Who are DRA PAT Testing?
In 2009 Richard Ayre began DRA PAT Testing in Seaham. We are recognised as one of the UK’s leading appliance testing companies with more 5-Star Google reviews than any other North East electrical equipment testing company. We specialise in electrical equipment safety testing and inspect approx 1/4 million electrical appliances every year.
Based in Newcastle upon Tyne, we cover Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and Co. Durham.
Richard is also the Operations Director of the Portable Appliance Testing Trade Association (PATTA) which is raising standards in the industry and recently helped write the latest guidance for electrical equipment testing – the Code of Practice for Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment.
What our clients say about us…
Arranging your PAT testing in Durham couldn’t be easier
To get started we just need some basic information, such as what type of business you have, what kind of equipment you have, how much equipment you have and where you are located. From there we can usually give you a price over the phone or by email. If things are a bit more complicated or you have a lot of equipment, it may be best to arrange for us to visit your site before we finalise a price.
Electrical Safety Services
To try to make life as easy as possible for you, our clients, we can help you with a host of electrical testing needs. Between us and our electrician we can help you tick off your electrical safety requirements. We provide these services and more.
PAT Testing
In the event of an accident, an investigation will need to see evidence that your electrical equipment has been recently maintained to appropriate safety standards – a PAT Testing Certificate Report (with electrical readings) will provide that.
EICR’s
We can organise your fixed wiring inspections (EICR) through our association with an NICEIC registered electrician.
An EICR checks your mains wiring installation is up to the appropriate standard.
Landlords PAT Testing
Landlords are required to get electrical appliances they provide as part of a tenancy PAT tested too; fixed prices and reminders are available to help you manage your appliance safety.
Fixed Appliances
Often forgotten about; appliances that have had the plug removed and been hard wired also need testing, not as often, but should be done in line with your EICR by the electrician; or we can do it for you.
What is PAT Testing?
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is a process for checking electrical appliances that have a plug to make sure they are safe. The process involves a series of visual inspections and electronic tests, at the end of which an appliance will be deemed either safe or not.
What needs PAT Testing?
All electrical appliances that plug into the mains via a plug and socket require safety testing, to comply with Health and Safety at Work. This includes microwave ovens, kettles, computers, power tools, hair dryers, heaters etc. Equipment that you take into a workplace also needs testing, such as mobile disco’s.
What does PAT Testing Cost?
On average we will quote £1 to £2 per item overall; if you have less than 100 items we charge a minimum or initial fee to cover travel and admin costs. Discounts may be applied for large offices, schools, or when we can double up engineers on a job. Higher rates may be charged for PPE environments, building sites, etc.
What’s included in the price?
Every time we quote for a job the estimate takes into account travel to the job, the time on the job, labour costs and the cost of repairs including spare parts supplied such as replacement ’13amp’ plugs, fuses and plug parts. These, along with other minor repairs are all included in the price we quote.
Does the law say I have to PAT Test?
The law requires you to be able to maintain electrical equipment to the appropriate British Standards for safety and be able to prove it if necessary. A recent, valid, PAT Certificate will do that (providing it carries the right information).
✅ Regular tests help you maintain safe electrical equipment
✅ The engineer assesses the suitability of an appliance for the environment it is being used in to help you comply with The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
✅PAT testing records can be used to demonstrate compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
✅ Regular PAT testing helps you to comply with The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
✅ Regular PAT tests in rental property help you comply with The Housing Act 2004 (England and Wales)
✅ PAT tests before the start of a tenancy help a landlord comply with The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s guidance
✅ Regular PAT tests help you comply with The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016
✅ PAT testing finds plugs that don’t meet the Plugs and sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994 and corrects it.
PAT Testing Durham
We cover all towns in County Durham including Seaham, Easington Village, Horden, Murton, Peterlee, Shotton, Wheatley Hill, Stanley, Chester-le-Street, Consett, Langley Park, Sacriston, Bishop Auckland, Barnard Castle, Crook, Frosterley, Hamsterley, Middleton in Teesdale, Newton Aycliffe, Stanhope, Willington, Durham City, Bowburn, Coxhoe and West Rainton, to name but a few.