Home The Demise of PAT What Is Involved In Testing

Cost of Electrical Equipment Testing

One would expect a flat fee like most industries for this service, however electrical equipment testing can be very variable. The average cost of electrical equipment testing is around £150 and may take approximately 4 - 6 hours to complete.

Electrical Equipment Testing (EET) formerly known as Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is a term that is used to describe the process of inspecting 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. The term PAT is likely to be with us for many years as it is synonymous with testing electric products.

There are various price structures.

Perhaps the most common method is a flat rate initial fee of £45 to include the first ten products, followed by a small price for each additional item.The average cost for individual EET is usually around £1-£3 per item, however, discounts are available if you have a large number of products to be tested.
A fixed fee for the job with no hidden fees (contact us for an estimate).
An hourly rate between £35 - £50.
A daily rate of around £220 per day.

We don't charge for repairs such as the replacement or intermediate re-wiring of BS1363 plugs, fuses changes or Microwave Emission tests.

Rental Properties - holiday lets, caravans, Air BnB's

A fixed rate is applicable to rental properties dependant on the location, access and number of electrical items to be tested.

Houses / Apartments with up to 20 items £50 to be tested.

Caravans with up to 20 items £35 to be tested.

Commando Type Plugs

Inspection and testing of 110v or 230v commando plugs £2.50 per item

Inspection and testing of 16 & 32 Amp commando plugs £5.00 per item

Supply and fit replacement commando plugs £10.00

The work is such that where possible we aim to try and schedule work so that the products are available at a time when the items are not in use. In the case of a small business such as a salon it would be inconvenient for the engineer to try and test products that are expected to be in use. If the engineer can access a building before or after normal business hours it would prove easier despite what could be odd hours of the day.

The exact time that it takes to test each item will vary, small appliances such as a table lamp or a hair dryer can be tested within around five minutes. However a computer will likely take longer to test because the computer must be tested normally but then each IEC lead must be tested separately with most computers having one for the tower, monitor and the printer which is tested like the computer with its IEC lead tested separately.

These prices are not exclusive Contact us for an estimate

Special consideration given to registered charities

What's Involved in EET

There are several steps involved in electrical equipment testing, it will begin with a formal visual test which includes the following:

Check the plug casing itself for any visual damage.
Remove the cover from the plug.
Check for the correct fuse rating.
Check that all the wiring is correct and that there is no excess of wire at each terminal post.
Check that all of the terminals and connections are fully secure.
Check for any signs of overheating or discoloration.
Check for any misuse, including any liquid or foreign matter within.
Check the cable is securely held within the plug via the cord grips.

Once the visual test is complete and everything is satisfactory, a full electrical combined test will be completed which covers:

Complete earth continuity test.
Complete insulation resistance test.
Complete a functional check including earth leakage and load testing.

Once the appliance has been thoroughly checked over and if everything is satisfactory, a pass sticker will be affixed. The engineer will return to the office to compile a dedicated report detailing each product tested, a certificate will also be provided for the testing authenticating the results of the test. Minor repairs will be fixed at the time of testing so that it is safe to use and can be passed. If there are significant faults or damage, the unit will be classed as a fail and the relevant sticker will be applied to the product and the duty holder informed that the unit should be withdrawn from service immediately. if the unit is repaired it will have to undergo the testing process once again.

Although electrical equipment testing is not a legal requirement, there are benefits to having a scheduled testing. Unlike major electrical jobs you are not hindered by building regulations or electrical codes. when it comes to electrical equipment testing. However, you should be aware of The Electricity of Work Regulations and Health and Safety Act.

There are basic kits available for people who are just starting out as an electrical equipment tester with courses readily available online. the onus is on the tester being a competent person that is capable of carrying out the test and inspections, someone who has adequate knowledge and experience with electrical work. They must also know how to carry out the different aspects of the test and be able to understand the equipment, the testing process and be able to interpret the results. Above all it is essential to bear in mind that whoever is doing the testing is deeming the equipment safe for other people to use.

The types of products that require electrical equipment testing vary, they are usually defined as an appliance that is less than 18kg in weight and is any item that connects to the mains power supply via a plug and cable. Products for EET are defined in different classes such as below:

Class 1

This class relates to any earthed item, as these have greater potential for injury. This class of products should be the highest priority when it comes to EET, examples of products that fall under the class 1 category include electric heaters, microwaves, fridges, and toasters. Class I electrical products can be identified on the item rating plate using the symbol to the right.

Class 2

This class includes all appliances that are doubly insulated but still need to be tested for insulation resistance. Some examples of class 2 items include televisions, hairdryers, computers, power tools. Class II electrical products can be identified on the item rating plate using this symbol to the right.

Class 3

This class presents as the safest low voltage products such as charging leads for laptops and mobile phones. The laptops and mobile phones themselves don't need EET as they are low voltage and have their own isolating transformers.

Benefits of electrical equipment testing

There are a number of benefits to electrical equipment testing, especially within a business or industry setting.

Health and Safety within the workplace is the responsibility of the employer, and it is essential that all electrical equipment is safe for use. EET the electrical items in the workplace ensure that they are safe for use. When checks are made by a qualified electrical equipment 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 means that you can identify potential problems early before they result in a long-term or permanent fault. Electrical equipment testing should be an important part of regular maintenance.