Professional PAT testing Services

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT testing) is the process of inspecting and testing electrical appliances to ensure they are safe to use. It involves a combination of visual inspection by competent engineers and electrical testing using specialised test equipment to identify faults or potential hazards.

In workplaces, portable appliances can include items such as computers, kettles, extension leads, power tools and other equipment connected to the electrical supply by a plug. Regular inspection helps ensure these appliances remain safe and reduces the risk of electric shock, equipment failure or fire.

For businesses, PAT testing forms part of a wider electrical safety maintenance programme. Although the term “PAT testing” is commonly used, the formal description is in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment (ISITEE).

Maintaining electrical equipment safely is a legal duty for businesses in the UK. Under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, electrical systems must be maintained in a safe condition to prevent danger.

PAT testing is widely recognised as the most practical way to demonstrate that portable electrical equipment has been inspected and maintained correctly.

For organisations this helps:

• protect staff and visitors
• reduce the risk of electrical fires or shocks
• meet workplace safety responsibilities
• demonstrate compliance during inspections or audits
• provide evidence for insurers or safety assessors

A clear record of testing and maintenance shows that reasonable steps have been taken to keep equipment safe.

The PAT Testing Certificate Report provides evidence that you have taken all reasonable steps.

PAT testing applies to any appliance connected to the electrical supply using a plug.

Common examples include:

• computers and monitors
• kettles and kitchen appliances
• extension leads and chargers
• printers and office equipment
• power tools and portable machinery
• cleaning equipment
• workshop or industrial equipment

Because appliances are moved, plugged in and unplugged regularly, they are more likely to suffer damage or wear over time.

You also need to consider this when you are considering how often to PAT testing electrical equipment – the more it moves, the more risk there is that damage may occur, so more frequent testing will be required.

We follow a clear, structured process designed to keep testing efficient whilst maintaining high standards. Working in this way helps us to ensure minimal disruption to your workplace whilst you maintaine full electrical safety compliance.

Step 1 – On-site Inspection: Our engineer will risk assess the site before commencing and discuss the logistics of the job with you; we will then begin with a visual inspection of the appliance, checking for obvious damage, doing any necessary repairs and checking for other potential electrical hazards before testing begins.

Step 2 – Electrical Safety Testing: Each appliance is tested after the inspection, using industry leading professional PAT testers to ensure the appliance meets electrical safety standards and is safe to continue using.

Step 3 – Labelling & Recording: We remove old labels, and apply our labels neatly to the appliance. The label has a unique ID number that refers to the data we collate and provide to you in the report. Anything that can’t be passed will be marked with a fail label, and also referenced in the report.

Step 4 – The PAT Testing Certificate & Report: When the testing is complete, we collate the data, and issue you with a fully comprehensive PAT Testing Certificate & Report for your records, which you can use to demonstrate compliance for insurance and safety purposes.

Most PAT testing jobs can be completed quickly and with minimal disruption, allowing businesses to maintain electrical safety without interrupting day to day operations. Our engineers follow the same reliable process used across all of our PAT testing services

We’ve designed our PAT testing service to be straightforward, efficient, and minimally disruptive – so you can stay compliant without interrupting your day-to-day operations.

Visual checks to identify damage, wear or defects before testing begins.

Calibrated electrical testing to confirm each appliance meets safety standards.

Minor faults fixed on site where safe to do so – including plugs and fuses.

Same-day digital Certificates and reports issued for your compliance files.

Clear documentation to meet legal, insurance and audit requirements.

From first inspection to same-day certification – everything is handled for you.

PAT testing is commonly required by organisations responsible for electrical equipment in workplaces or rented properties. In a nutshell, in the 21st Century, this refers to every business, as we are yet to find a business premise that doesn’t have at least one electrical item.

Typical clients include:

• offices and commercial workplaces
• schools, colleges and universities
• landlords and letting agents
• construction companies
• retail and hospitality businesses
• healthcare environments
• industrial and manufacturing sites

Testing schedules vary depending on the environment and how frequently equipment is used.

Businesses looking for PAT testing in Newcastle can learn more about our local services.

How often an appliance needs PAT Testing depends on many factors including:

• The working environment
• The type of equipment
• The equipment use
• The competence of the user
• The risk of damage or repair

These factors have to all be taken into account before we can determine how often PAT Testing needs doing. There is no single fixed interval for all appliances; as an example (but not set in stone and dependent on a risk assessment):

• Offices should be tested every 1-3 years
• Schools should be tested every year
• Construction Site tools should be tested every 3 to 6 months
• Rental properties should be tested at change of tenancy or annually
• Industrial environments should be tested annually or more often.

Higher-risk environments or equipment that is moved frequently may require more frequent inspection and testing.

When we have been on site, done the testing and assessed the risks we will be able to give you a better idea.

Our PAT testing frequency page has more information on this.

PAT testing is usually much quicker than you may think.

The time required depends mainly on the type of appliances being tested and how many there are. In many cases, testing can be completed with minimal disruption to staff or normal business activities.

For example:

• small offices may be tested within an hour or two
• medium workplaces may take a few hours
• larger sites may require a full day depending on appliance numbers

Because each appliance is tested individually, the process is efficient and can often be carried out while the workplace remains operational.

While PAT testing itself is not specifically required by law, UK legislation does require employers and organisations to ensure that electrical equipment is maintained in a safe condition (so if you want to ensure that happens, then yes, you need to get PAT testing done).

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 state that electrical systems must be maintained so as to prevent danger. One of the most practical ways to demonstrate this is through regular inspection and testing of electrical equipment.

PAT testing provides a structured way to:

• identify damaged or unsafe appliances
• maintain clear maintenance records
• demonstrate that equipment has been inspected
• support compliance with workplace safety responsibilities

For most businesses, PAT testing forms an important part of maintaining electrical safety and meeting insurance or health and safety requirements.

After testing, businesses receive:

• clear pass / fail appliance labels with unique ID numbers
• a full digital testing report that includes electrical test readings (with copies available)
• a PAT testing certificate
• records of any failed appliances and actions required
• recommendations where repairs are required or notice when they have been carried out

These records demonstrate that electrical equipment has been inspected and maintained safely, helping you comply with workplace regulations.

Businesses across Newcastle upon Tyne, Sunderland, Durham and the wider North East rely on DRA PAT Testing because we provide:

• experienced, qualified PAT testing engineers
• efficient testing with minimal disruption
• clear digital reports and certificates
• free minor repairs where possible
• professional service trusted by hundreds of organisations

Our aim is always to make electrical safety compliance straightforward and stress-free for our clients. We can further enhance our service through thermal imaging, EICR and emergency lighting inspections.

DRA PAT Testing provides portable appliance testing for businesses throughout:

• Newcastle
• Sunderland
• Durham
• Northumberland
• the wider North East

If your organisation requires PAT testing, we can arrange testing at a time that minimises disruption to your workplace.

If you need reliable PAT testing for your business, our team can provide a clear quote and arrange testing quickly.

Do all electrical appliances need PAT testing?

Most portable appliances connected to the electrical supply should be inspected and tested periodically to ensure they remain safe to use.

What happens if an appliance fails PAT testing?

Appliances that fail testing are clearly labelled and recorded in the report so they can be repaired or removed from use.

Do landlords need PAT testing?

While not always legally mandated, many landlords arrange PAT testing to help demonstrate that electrical appliances supplied with a property are safe.