll pay a base fee of £50 to £100 for the first 10 appliances, then the remaining 90 appliances will cost between £1 and £3 each. To PAT test 100 items, this is roughly ~£255.
That equates to:
- 50 appliances - ~£155
- 150 appliances - ~£355
- 200 appliances - ~£455
What's Included in a PAT Testing Quote?
Not sure what your PAT testing quote includes?
Most costs will cover the following:
- Visual inspection of electrical appliances
- Electrical testing
- Classifying each tested item with pass or fail stickers
- Certifications
- Travel fees to and from the location
So, what's not included?
- Electrical replacements or repairs
If your PAT tester finds faulty electricals, they won't fix them as part of your PAT testing service - that will be charged as an extra electrical job, separate to your initial job - as we'll get into next.
Additional Electrical Safety Costs
PAT tests are likely to identify electrical problems. Here's what you might need to budget for if problems are found during the testing, or if you simply want to upgrade some of your electrical items:
Electrical Upgrades
- New indoor plug sockets can modernise rooms and are a quick and easy visual upgrade, costing around £75.
- If you want an electrical connection outside, you can have outdoor sockets installed for £120.
- Integrating smart lighting can offer energy-saving benefits, with the average installation costing £85.
Electrical Safety and Compliance
- An electrical safety certificate costs £120, and is a legal requirement for UK landlords to show their electrical appliances are safe for use.
- If you want a microwave leakage test to see that the radiation emitted from your microwave is at a safe level while operating, this extra test will cost between £15 to £30.
- Once your repairs have been made, you'll then need your appliances PAT tested again, which typically costs between £20 to £50.
Cost of PAT Testing Labour & Timescales
PAT testing can be carried out by a PAT testing engineer or by an electrician who has PAT testing equipment.
The prices may be charged by the hour, as a fixed rate, or per item that is tested:
- A qualified electrician will usually charge around £40 to £60 per hour.
- Larger jobs may be charged by a daily rate of around £200 to £250.
There is usually a minimum fee regardless of the number of items that need to be tested. This will usually cover the costs involved, such as travel, labels, VAT, equipment, and labour costs.
How do I keep my PAT testing costs down?
It is best to schedule the tests at a time when the items are not in use to reduce the overall time that the engineer has to spend at the property. These reduced timeframes are the best way to keep the overall costs of labour down.
The exact time that it takes to test each item will vary. Small appliances such as a computer can be tested within around five minutes. However, larger items will likely take longer to test.
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PAT Testing Cost Calculator
Factors That Impact PAT Testing Costs
There are several factors that could affect the overal PAT testing cost.
Let's take a look:
Type of Item to be Tested
Smaller items will tend to take less time to test, and so these will cost less in labour to complete.
More complex items and larger electrical systems are likely to take much longer and can impact the overall PAT testing cost.
Number of Items to be Tested
If the items are priced per item, then you will pay more for the job as there are more items.
Per item costs are usually around £1 to £3 per item.
Also, the more items that need to be tested, the longer the job will take overall. This means that, if the job is priced per hour, the costs will add up.
Additional Work Needed
Additional work may be needed as part of this job.
Sometimes the electrical equipment being tested may need to be repaired, or parts may need to be replaced in order for it to pass the PAT test.
If that's the case, you will need to pay for the electrical faults to be fixed as part of the PAT testing cost or have your electrical appliances replaced.
Location of Property
The location of your property can affect the overall cost of the job. Those based in London can expect to pay more than those based in the north or other areas of the UK.
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What Does the PAT Testing Cost Involve?
PAT testing of electrical appliances is a relatively straightforward process.
Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you hire an experienced electrical contractor to carry out your PAT tests:
Before the Job Starts
- Initial Visual Inspection & Preparation — The contractor will identify and confirm which electrical appliances are to be tested and make sure these can be accessed safely. They will review any PAT documents, where applicable, and plan their testing schedule to minimise any disruption.
- Equipment Setup — The contractor will set up all the necessary equipment for the PAT tests and ensure these are properly calibrated and working correctly.
During the Job
- Visual Inspection — The contractor will carry out a visual inspection and risk assessment of each electrical appliance for signs of damage or misuse. This will include checking plug casings, cables and cord grips, fuses, as well as wiring and terminals.
- Electrical Testing — After completing the visual check, the contractor will carry out a number of electrical safety checks, including an earth continuity test, insulation resistance test, and functional and leakage tests. Some minor fixes, such as replacing fuses or tightening loose connections, will usually be fixed on the spot so the appliance is safe and passes the test.
After the Job
- Labelling & PAT Testing Certificate — Tested electrical appliances are labelled with a pass or fail sticker, showing the test date and recommended date for the next test. A Portable Appliance Testing certificate and any other required documents will also be prepared and provided.
- Reporting & Follow-Up — Details of any appliances and electrical equipment that failed testing or have serious faults will be provided in the report, with recommendations for whether they need to be fixed, replaced, or require further testing.
Does electrical testing like say a PAT test cause much disruption to a property’s power? During testing, will I be able to use other electrics, etc.?
"PAT testing is portable appliance testing, it’s unplugged when testing. So no main power disruption."
Can I Conduct PAT Testing Myself?
Yes, if you wish to save on the potential PAT testing cost, you can conduct PAT testing yourself as long as you are capable of correctly using the correct equipment.
There are a few things to consider:
- Although PAT testing machines are user-friendly, they can cost between £150 and £500, making them an expensive initial outlay.
- While machines provide a pass/fail result, you still need to understand test readings.
- Additionally, this requires knowledge of earth continuity, insulation resistance, and how to resolve issues.
- Some appliances, such as white goods and electrical tools, can potentially benefit from testing more regularly.
