PAT Testing

Need to get electrical appliances on your property tested? Unsure where to look, or how much you can expect to pay? 

PAT Testing may sound like an intimidating manner, but if you are proactive and have the right professional by your side, the process is simple, and will help you feel confident that the appliances in your property are safe to use.

What is PAT Testing?

Portable Appliance Testing is necessary to ensure the electrical appliances in your home or business are safe to use. If you are a landlord, PAT testing is important to ensure that the appliances in your properties are safe for your tenants’ daily use.

In addition to electrical safety certificates (EICRs), PAT testing requirements are in place to improve electric and fire safety standards in the UK’s private sector. They are especially important in businesses or spaces where electrical appliances are consistently used.

How can I have my appliances tested?

You will need a certified tester (usually an engineer or a technician) to carry out the PAT on your appliances. 

During a PAT Test, the tester will come to the property to conduct some of the following procedures:

• A Visual Inspection: The tester will check if there are any obvious problems or damage before conducting any further inspection.

• Insulation Resistance test: The tester will ensure that a device’s insulation (typically protecting the instrument’s “live” parts) has a sufficiently high resistance level.

• An Earth Test: Necessary for more dangerous appliances, which may have exposed electrical parts or are used frequently, this test checks whether the applianced is properly earthed, thereby reducing the chance of electrical shock.

• A Touch Leakage Test: Depending on the device, this may be done instead of an insulation resistance test.

When everything has been tested, the engineer or technician will send you a report of what items have passed the tests, and if there are any that have failed the test and will need either repairs or replacement. 

After the testing, you will also get stickers to place on the items that provide important information, including the appliance number and the name of the inspector. These stickers, which carry an appliance number and the tester’s name, can also help determine when the items will be tested again.

Some devices need testing more often than others. Because of this, it’s a good idea to speak with the technician before they run any tests to see what should be checked most often,and which devices are not an urgent matter.

How much does it Cost?

The PAT Testing cost depends on the setting (residential, commercial, etc.) and the number of items that need testing. Each individual item may not cost much to test– in general, you can expect to pay about £1-2 per item. Getting items tested in bulk, moreover, may be even less expensive. Still, the professional likely will still charge either a base rate (typically at least £50) or an hourly rate to reflect their expertise and training necessary for the job.

To get the most accurate PAT Test cost beforehand, it is worth calling a professional beforehand for a quote. Keep in mind that the PAT Testing cost may also vary depending on where you live within the UK.

Call a certified professional today!

The electrical safety of you, your tenants, or your employees are of the utmost importance. Being proactive about PAT testing, therefore, is a critical part of ensuring spaces are safe for day-to-day wear and tear. 
New to the area, and unsure where to look for a professional who can conduct the PAT testing for you? Check out myconstructor.co.uk., which has experienced professionals in your area who will be happy to take on the job at a reasonable rate.