Portable Appliance Testing
Our Portable Appliance Testing service will give you peace of mind that your electrical equipment is safe
We are the North East’s No. 1 PAT Testing Company
Are you looking for competent portable appliance testing specialists who have the experience needed to help you keep your electrical equipment safe?
We are an experienced business, trading since 2009, with over 1000 North East businesses already using us year after year to help them maintain safe equipment at work.
DRA PAT Testing Ltd provides office, school and business PAT Testing in Newcastle upon Tyne, Sunderland and Durham – in fact we cover all of the North East of England.
We are the No. 1 PAT testing company in the North East, with more 5-Star Google reviews than any other PAT testers.
We rated No.1 on Google by our clients
PAT testing by us includes
✔️ Remedial repairs to the plug and flexible cable
✔️ Supply and fit of replacement 13a plugs and plug fuses
✔️ PAT Testing Certificate Report issued as a PDF document within 5 days
✔️ Reminders for retests so you’re always compliant
✔️ Experienced, competent PAT testing specialists
✔️ Contractors accredited for Health and Safety
We Specialise in PAT testing office equipment
With so much workplace electrical equipment these days being “IT” you need to be sure your PAT tester knows what they are doing with it! You need assurance that their equipment can safely test their sensitive parts without risking damage to the internal circuitry.
IT Equipment includes all computers, servers, printers, computer hardware, telecommunication assets, and other information technology-related equipment.
We use industry leading Seaward Apollo 600 PAT Testers – the best on the market – designed so they can guarantee not to damage your expensive IT equipment.
In addition to that we train all our engineers to not only test your office equipment but tidy it up too; they’ll sort out messy cables under desks, put them in order to improve efficiency and reduce the number of extension leads you use.
We teach our engineers the different types of IT equipment, the specialist names of server equipment and so they know at least the basic IT management skills needed to ensure your equipment is both safe from us and safe for you to keep using.
PAT testing helps you meet these legal regulations
PAT testing is preventative maintenance – it confirms whether or not an appliance is safe to use and we provide you with a PAT Testing Certificate as evidence of your compliance with UK workplace regulations..
✅ Regular electrical inspection and testing helps you ensure electrical equipment is safe
✅ PAT 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 electrical 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
✅ If the plug of an appliance doesn’t meet the Plugs and sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994 we will change it for one that does.
Arrange your Portable Appliance Testing
We carry out Portable Appliance Testing for clients across the North East, and the UK, and hope to work with you too. Our prices are fair, but sensible. By providing our engineers with proper wages (salary) rather than piece rate (per item) they know they have time to do a thorough job – to do proper visual inspections, carry out repairs and help you maintain a safe workplace… unlike cheaper companies who pay their staff minimum wage or less. In addition to the PAT test we..
- Tidy up messy cables
- Reduce or address the issue of too many extension leads
- Guide you to improve safety
- Work with our clients Long term without tied in contracts
- Carry out remedial repairs free of charge
If you want to arrange your PAT testing through us complete this form today, email info@draelectricals.co.uk or call 0191 666 1009.
Get a Quote
All you ever wanted to know about PAT testing (or didn’t)
What is Portable Appliance Testing?
Every workplace, including yours, will have electrical appliances, and is governed by the Health and Safety at Work Act. Health and Safety includes prevention of accidents from electrical equipment, which is referenced in the electrical regulations including the Electricity at Work Regs.
In order to prevent electrical accidents such as fire or (electric) shock, appliances must maintain safety standards – those same standards that the manufacturer was led by when they made the appliance. When made the appliance met these standards, and its expected that the appliance will continue to meet these standards throughout its life.
You can check the appliance continues to meet safety standards by getting it safety checked, through the process that we do, called Portable Appliance Testing.
Portable appliance testing is a part of the umbrella term of electrical inspection and testing which covers all electrical using installations including the mains wiring, as well as portable and fixed equipment. Fixed equipment and wiring needs inspecting by a qualified, registered electrician and portable appliances get done by competent PAT testers.
