A selection of electrical appliances you may find in an office such as computer, laptop, TV, printer that will need PAT Testing

Is your Electrical Equipment Safe?

You are legally required to ensure all electrical equipment at work is safe to use – regular PAT Testing ensures that.

We specialise in helping our clients maintain safe electrical equipment through high quality PAT Testing services. By working with us you will get everything you need to meet your Electrical Safety Obligations and comply with workplace regulations.

Chas accredited contractor logo
Google Rating
5.0
Based on 315 reviews
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Portable Appliance Testing Trade Association Logo

What our clients say about us…

Would recommend this company, fast efficient service and they kept us updated from initial enquiry through to completion of testing.
Great work. Needed things done for a deadline and managed to fit me in and work around me.Easy to talk to. Open to my million questions.Would highly recommend!
Arbor Division
Arbor Division
1700669869
Excellent, efficient service. Engineer (Richard) arrived on time meaning the tests were completed with no disruption to our day. No hesitation in recommending DRA, very happy with the service 😊
Peter Robson
Peter Robson
1700559776
Easy to book the testing. Kyle arrived at the appointed time at my property in Sunderland and carried out the testing very methodically. Report and certification supplied quickly. Very happy with the service, communications and pricing. Highly recommended.
Michael Wharton
Michael Wharton
1700048461
Excellent speedy service at a competitive price. Engineer turned up at appointed time, huge bonus from this firm. Will definitely use again.
David Hill
David Hill
1699878984
Came when they said they would; did testing and repairs professionally; very obliging and helpful; good value too
Nile Warde
Nile Warde
1698409644
Great work done very efficiently.
Lynda Cooper
Lynda Cooper
1697886884
DRA PAT Testing have carried out our annual testing for a few years and we always find them very professional and friendly. Their communication is excellent and always on time and issuing the report very quickly. They always send a reminder each year near the renewal time which is very useful. We Would continue using them and recommend.1
Louise Appleby
Louise Appleby
1697745222
We've used this company for years, they're friendly, really reliable and a competitive price. Definitely recommend them.
Michelle Lee
Michelle Lee
1697446868
First time using DRA PAT testing but can highly recommend, the service was excellent and the guys arrived in the office and efficiently carried out all the testing with minimal disruption, will definitely use again
DRA was recommended to us and from the initial arranging the PAT Testing to the PAT Testing being carry out was straight forward. Jane carried out the testing, she was polite, answered any questions and just got on with the job without any interruptions you wouldn’t even know she was there. Would highly recommend.
Tina Ashcroft
Tina Ashcroft
1695390630
PAT testing of electrical items for uni student. Great service, prompt, efficient and friendly, made time for a small job. Would recommend 100%
Mark Faetz
Mark Faetz
1695164711
First time using DRA and won’t be the last! The whole process was made so simple and any necessary repairs carried out there and then. Jane carried out our testing and she’s a credit to her team she just got on with it without any interruptions you wouldn’t even know she was there. Would highly recommend
Molly Hogg
Molly Hogg
1694421549
Very quick and reliable. Came out to PAT test my home office equipment. Many thanks.
Jane and Richard provided PAT testing. They were friendly, professional and helpful. I’ll be using them again.
Andrew Cumiskey
Andrew Cumiskey
1692346675
Excellent service, professional, on time and easy to book.
Alison Donkin
Alison Donkin
1692282208
Kyle arrived on time and was friendly, helpful and efficient. We had 42 items that required testing. The process of arranging the inspection was easy and everone in the team whom we dealt with were courteous and efficient, fitting in to our schedule. Would recommend
Terry Garnish
Terry Garnish
1691428149
Very friendly & on time good prices I highly recommend….
This is the third year that DRA Pat Testing have checked my appliances and it was great to meet Jane this time who was friendly, efficient and punctual. I really appreciate the timely reminder to book the next appointment. Thanks, see you next year!
Newcastle Stand
Newcastle Stand
1690289098
DRA PAT Testing have been carrying out our pat testing the last couple of years and we couldn't be happier with their services! Friendly while professional, great communication, worked around our schedule, report issued promptly. Their reminders have been very useful too! Would definitely recommend.
Alan Scott
Alan Scott
1690182744
Top service as always. I wouldn't use anyone else. The guys are happy to work around out times so the class isn't disturbed. See you next year!
Keith Jewitt
Keith Jewitt
1690026183
Received a great service from DRA, professional & happy to work around our business needs. Would definitely recommend & use again.
Absolutely fantastic service; very prompt, and a lovely team of engineers. Will definitely make this our yearly go-to company for PAT testing. Cheers team!
Pat Barraclough
Pat Barraclough
1689870553
Visited by the Lads to do our PAT Testing, very relaxed, chatty and knowledgeable. Good Job by DRA , very happy with the service 😃
Jane came out and did our Pat Testing, she was friendly and very professional. Report was issued promptly.She also worked around our workload which was greatly appreciated.Great service - thanks again!
