Cost Breakdown
| Item | Min | Max | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small office or rental property (up to 20 appliances) | £50 | £80 | Many PAT testers have a minimum call-out charge of £50-£80 regardless of appliance count |
| Medium office or shop (20-50 appliances) | £80 | £130 | Typically charged at £1.50-£2.50 per appliance once above the minimum threshold |
| Large office or warehouse (50-150 appliances) | £120 | £250 | Volume discounts often apply; expect £1-£2 per appliance for larger quantities |
| Construction site tools and equipment | £80 | £200 | 110V and 240V equipment; construction site PAT testing is typically required quarterly or before each use on some sites |
| HMO or serviced accommodation (landlord-provided appliances) | £50 | £100 | Covers appliances the landlord provides — kettles, microwaves, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, etc. |
| Re-test after repair or failure | £5 | £15 | Per appliance for re-testing items that initially failed and have been repaired or replaced |
What's Included
- Visual inspection of each appliance checking for damage to plugs, cables, and casings
- Earth continuity testing for Class I (earthed) appliances to confirm the earth connection is intact
- Insulation resistance testing to verify that the insulation between live conductors and accessible metal parts is adequate
- Functional check to confirm the appliance operates correctly after testing
- Pass or fail label attached to each appliance showing the test date, next test due date, and tester's identification
- A formal register or certificate listing every appliance tested, its unique identifier, test results, and pass/fail status
Factors Affecting Cost
- Number of appliances — this is the single biggest factor; more appliances means a lower per-item cost but higher total bill
- Type of appliances — simple Class II appliances (double insulated, like phone chargers) are quicker to test than Class I earthed appliances (like kettles and desktop computers with metal casings) which require earth continuity testing
- Location and travel time — electricians and PAT testing companies factor travel costs into their pricing, especially for rural locations
- Frequency of testing — annual contracts or regular bookings often attract lower per-appliance rates than one-off visits
- Whether testing includes labelling — most PAT testers include pass/fail labels as standard, but some charge extra for asset register documentation and formal certificates
- Accessibility of appliances — if equipment is difficult to reach (behind desks, mounted on walls, in server rooms), testing takes longer per item
How Long Does It Take?
A competent PAT tester can inspect and test approximately 20-30 appliances per hour for straightforward items like kettles, monitors, and phone chargers. More complex equipment (such as 3-phase machinery, extension leads with multiple sockets, or IT equipment requiring careful handling) takes longer. For a typical small office with 30-40 appliances, allow 1.5-2 hours. A large office with 150+ appliances may take a full day. The testing itself causes minimal disruption — each appliance is unplugged for 1-2 minutes while it is tested. The tester will typically work through the building room by room.
Do I Need This?
There is no single law that specifically requires PAT testing by name. However, several pieces of legislation create a practical obligation for most businesses and landlords. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that all electrical equipment used in the workplace is maintained to prevent danger. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places a general duty on employers to ensure the safety of their employees and visitors. The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords to maintain the property in a safe condition. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) require that work equipment is maintained in a safe condition. PAT testing is the standard, accepted method of demonstrating compliance with these obligations. While not explicitly mandated by law, it is expected by insurers, required by most commercial leases, and is considered best practice by the HSE. For landlords providing appliances with furnished lets, PAT testing is strongly recommended to demonstrate duty of care.
How to Save Money
Bundle PAT testing with your annual EICR or other electrical maintenance to save on separate call-out fees
Set up an annual contract with a PAT testing company for regular visits — contract rates are typically 20-30% lower than one-off bookings
Prepare for the visit by making appliances accessible and providing a list of items to be tested — time wasted searching for or accessing equipment increases the bill
Remove old, damaged, or unused appliances before the tester arrives. There is no point paying to test equipment you plan to dispose of — and items that are visually damaged will fail anyway
For very small numbers of appliances (under 10), consider investing in a basic PAT tester (from £60-£200) and training a member of staff to carry out in-house testing. This is a cost-effective option for businesses that need frequent testing
Negotiate volume discounts for large numbers of appliances — most testers will reduce their per-item rate for 100+ items
Average Cost Summary
£50–£300
Typical price range for pat testing cost in the UK. Prices may vary based on your location, property type, and specific requirements.