Every electrical appliance fitted with a plug, and appliances that had a plug but now are hard wired need inspecting and testing on a regular basis to make sure they are still safe to use. This may need doing as often as every 3 months for power tools on a building site to every 5 years for fixed equipment like computer server systems, but in most cases businesses tend to get their appliances tested every year to make sure no new defects are missed.
Computers sat on desks in an office for example should only need a test every 3-4 years but should be inspected every 1-2 years to be sure they’re ok. But to cover all possible issues we carry out a test anyway, to be sure. The HSE and IET recommend a complicated system of visual inspection and combined inspection and test at different intervals but years of experience have taught us that swapping between inspections and tests at intervals only leads to confusion over what has been done so it’s easier to follow the path of the full combined inspection and testing phase every time. If you want to learn more about PAT Testing frequency see that page, or just talk to our operatives when they’re on site testing your electrical equipment.
All this means to you is you get a more thorough inspection every time.
Most electrical appliances have 3-pin plugs that we’re all used to, and use every day at home and work. Usually powering our kettles, microwave ovens, hair driers, computers and mobile phones, but some appliances have been made for or adjusted for use in industrial settings, commercial kitchens and so on, and have non-standard adaptors operating off (e.g.) 16 and 32amp 110v, 230v and 400v adaptors. All these have to be checked by a PAT tester or other suitably competent person.
Portable appliances have safety systems in place including the protective sheath around the cables, fuses to protect the cable, insulation on plug pins, and internal systems such as earth connections and double insulation. All these need checking by the PAT tester. Every appliance has a plug, cable, and so on, but depending on the make up of the appliance it may rely on earth as well as insulation protection.
So, as a PAT tester we do a visual inspection on every appliance, then if needed we also test for:
- Earth continuity (when earth protection is needed)
- Insulation Resistance
- Polarity (of leads)
Be careful if you choose these super cheap national companies who send a badly paid engineer to do the job; in order to make a basic wage he has to record around 500 items a day; its just not possible to test 500 items every day so he’ll cut corners or make up the results in order to make his money. Whilst this may seem bad it happens a lot in the industry, and our national standards body, the Portable Appliance Testing Trade Association is working hard to eradicate this. The 65p per item they charge you may seem a bargain, but if they don’t do what they say, and an accident happens, you are still responsible for the repercussions so be sure they did a thorough job.
Some appliances don’t need any tests, the visual inspection being enough, and these are appliances without exposed conductive metal parts. You don’t need to worry which appliance requires what test because your PAT tester knows, and will do what needs doing, in order to make sure your equipment is safe to help you comply with the legal requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act.
Even More Portable Appliance Testing Information
Firstly, lets clear up the confusions…
- Portable Appliance Testing and PAT testing are the same thing
- “Portable” means it can be unplugged
- A “portable” appliance is fitted with a plug that needs to be put into a socket to get power, or removed from a socket to cut the power
- Portable Appliance Testing (or PAT Testing) is a process carried out on electrical equipment fitted with a plug to make sure it is safe
- PAT testing is part of Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installations and Systems
Electrical appliances that were manufactured to have a plug, but have had the plug removed and been hard wired, also require testing, but they are now called “Fixed” appliances. Fixed appliances should only be tested by someone competent to do so, like an electrician or trained PAT testing engineer (not many PAT testers can test fixed appliances). Fixed appliances are not just appliances that used to have a plug but also appliances that were never intended to have a plug, like hand-driers in toilets. The PAT tester if competent to do so, will usually only test the fixed appliances that used to be portable. More Information on Fixed appliance testing is here.
Is Portable Appliance Testing a Legal Requirement?