Nicola Bath
Nicola Bath
1689792597
Great service by DRA Pat Testing, super professional response to my enquiry and Jane did a fab job for us testing our equipment and getting us fully compliant again. Will use again and would recommend.
David Byrne
David Byrne
1688736481
Very punctual and also very efficient. Jane was keen to be sure she had seen everything that needed testing and was in every way professional. Well done! We will certainly use your company again.
Excellent communication, DRA were flexible enough to fit in with our business operating hours and what rooms were available when. Thorough and efficient testing, our certificate arrived promptly. Highly recommended.
We've used DRA PAT Testing twice now, they are great with their communication, and always very thorough and efficient when they come in to test. Would recommend to anyone who needs PAT testing done!
Phil Taylor
Phil Taylor
1686600447
Great service. Friendly and competent engineer.
Liz Pattinson
Liz Pattinson
1686309726
I have just had my annual PAT testing completed by Jean from DRA Pat Testing and once again have received great service. If you are looking for a professional and reliable PAT testing company, I would strongly recommend them to you.
Ruth Humpherson
Ruth Humpherson
1686130506
Always use DRA for our annual PAT testing, super professional, great communication and lovely staff. highly recommend
David Thompson
David Thompson
1685984997
Brilliant service, efficient and polite.Excellent value for money.
Derek B
Derek B
1685800090
DRA came recommended and I know why - they were excellent at all stages, from initial contact right through to job completion. Top class professional team - will certainlty be returning 🙂
louisa fakili
louisa fakili
1685692531
A great company would not go anywhere else. When I needed my inspection done quickly they moved my appointment up 2 weeks earlier nothing was a problem. Would definitely recommend.
This is the second time we have used DRA PAT testing. Jane was excellent and efficient and the service we received was first class.
Keith Middleton
Keith Middleton
1685130246
Prompt, exceptional service, good value for money. Test certificate delivered the same day. Second year I've used them, a big help when they come to you. Nothings a bother.
Jane Potts was brill.She was friendly, professional, knowledgeable, helpful etc etc.The job was done carefully, thoroughly and precisely.What more is there to say.Well done DRA
Nic Devine
Nic Devine
1684920947
Lovely staff member Jane, very professional and timely and minimum disruption whilst completing PAT testing at Skills North East. Great company
richard dell
richard dell
1684867618
Fifth year we have used DRA PAT Testing and very happy with the service provided at a competitive price. Everything went smoothly. Will keep with this trusted service.
Elliott Hails
Elliott Hails
1684852199
We had Jane from DRA Electricals attend our office at Mitchells Chartered Accountants to carry out our annual PAT testing.Jane was very thorough and tidy with her work and polite at all times.Would recommend DRA for their PAT testing.
ANNE STOTT
ANNE STOTT
1684509758
Great company, reliable and thorough in their checks. Value for money.
Neo Wellness
Neo Wellness
1683825074
I used the PAT test service for all equipments i do for my customers and Jane did it very professional and good manner.I got receipt and all report afterward. Recommend !!!!Mandal Wellness Spa
barrie webster
barrie webster
1683632481
Used DRA now for several years carrying out PAT testing. Always polite, professional service, and above all reliable - helps a lot when you're dealing with tenant access. In short you don't need to go anywhere else.
DRA have been doing our PAT testing for a few years now and we have always received a professional and affordable service and Jane was no exception. She was friendly, helpful and professional (even with my million questions as I like to find out the hows and whys of everything!). I'd recommend DRA to anyone. Thank you again 🙂
Paul Matthewson
Paul Matthewson
1683283538
Rob the testing engineer arrived on time. Communicated well to start the testing immediately after a small walk around. He Worked well with all concerned to get all the items tested within the day and was willing to stay till completed. Test Report was received the same day for all items and they will be booked in to retest in 12 months.Now the payment for the PAT Testing has been processed, Dra advised receipt of payment and that they will contact me in advance of the retesting requirement and offered other electrical work doing such as fixed appliance testing, or your EICR.I requested retesting were a 3 monthly site requirement was in place and this was arranged and completed efficiently. Report was sent in and invoice was then received. Great service. Keep up the good work and i look forward to DRA getting in touch for the retesting in 3 months as i have already arranged the 12 monthly retesting of office / shop floor equipment.
Alex O'Niell
Alex O'Niell
1683214733
Second time we have used them and both times have been great. Brilliant communication from Chelsea and professional and friendly service from Kyle. Will continue to use in the future. Highly recommend!
Yehuda Abenson
Yehuda Abenson
1682257208
Great Service. Highly Recommend
Julie Standing
Julie Standing
1679927606
We used DRA PAT testing again last week for our yearly PAT testing. I was very happy with the communication from Chelsea & tester Kyle arrived at the agreed time to carry out the testing which was followed quickly by the report. I would certainly recommend them to anyone in need of PAT testing.
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PAT Testing in Newcastle Upon Tyne and across the North East

