Is PAT testing a legal requirement?

No. UK law requires electrical equipment to be maintained so it does not cause danger, but HSE says the law does not require portable appliance testing by name. Testing can form part of a risk-based maintenance system when it is appropriate for the equipment and environment.

How often should PAT testing be done?

There is no fixed legal frequency. HSE says the interval should be set from risk, considering the equipment type, how often it is used, its environment, and previous inspection or test results; the person responsible should review that interval when the evidence changes.

Who can carry out PAT testing?

There is no legal requirement for PAT testers to hold a specific qualification, but they must be competent. In practice, this means they should have completed a recognised PAT testing course (such as the City & Guilds 2377) and understand how to use the test equipment correctly. Many electricians offer PAT testing as an additional service, and there are specialist PAT testing companies. For in-house testing of low-risk equipment, a trained member of staff can carry out basic visual inspections and tests.

What is the difference between PAT testing and an EICR?

PAT testing checks portable and moveable electrical appliances — items that plug into sockets, such as kettles, computers, extension leads, and power tools. An EICR checks the fixed electrical installation — the permanent wiring, consumer unit, sockets, switches, and distribution boards. They are completely separate assessments serving different purposes. A business or landlord may need both, depending on what equipment is present.

What happens if an appliance fails a PAT test?

If an appliance fails, it is labelled as a fail and must be taken out of service immediately. It should not be used until it has been repaired by a competent person and re-tested successfully. Common failure reasons include damaged cables, loose earth connections, broken plugs, and cracked casings. For low-value items, it is often more cost-effective to replace than repair. Failed items should be clearly labelled and either repaired, disposed of, or quarantined to prevent accidental use.

Do I need PAT testing for a rental property?

There is no universal UK rule requiring a residential landlord to arrange PAT testing at a fixed interval. Landlords must keep supplied electrical equipment safe, so the inspection and testing approach should reflect the appliance, its condition, use, and the applicable rules in the nation where the property is located.

Can I PAT test my own appliances as a business owner?

Yes, provided you are competent to do so. Visual checks and electrical testing require different knowledge and equipment; anyone carrying out the testing must understand the equipment, the test method, and how to interpret and record results.

PAT Testing Cost

£40–£60

minimum visit fee

Updated 30 August 2026

Checkatrade's June 2026 guide reports PAT testing at £1-£1.25 per item, with a typical minimum visit fee of £40-£60. The final total depends mainly on appliance count and the testing environment.

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How much does each option cost?

Type / scope	Typical cost	Notes
Minimum visit feeTypical call-out or minimum site fee reported by Checkatrade	£40–£60	Typical call-out or minimum site fee reported by Checkatrade
1-50 itemsAverage UK cost per item reported by Checkatrade	£1.25–£1.25	Average UK cost per item reported by Checkatrade
51-100 itemsAverage UK cost per item reported by Checkatrade	£1–£1	Average UK cost per item reported by Checkatrade
Hourly rate where usedPublished UK hourly benchmark; a minimum fee may still apply	£40–£60	Published UK hourly benchmark; a minimum fee may still apply
Out-of-hours hourly ratePublished UK out-of-hours benchmark	£80–£100	Published UK out-of-hours benchmark

What would yours cost?

Those are the usual ranges. Tell us what's wrong and we'll tell you the price for your home.

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What affects the price?

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

What's included in the price?

Visual inspection of each appliance checking for damage to plugs, cables, and casings
Electrical tests appropriate to the equipment class and manufacturer guidance, which may include earth continuity, insulation resistance, or leakage-current testing
A functional check where it is appropriate and safe for the equipment
Pass or fail labelling where included in the quote; HSE guidance says labels should show the test date rather than a fixed next-test date
An asset register, detailed results, or a certificate only where the quote includes that documentation

How long does it take?

The duration depends on the number and type of appliances, access to them, the testing environment, and the records required. Ask the tester to state the planned item count and likely disruption in the quote.

Do I need one?

UK law requires electrical equipment to be maintained so it does not cause danger, but it does not require portable appliance testing by name or set a universal testing interval. HSE guidance says the maintenance approach should be proportionate to the equipment, how it is used, and the environment; in a low-risk setting, user checks and visual inspection may be enough for many items. Record the risk-based maintenance approach your organisation chooses.

How do you avoid overpaying?

Bundle PAT testing with your annual EICR or other electrical maintenance to save on separate visit fees
Ask whether a regular contract changes the visit fee or per-item rate
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 small inventories, compare the minimum visit fee with the cost and responsibility of training a competent member of staff
Ask for the per-item rate at each volume band before booking