How much does PAT testing cost? [March 2025]

How much does PAT testing cost?
 

If you're a landlord, electricians typically charge an hourly rate, and can test around 10-15 items within that time.

Rates differ in commercial settings, such as offices and schools, due to the large number of appliances that need testing. Electricians will typically charge per item, with the cost per appliance decreasing as the quantity increases. Keep in mind that there is usually a minimum call-out fee to cover the electricians time and travel. 

Here is breakdown of how you much you can expect to pay for PAT testing as a landlord in London and outside of London. 

What other factors affect the cost of PAT testing?

Several factors can influence the final cost of PAT testing your appliances, including your location, the type of appliance, and any additional work required after the testing process.
 

1. Where you live
 

The cost of hiring an electrician to conduct a PAT test can vary significantly depending on your location. Typically, rates will be higher in the south of England, with rates in London topping out at around 20% higher than other regions. 
 

2. Type of appliance that needs testing 
 

The type of appliance being tested can influence the overall cost of the PAT test. Larger items, such as fridges or washing machines, are more complex and require more time to inspect, whereas smaller items, like extension cords, are quicker and simpler to test.

3. Additional work 

It's important to bear in mind that if an appliance fails its PAT test, you'll need to repair or replace the item. Depending on the type of appliance, this can cost a few hundred pounds. Once the appliance is repaired, it must undergo PAT testing again to ensure it is safe to use.

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What’s involved in a PAT test?
 

PAT testing generally involves two both visual and manual examination. Your electrician will first check for any physical signs of damage, like cracking, burn marks, fraying of wires, and corrosion. 

A manual test will then be carried out using a PAT machine. This should only be conducted by a 'competent’ person. This just means a qualified electrician, who usually belongs to trusted trade bodies such as the NICEIC or the Electrical Competent Person Scheme. The results of this test are a simple pass or fail, which will then be labelled onto the applicance. You should then recieve a PAT testing certificate which can be used as proof of complicance with regulations. 
 

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What items need to be PAT tested?

Typically, appliances that are connected to a mains source should be PAT tested. This includes computers, microwaves, extension cords, heaters and monitors etc. The term PAT can be a little misleading though, as even large appliances that aren’t so portable, such as fridges and washing machines should be tested too, along with integrated appliances.  

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Is PAT testing a legal requirement?
 

PAT testing of electrical items and equipment is not a legal requirement. [1] However, landlords and employers have a legal duty to ensure that the electrical appliances they provide in the home or workplace are safe to use. PAT testing is the most effective method for identifying faults and hazards, helping to meet safety regulations, such as the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which must be complied with by law. 

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How often should electrical items be PAT tested?
 

There are no strict guidelines for how frequent testing should be carried out. However, it's essentially dependent on the type of appliance, how often it’s used and the environment the appliance is used in. 

As a general rule, smaller, non-stationary appliances that are used frequently, should undergo testing more often than those that aren't.[2] It's reccomended that Landlords should arrange for yearly PAT testing and whenever the tenancy changes. This can vary within other environments depending on risk, such as offices, schools or construction sites.

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Do new electrical items need to be PAT tested? 
 

Brand new electrical appliances shouldn't need to be PAT tested, as long they're from a reputable retailer. Of course, if you notice any visible signs of damage or want extra peace of mind, you can still choose to have a PAT test performed.
 

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Where can I find a qualified electrician for PAT testing?
 

If you’re looking for an electrician to carry out PAT testing, you can start by checking out neighbourhood pages on social media for local recommendations. If your friends and family have had any work done recently, you could also ask them for a trusted recommendation. 

Any electrician you hire must be ‘qualified and competent’.  This essentially means that they’re part of a trusted trade body such as the NICEIC or the Electrical Competent Person Scheme. So, if you’re using a recommendation, make sure to check their credentials before going ahead with any work. Many trade bodies ususally have their own directories to help you find a trusted and certified electrician, so it's worth checking these out too. 

An easy way to find a qualified electrician is to book through a professional tradeperson service, such as Housekeep. Simply let us know how many appliances need testing, and we'll give you an instant quote. We'll then arrange for a fully qualified electrician to come at a time that suits you.

 Sources

1. PAT: Is PAT testing a legal requirement?
2. PAT: PAT testing frequency