DRA PAT Testing Newcastle logo with red triangle and yellow lightning strike

We specialise in the Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment

Proudly supporting North East businesses from our Newcastle upon Tyne office; we help our clients maintain safe electrical equipment through preventative maintenance and inspection and testing (PAT tests).

We are the North East’s biggest independent Portable Appliance Testing company with a team of 6, with over 30 years combined experience and we’ve been trading since 2009. Owner Richard Ayre (above in the middle) is also co-founder of the national standards raiser, the Portable Appliance Testing Trade Association. We are also fully accredited by the Contractors Health and Safety Scheme (CHAS).

We provide simple solutions, high standards and affordable prices for inspection and testing of electrical equipment, and mains wiring electrical testing (EICR).

Our engineers are fully qualified, competent in electrical safety and hold enhanced DBS. Our clients include Durham Police, the National Trust, Nexus, Subway and the NHS.

If you need to arrange your appliance testing now you can book an appointment at a fixed price, get a personal PAT testing quote or contact us to discuss your situation.

DRA PAT Testing team line up

How we help businesses like yours in the North East

Imagine the worst scenario – one of your workers gets electrocuted or there’s a fire in your premises, and the insurance or health and safety investigator says an electrical appliance was faulty; they’re going want to know that you did everything you could to make sure it was safe.

If you can show them a PAT Testing Certificate – that’s going to help; but if that certificate doesn’t provide all the test results and the electrical readings obtained at the time of test, then it’s not worth the paper it’s written on. The investigator wants to see real proof that your appliance was safe – an electrical test result within the appropriate parameters is what you need – if your records don’t show that, then you’re in trouble. They also want to see a log of maintenance – has the appliance been repaired, is it being used appropriately and so on. Many PAT testing companies do not provide you with the information you need to protect yourself.

Our PAT Testing Certificate Report is compliant – every client gets the same report format, whether you have one item or ten thousand – you get a PDF pack that includes a fully itemised Report of every appliance tested, its location in your building, what tests were carried out and the results obtained; you get notice of any repairs carried out, and parts replaced; you get a record of any appliances that failed the inspection including why they failed and what you need to do next.

You also get the benefit of our experienced, qualified engineers (did you know that many PAT Testers are not even qualified) who will guide you to ensure you maintain safety, that equipment is being used in the correct environment and in the correct manner and who will help you to maintain long term safety. Once an engineer is assigned to the job, they will be the engineer you deal with for subsequent inspections too, because we feel knowledge is key to maintaining safe equipment.

We work with over 1500 North East businesses and organisations and we want to work with you too. It is our aim to help other local businesses to understand what you need to do to comply with the Electricity at Work Act. We like to keep things simple, with minimal fuss.

We provide comprehensive reports on the safety of your electrical equipment; as required to comply with your legal obligations.

Outsourcing PAT testing allows you to focus on your core business activities while ensuring compliance with electrical safety regulations.

Seaward Apollo 600 PAT tester, PAT test labels, St James Park in background - home of Newcastle United

Why do you need electrical equipment PAT Testing?

PAT Testing Helps you to Protect your Business

UK Health and Safety regulations require electrical appliances to be safe, and maintained to prevent harm to workers and other users. Manufacturers of equipment recommend their appliances are tested at regular intervals to ensure they continue to be safe.

How often an appliance should be tested is proportionate to the risk factors of it’s use; there are many variations taking into account appliance type, use, environment, etc.

Insurance providers prefer a business to get their electrical equipment tested every year, to minimise the risk of defects occurring, accidents happening and to prevent fire.

Experience has shown that 12 months is the maximum period you should consider, as we will often come across appliances that have deteriorated since we last checked them, although some appliances that never move may be ok to test less often – we work with our clients to manage this, so you’re not getting unnecessary testing carried out.

PAT is the abbreviation for Portable Appliance Testing, which is a process of inspection and testing carried out on electrical appliances fitted with a plug, that connects to the mains via a socket, from extra low voltage up to 400 volts.