Many people say it’s not, but, it is. Portable Appliance Testing is a legal requirement IF you want to be able to prove your electrical equipment is safe. You are required by UK workplace law to ensure that all electrical equipment is safe to use, and the only way to do that is to get it PAT tested. The PAT test checks equipment is being used correctly, in the correct environment and is safe to use; it flags up maintenance needs, and in most cases the engineer will do the repair for you, and it helps you determine the risk factor of the appliance. Furthermore you are provided with records; the Portable Appliance Testing Certificate Report gives you the documentation you need to prove that your electrical equipment is safe to use, helping you comply with the regulations.
What does Portable Appliance Testing do?
Portable Appliance Testing…
- Reduces the chances of an electric shock (by maintaining safe equipment)
- Reduces the chances of an appliance overheating and catching fire (by making sure it’s used correctly)
- Helps you comply with electrical regulations
An incorrectly used appliance such as daisy chained socket blocks or overloaded socket blocks could lead to a fire; using an appliance not suitable for the working environment could lead to an accident and using a badly maintained appliance could lead to a user getting a shock.
To get an electric shock off an appliance you have to come into contact with exposed conductive metal (metal that’s on the outside that’s also connected on the inside); in normal conditions this is perfectly fine but if there is a fault the part could become damaged –
If an appliance has exposed metal then it’ll have measures in place to protect you such as earthing or double insulation
Just to confuse matters some appliances have metal used for effect or decoration that are not connected inside and won’t become live.
An appliance fully double insulated with no exposed metal parts doesn’t require any tests but should be inspected visually for any damage. If it’s damaged you could come into contact with “live” metal parts and get a shock; so it’s important to regularly visually inspect the appliance. This must be done by a competent person; ideally the PAT tester but if you have a competent person in-house they could do it.
All other appliances also require the visual inspection prior to any electrical tests being carried out; to protect the tester.
An appliance that is double insulated with exposed conductive metal parts requires an insulation test to make sure the insulation is working correctly,
An appliance that also relies on earth protection in addition to the double insulation will require a test on the earthing to make sure that’s working correctly.
Finally a power lead that has an earth wire will also need testing for “polarity” to make sure it’s wired correctly all the way through and not damaged in any way.
What makes us different?
By charging a sensible rate that allows us to make a good wage, we are in a position where we do not need to rush our work to get the job done. Many of these bigger firms that offer you low rates per item, pay their staff peanuts, and give them hard to achieve targets. For example, you may be 60p per item but the engineer will only get 20p. He will need to test 500 items a day to make £100.00. He won’t get paid for fuel and travel time. He also doesn’t get paid for repairs he carries out, so he doesn’t bother. A simple fuse change or cable cut will go down as a fail, disrupting your business and leading to extra expense for you.
We don’t charge for repairs, but we do them. We agree with you a fixed price for the job or a sensible per item price, like £1.00 per item. A sensible price means we can make a good wage off the job, as a company we can pay our engineers a good salary, and no body needs to rush their day, because they’re getting paid whether they’re testing, repairing, or simply talking with their clients. We reward our engineers for building rapport with their customers, and in most cases the same engineer will return to your site every time we come, building up a good knowledge of your business, your working practices, even getting to know you and your staff. This makes for a good relationship and helps you; it also means we know everything we know long term, to help guide you on risk assessments etc so you can make the most of our expertise, so you only get what needs testing when it needs it rather than just getting everything done every year.
We also, tidy up as we go. Messy cables don’t look nice, and aren’t efficient; it also makes our job harder, so we tidy them as we go; unplugging them and sorting them out so when we come back our job is easier; and your office looks tidier. We’ll also look at your use of socket block extensions, to see where we can reduce what you’re using, reducing the chances of overheating.
We can also help with other areas, if needed, like Microwave emissions testing, fixed wiring inspections (EICR) and general electrical maintenance.
We can do pre-quote site surveys
- If we visit your site before we quote it benefits us both…
- We meet and you get to know who we are; and we get to know you
- We see your workplace, the environment and the job so we’re quoting right.
