Can I PAT test my own equipment?

Yes, you can PAT test your own equipment; if you are a competent person with the relevant training, knowledge, equipment and time.

It is essential that you or someone in your business is competent in electrical safety if you/they are going to carry out PAT testing.

A competent person should:

  • have good knowledge of electricity
  • have experience of electrical work
  • know how to carry out a visual inspection
  • know how to carry out a portable appliance test
  • understand the potential hazards of electricity & precautions to take when carrying out a PAT test
  • be able to assess whether it is safe to do a PAT test
  • If you decide to do your own PAT testing we would strongly recommend taking a PAT testing course as it’s important to perform the PAT tests correctly.

Providing you meet all these competencies there is no real reason why you shouldn’t do your own PAT testing, however, bare in mind that you need paperwork to confirm your equipment is safe – a specialist PAT Testing company will be able to provide you with a PAT Certificate.

DIY vs professional PAT testing

One question that often arises when considering PAT testing is whether to conduct it internally or hire a professional PAT testing company. While some visual inspections and basic tests can be carried out by staff, electrical tests and functional checks should always be conducted by qualified technicians. Here are some factors to consider when deciding between DIY and professional PAT testing:

1. **Expertise and knowledge:** Professional PAT testing companies have the necessary expertise, knowledge, and equipment to conduct thorough and accurate tests. They are familiar with the specific regulations and guidelines applicable to different industries and can provide reliable results. DIY testing may lack the necessary expertise and can lead to inaccurate or incomplete assessments.

2. **Time and resources:** PAT testing can be time-consuming, especially for businesses with a large number of appliances. Professional PAT testing companies can efficiently handle the testing process, freeing up valuable time and resources for businesses. DIY testing may require significant time and resources, particularly if staff members need to be trained or if specialized equipment needs to be acquired.

3. **Liability and accountability:** Hiring a professional PAT testing company can provide businesses with a level of liability protection and accountability. Qualified technicians can provide detailed reports and documentation of the testing process, making it easier for businesses to demonstrate compliance with regulations. DIY testing may lack the necessary documentation and may not hold up in legal or regulatory situations.

4. **Accuracy and reliability:** Professional PAT testing companies use specialized equipment that ensures accurate and reliable results. They follow standardized procedures and best practices to ensure consistency and quality. DIY testing may lack the necessary equipment or follow inconsistent procedures, resulting in inaccurate or unreliable results.

While it may be tempting for businesses to conduct PAT testing internally to save costs, the benefits of hiring a professional PAT testing company outweigh the potential risks. Professional testing provides businesses with accurate results, liability protection, and peace of mind knowing that their electrical equipment is safe and compliant.

Enroll on a PAT testing training course

If you want to learn about how to PAT test your own equipment, we recommend you sign up for a PAT Testing training Course. We recommend the one-day courses by the PAT Testing Expert, which provide a great insight into what PAT is and will give you enough information to get started.

Why using a contractor may be easier

PAT Testing is a skill, something that requires training and experience to do well, and at the desired pace. Sometimes companies look at the possibility of training staff to do it in-house, and we totally understand why they consider this, but is it the best course of action? 

As an example, your handyman, admin assistant, lab technician, etc. goes on a course to learn the basics of PAT testing. You buy them a tester and some tools, they test your equipment.

Let’s say for example, you have an office with 20 computers, it’s going to take them a few days to test all that. Then when they come to do it again in a year or two, they have forgotten what to do. It’s cost you the best part of a thousand pounds so far, plus the lost work time for that staff member. 

If you used us to do your PAT tests in the first place, it may have cost you £200.00. The job would have been done in a day, and disruption for your business would have been minimal. 

What would have been better? 

You could get that person trained in-house so they can make sure user checks are being done, or that the PAT is being implemented correctly, but being honest, its far easier, and cheaper just to get a contractor in to do the job. 

Don’t waste your time and money PAT testing your own equipment – get us to do it for you. 

Is PAT testing cheaper if we do it?

You’re not going to save money by taking your PAT testing in-house; set up costs alone will be around one thousand pounds, not to mention loss of work time for the person doing the task. Contracting us to do your PAT tests will be better for you. It’s going to save you time and money, and effort.

Try combing the two

Have you considered combining the two options? Rather than taking all your PAT testing in-house, or getting a contractor to do it all, combine the two, to save money but also stay compliant.

Train someone to do the PAT in-house; they can visually inspect equipment, make sure any repairs are carried out, and then you get a PAT tester in every 2 or 3 years for example to do a full test on all equipment.

If we work together on this, we can put a system in place that ensures you’re always compliant.

If this sounds like something that would interest you – contact us to discuss this option.

PAT testing machine testing a computer in a school

Who can carry out PAT testing?

Who can carry out PAT testing? Any competent person can carry out PAT testing – all it takes is some knowledge, and basic training to get started. 

Can I PAT test without a qualification?

In theory, yes, you can PAT test without a qualification. Guidance says you have to be ‘competent’ to test electrical equipment, not that you have to be qualified. How you get competent is a matter for discussion. The Portable Appliance Testing Trade Association say that you should undergo thorough training by a competent person in order to become competent yourself. The current qualifications are flawed because the course is intended to get delegates through an exam, with the course focus more on pass rates than gaining knowledge. Although if you want to work for another company, you will need to get qualified (City and Guilds 2377) to get a job. 

You could sign up to do a practical skills course; you may find this more beneficial, as you will learn how to test appliances, how to use different machines and gain knowledge in why electrical appliance safety measures are important. The PAT Testing expert run a good training course in practical skills, at different venues around the UK

So, Can you PAT test yourself?

To conclude, Can you PAT test yourself? Yes you can, but we don’t know why you would want to. It’s easier, cheaper and far less hassle to use a PAT testing company. 

  • Lower costs if you contract it out
  • Less hassle if you contract it out
  • Less repeating yourself if you contract it out
  • Loss of man-power doing it yourself 

Don’t try to PAT Test in-house; contact us about doing it for you. 

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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