- Electricity can cause serious injury and potential fire safety hazards if wiring and appliances are not handled correctly.
- By testing yourself, be mindful that you are also confirming the appliances are safe for others to use.
For peace of mind, it is always best to leave this job to the professionals who have all of the experience and knowledge needed to complete the job thoroughly.
Find local PAT testing engineers ready to offer you a free quote on MyJobQuote.
Is PAT Testing a Legal Requirement?
PAT testing is not a legal requirement, and there are no specific PAT testing regulations that relate to electrical appliances within the home.
However, the occasional PAT testing cost is worth the expense as it's one of the best ways to ensure that all of your electrical equipment is deemed safe.
Workplace Requirements
Within the workplace, employers have a legal duty under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the Health and Safety at Work Act to ensure that electrical equipment is well maintained and in a safe condition.
While PAT testing isn't mandatory to achieve this, it remains a widely recognised practice in order to meet these obligations. It also helps prove that electrical safety has been a priority and can reduce the risk of accidents such as electrical shock or fire hazards.
Landlord Requirements
UK landlords need to ensure all provided electrical appliances are safe for use. PAT testing is one route of meeting this criterion.
Landlords are also required by law to obtain an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) for any rented property.
This is to ensure electrical installations are safe and, although not legally required, PAT testing is often a personal choice as a way to help prove this.
What Appliances Need PAT Testing?
Portable appliances need to be PAT tested. As a general guide, this is often defined as an appliance that is less than 18kg in weight and easily transportable.
Mostly, any item that connects to the power supply via a plug and cable is usually subject to PAT testing. With this in mind, there are hundreds of different items that can be PAT tested.
Products for PAT testing are usually put into different classes. The class list can be found below:
- Class 1 — Electrical items with limited insulation and an earth connection. These have greater potential for injury, and this class of products should be the highest priority when it comes to PAT testing.
- Class 2 — Electrical items with double insulation.
- Class 3 — Electrical items with a low voltage.
Benefits of PAT Testing
There are a number of benefits to paying the PAT testing cost, especially within a business or industry setting. The main benefits are listed below:
- Electrical safety within the workplace is the responsibility of the employer, and it is essential that all electrical equipment is safe for use. PAT testing the electrical equipment in the workplace ensures that they are safe for use.
- When checks are made by a qualified electrician or a PAT testing professional, this can reduce any chances of an accidental fire as a result of faulty electrical equipment.
- If there are any faults or accidents due to faulty electrical equipment, this may not be covered on your insurance policy if the proper testing hasn't been kept up.
- Regular checks on your electrical equipment mean that you can identify potential problems early before they result in a long-term or permanent fault. PAT testing is an important part of regular maintenance.
- PAT testing is the best approach to ensure that your appliances are as safe as they can be.
Checklist: Hiring a PAT Tester in the UK
There are a few things you will need to consider before hiring someone to do PAT testing for you. Below is a list of some of the main things that you should consider when looking for the right tradesmen for the job:
- Have you searched around for recommendations? Check their online presence and MyJobQuote profile, along with reviews and ask friends and family if they have anyone in mind they could suggest.
- Have you asked for more than one quote? By receiving at least three quotes via MyJobQuote you can gauge an accurate idea of if someone is too expensive. Ask for a breakdown of costs so you can ensure you are paying a reasonable price for each element of the job.
- Is the contractor experienced in PAT testing? Check how long they've been PAT testing and ask about their background, for example, a qualified electrician is likely to be well-suited for the job.
- Does the contractor have all the appropriate equipment? As you are not doing the work yourself, it is important to understand how the workmen are carrying out the PAT testing on any electrical appliances and what equipment is being used.
- Will the contractor fix any issues that may arise? In the event of any items failing the PAT test, check if they are able to carry out any repairs and if they are included within the price or charged as extra.
- Does the contractor offer any guarantees with their work? This helps to provide confidence in their PAT testing ability and the reassurance that the job will be carried out correctly.
- Do they have public liability insurance? Public liability insurance covers both yourself and the tradesmen in the event of an accident or accidental damage.
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FAQs
Are There Any Building Regulations or Planning Permission Required?
No, you don't need to follow any building regulations or obtain planning permission for PAT testing. However, you should ensure the work is carried out by someone experienced and qualified. If you are in a work environment, be aware of other relevant safety regulations, such as the Electricity at Work Regulations and the Health and Safety at Work Act.
How Often Should PAT Testing Be Conducted?
The frequency of PAT testing should be determined based on a risk assessment, and for domestic use, although not a legal requirement, items such as power tools, kitchen appliances and any other electrical equipment can benefit from being checked every year.
Within a work setting, electrical appliances are often tested every 12 months, and for industrial settings, electrical equipment may be recommended every six months (or more frequently depending on equipment usage and environment).
What Happens if Electrical Appliances Fail the PAT Test?
If any electrical appliances fail, the PAT tester will label the item as “fail” and provide a report detailing the issues and recommended next steps, such as whether it can be fixed or needs replacing. Some minor repairs may be fixed on-site.
Do I Need to Keep Records of Any PAT Testing?
Yes, it’s important to keep records of all PAT tests, including test results, dates, electrical faults and any repairs made. This helps demonstrate compliance with electrical safety obligations and provides a reference for when you have to budget for any future PAT testing cost.
As well as a hard copy of any electrical equipment that's been tested, you can also request a PDF PAT testing certificate for your own records.
Do I Need a PAT Test Certificate for Domestic Appliances?
While not legally required for domestic appliances, most portable appliance testing services will automatically provide an official certificate within the PAT testing cost. It is a useful document to keep hold of, especially if you are a landlord, in order to prove that electrical appliances have been tested and deemed safe.