Portable Appliance Testing is part of Electrical Equipment Testing, which includes appliances that have had the plug removed and been hard wired (fixed) to the mains via a fused spur unit. We can also do the Fixed Appliance Testing for you.

By getting your electrical equipment PAT tested by us you will be doing the right thing to ensure you comply with the regulations; we will check each appliance to make sure it is safe, carry out repairs if needed, recommend a suitable retest period and provide you with a PAT Testing Certificate Report.

Portable Appliance Testing

Portable appliances are portable from the mains by unplugging a plug from the socket. As the appliance has a plug it’ll also have flexible cable – if you can remove the plug from the socket with your hand, disconnecting it from the power – it’s portable.

These appliances fall under the remit of Portable Appliance Testing, or PAT testing as it is shortened too. These appliances need inspecting and testing on a regular basis, usually every year, as they are prone to damage and defect due to the nature of their use. It doesn’t matter what plug it has, and it doesn’t matter if you can move it by hand or not.

More information on Portable Appliance Testing.

Fixed Appliance Testing

Some portable appliances have been hard wired, this means their plug has been removed and the flexible cable wired directly into the mains, usually via fused spur unit on the socket circuit.

The appliance will often be secured to the wall or building. In this case, these fixed appliances will need testing but less often than a portable appliance, as the risk is lower as there is no risk of wires becoming dislodged in the plug. This applies to free standing cookers, water boilers and some integrated white goods. Some more movable appliances such as hair driers in hotels will still need annual checks.

More information on Fixed Appliance Testing.

The Benefits of Regular PAT tests

Regular PAT testing offers numerous benefits to businesses, employees, and customers. Here are some key advantages of implementing a comprehensive PAT testing program:

**Safety Assurance**

The primary benefit of PAT testing is ensuring the safety of employees and customers. By identifying potential electrical faults or defects, businesses can take corrective actions and eliminate risks before they cause accidents or injuries.

**Legal Compliance**

PAT testing helps businesses meet their legal obligations regarding health and safety regulations. By conducting regular testing, businesses can demonstrate compliance and avoid potential fines, legal actions, or negative publicity resulting from accidents caused by faulty electrical equipment.

**Risk Reduction**

Regular PAT tests help identify potential hazards, reducing the risk of electrical accidents, fires, or damage to property. By identifying and resolving issues before they escalate, businesses can prevent costly repairs, downtime, or disruptions to their operations.

**Enhanced Reputation**

Prioritizing electrical safety and implementing a comprehensive PAT test program can enhance a business’s reputation. Customers and clients are more likely to trust and engage with businesses that demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.

**Increased Efficiency**

Regular PAT tests ensure that electrical equipment operates correctly and efficiently. Identifying and resolving issues promptly can improve the lifespan and performance of appliances, reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements.

**Insurance Coverage**

Some insurance policies require businesses to conduct regular PAT tests as a condition of coverage. By adhering to these requirements, businesses can ensure that they are eligible for insurance claims in the event of an accident or damage caused by faulty electrical equipment.

It is important to note that the benefits of PAT testing can vary depending on the nature of the business, the industry, and the specific requirements. Businesses should assess their unique situation and consult with professionals to tailor a PAT test program that suits their needs.

image to show office electrical equipment that may need portable appliance testing (PAT testing)

The inspection process must be thorough to find faults, and all appliances that present a risk through exposed conductive metal parts need testing to make sure they are safe to continue using. Both portable (with plugs) and fixed electrical equipment will be tested.

We provide a fully inclusive repair service where the plug or flexible cable will be repaired to ensure it passes the test; replacement ’13a’ plugs and fuses are supplied free of charge. Engineers are trained to identify and be able to remedy faults.

Our engineers provide on site advice and guidance to help you maintain safe electrical systems in your workplace, and we send every client a fully itemised PAT Testing Certificate Report which includes electrical readings to ensure your compliance.

What is PAT Testing?

PAT testing is an essential process that helps to ensure the safety of electrical appliances. It involves a series of checks and tests to determine whether electrical equipment is safe to use. This includes visual inspections, earth continuity tests, insulation resistance tests, and more. The importance of PAT testing cannot be overstated, as it helps to identify potential faults or defects that could lead to electrical shock, fires, or other accidents. Regular PAT testing is crucial to maintaining the safety of electrical equipment and preventing potential hazards. It not only protects individuals from harm but also safeguards properties and reduces the risk of legal liability.

We’re Health and Safety accredited:

Contractors Health and Safety Scheme Logo

Regular PAT Tests help you comply with:

✅ The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

✅ The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

✅ Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1989

✅ Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

We cover Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, Co. Durham, North Yorkshire and other UK areas for our clients.