- We are able to work out how many appliances you have and how long we think the job will take
Taking all this into account allows us to quote you a fixed price for the job. A fixed price means no nasty surprises when the invoice comes in, and a happier customer. Say for example we quote you £200 to test 200 items in your office and we test 250 – we still charge you £200 because the difference is our fault. If however, you agree to pay a per item company £1.00 per item, they’ll charge you £250.
If you prefer a price item job we can do that too.
Our way works
We know that the way we operate works; we have over 1000 clients; most of whom work with us long term. If what we do didnt work well they would go elsewhere, but they don’t, and you shouldn’t either, because we can help you. We’ll take away all your queries and concerns and leave you with safe electrical equipment, guidance on what to do next and compliant with the regulations. And we will ensure you always remain compliant with regular reminders and retests, and help with other electrical maintenance work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does PAT testing cost?
Our North East portable appliance testing prices start from just £45.00 for the first 20 items, with a price per item depending on the number of appliances to test. See our PAT testing prices page for more information or contact us for a personal PAT testing quote using this form.
We also offer prices based on time, which usually works out cheaper for you, and easier to budget for.
What’s included in the price?
- Rewiring of plugs and replacement parts
- Supply and fit of replacement plugs to meet British Standards
- Supply and fit of replacement fuses (3, 5, 10 and 13amps)
- A tidy up and sort out of messy cables
- Guidance on how to improve safety measures
- Unique ID numbered label for every appliance
- Failure report detailing failures and actions
- Itemised report of passed appliances including electrical readings
- Certificate of compliance
- Reminders for retests so you’re always compliant
How often is Portable Appliance Testing needed?
Portable Appliance Testing should be repeated as often as is necessary to eliminate the risk of an appliance becoming dangerous; most people get equipment tested annually as it is good practice and usually ensures equipment maintenance is kept up to date. In some environments like on a building site or a factory where power tools get frequently damaged more testing is needed more often.
We follow guidance from the Health and Safety Executive and the latest IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment.
In turn we can guide you on what would be best for your site.
What records need keeping?
Although there is no mandatory requirement to produce and keep records on the condition of electrical equipment the HSE ‘Memorandum of guidance on the Electricity at Work Regulations’ (HS(R)25) advises that records of maintenance, including test results, will enable the condition of equipment and the effectiveness of maintenance policies to be monitored.
HSE guidance states that “In the event of a prosecution arising from an injury relating to a portable appliance, it would assist the employer’s case if they can produce up to date, accurate records to indicate that they had taken reasonable actions to comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989”.
An itemised PAT test Certificate will provide the regulatory evidence that is required.
When is portable appliance testing required?
The UK Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) states at Regulation 4(1): “Every employer shall ensure that work equipment is so constructed or adopted as to be suitable for the purpose for which it is used or provided.”
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 states at Regulation 4(2): “As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent so far as reasonably practicable, such danger.”
This means that employers (and the self-employed) must ensure that all electrical work equipment is safe, suitable for the purpose and properly maintained in good order.
Regular Portable Appliance Testing will do this.
Reasons to choose DRA PAT Testing
We operate high standards at all times; every appliance is checked inline with the latest IET, HSE and PATTA guidance
Our engineers are experienced, well trained and are encouraged to take their time to ensure every appliance is maintained to a high standard
We provide you with a fully comprehensive, itemised, location separated PAT Testing Certificate Report within 5 days of the job.
We don’t have any hidden charges, and agree a fixed price with you before doing the job
We offer free site visits to discuss your needs and count your appliances before quoting for a job with higher numbers
We cover all of the North East of England so whether you are in Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham, Teesside or North Yorkshire, we can help.
Every Portable Appliance Testing job includes as standard…
Free Repairs & Parts
Prompt PAT Test Certificates
Free Cable Tidying
How to Contact Us
Arranging your PAT testing couldn’t be easier, but we do need to know what the job entails. Get a price online right now using our appointment booking system, or email us to discuss your requirements and for a personal quote, or call us. Whichever option works best for you, it is available here. If you’re unsure and want more help we can come to see you before quoting.
Call 0191 666 1009