PORTABLE APPLIANCE TESTING
✅ Same day PAT Test Certificates
✅ Free remedial repairs and replacement parts
✅ Experienced competent PAT testers
✅ All of the North East covered
✅ Ensures compliance with Health & Safety
✅ Ensures your insurance policy is valid
✅ Prompt reminders for retests
✅ Up to 30 days credit available
Looking for a PAT tester?
If you want to arrange for us to come out to test your portable appliances please get in touch, contact details are above. Our engineers cover the North East of England, visiting customers in their homes and workplaces to check their portable electrical appliances are safe to use.
Regular PAT testing helps you to stay compliant with Health and Safety and to provide assurance to users that they are safe to use your equipment.
Portable Appliance Testing Information
Why do I need Portable Appliances Testing?
To comply with the UK’s Health and Safety regulations, and to ensure your insurance policy is valid, you need to be able to prove that electrical equipment is safe to use; the best way to do this is to have a PAT test carried out on them (PAT stands for Portable Appliance Testing).
Portable Appliance Testing is the process that is carried out on electrical equipment that is fitted with a plug. It forms a part of the umbrella of inspection and testing of electrical systems that also includes appliances that are fixed to the mains via direct wiring, and the installed wiring itself (both of which we also do but not at the same time).
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is a good way for office managers (for example) to ensure they are meeting their legal obligations for safety in the workplace, and for landlords to make sure they are meeting their obligations to maintain high standards of electrical safety in their rented property.
Another way to look at it, is regular PAT tests, inline with a risk assessment help you to ensure your insurance policy is valid, so if you ever have to make a claim you have evidence to prove you have taken steps of preventative maintenance to ensure your equipment is safe.
What’s involved in a PAT Test?
PAT testing is a relatively straightforward and low risk process; in most cases we’re working on appliances where the power has been disconnected so you don’t need to worry too much about safety of our engineers. And any equipment that does pose a risk; we’re experienced enough at working with it to know how to stay safe.
So for you; we need to unplug an appliance to test it – so you can’t keep using it whilst we’re working. We’ll need it for a few minutes at most and will work with you to ensure disruption is kept to a minimal at all times.
This is what we do..
- Firstly we check our own safety – can the appliance be switched off safely, etc.
- Then can the appliance be switched off – if something can’t be switched off, tell us asap.
- We check appliance is suitable for the environment it is in
- Then we check the appliance, starting with the plug, then the cable, then the appliance.
- If the cable detaches from the appliance it is tested independently.
- If repairs have to be carried out we will do so; nearly always included in the price and supply parts as required.
- If the appliance passes all checks we will label it and the results are recorded on our PAT testers.
- If it fails, we photograph it, record it and mark it with a fail label. We report it to the site contact too.
- On completion of the job we feed anything necessary back to our site contact then download the results.
- Using the results obtained and our risk assessments we compile our report which will be sent to you as a pdf either before we leave the site, or within 24 hours.
What does PAT testing cost?
PAT testing prices vary depending on the job in hand, where it is, what the site is like, what equipment is being tested and how much, whether industrial appliances are being tested too, the likelihood of a lot of repairs (or lack of), whether we’re working around your staff, students and residents etc.
We always recommend you contact us for a price.
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
PAT testing frequency
PAT 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 other electrical testing we do
There are two main types of electrical appliance; those with a plug, and those without. Sometimes an appliance can have a plug that is not accessible, such as an integrated kitchen appliance; we can test these without needing to access the plug.
Appliances where the plug has been removed, and replaced by hard wiring the appliance into the mains supply using a ‘spur‘ are classed as ‘fixed appliances‘. These are often overlooked as most PAT testing engineers are not trained to carry out these tests; but we can do them.
It is called fixed appliance testing. Fixed appliances don’t need testing as often as the chances of a fault developing is much lower as they don’t get moved around, but they should be checked every 3-5 years. Testing them properly involves isolating the main power circuit to them so the spur can be opened to test the appliance; so it is best to do this when the business is closed.
In addition to appliances, a business or rented property also requires periodic inspections of the fixed (or mains) wiring installation. This has to be done by a registered electrician with the appropriate qualifications. We have such a person, who is affiliated with the NICEIC who operates for us as a self employed contractor and we recommend highly. He carries out the inspections for us and provides clients with the Electrical Installation Certificate Report (EICR)
Speak to us
Every PAT testing job includes as standard…
Free Repairs & Parts
Prompt PAT Test Certificates
Free Cable Tidying
Email us to arrange your Portable Appliance Testing
PAT testing’s most frequently asked questions..
What actually is PAT Testing?
PAT; Portable Appliance Testing is a routine inspection carried out by a competent person on electrical appliances to make sure they are safe to continue using, and or to carry out necessary maintenance to ensure this remains the case.
The process involves checking the electrical plug, flexible cable and the appliance itself. Some appliances are further tested to ensure internal safety measures are functioning correctly.
Is PAT a legal requirement?
Health and Safety in the UK requires all electrical equipment provided for use at work be maintained so as to prevent danger.
To manage this companies are recommended to carry out regular inspections and tests that will flag up any dangers, need for repair or confirm that the appliance is safe – this is called PAT testing. Insurance companies also require you to maintain safe equipment to validate your premiums.
How long does a test last?
A PAT test should be carried out as often as the risk requires it, based on appliance type and use. A PAT test confirms an appliance is safe at the time it is tested; once it is used again damage could occur and so the results are no longer valid. If there is a high likelihood of this happening (such as tools on a building site) the appliance should be inspected / tested more often, than an appliance where the likelihood of damage occurring is much lower, like IT equipment on a desk in an office.
Our PAT testing service is local to you – we cover all the North East
We cover all of the North East of England; we can’t list everywhere so if your town is not here contact us anyway, we will come to you.
Tyne and Wear – Newcastle upon Tyne, Gosforth, Newburn, Gateshead, Blaydon, Whickham, Wallsend, Tynemouth, Whitley Bay, North Shields, Jarrow, Hebburn, Boldon, South Shields, Sunderland, Chester le Street, Washington, Houghton le Spring, Hetton le Hole, Easington
Northumberland – Alnwick, Morpeth, Cramlington, Ponteland, Hexham, Corbridge, Ashington, Blyth, Holy Island, Prudhoe, Rothbury
County Durham – Durham, Seaham, Peterlee, Newton Aycliffe, Bishop Auckland, Barnard Castle, Crook, Darlington, Hartlepool, Stockton, Middlesbrough
Get a full Portable Appliance Test Certificate (results as well as labels) with minimal disruption to your business
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is a routine safety inspection of electrical appliances, fitted with a plug to make sure they meet legal electrical safety requirements. DRA PAT Testing carry out Portable Appliance Testing throughout the UK, and will come to you test anything from 1 to hundreds of thousands of electrical appliances.
We have over 500 regular clients and more 5-Star reviews on Google than any other local appliance testing company because we actually care about your safety – for us the importance of our work is to give you peace of mind that your equipment is safe; not how many stickers we can put on.
We promise you that we will carry out repairs to ensure your equipment is safe, and provide you with a fully itemised Portable Appliance Test Certificate to ensure you comply with the regulations. We will do this at a time that is convenient to you (we do early mornings, evenings and weekends) with minimal disruption to your business or home.
We do all this at affordable, competitive prices usually at a fixed rate so there are no shocks when the invoice comes in.
We are also able to offer electrical testing for fixed appliances, your main wiring installation and emergency lighting.
What our clients say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Excellent, friendly and efficient service. We have a lot of staff that work flexibly and Richard was happy to pop back at a later date to test their equipment which we hadn’t initially mentioned. Would recommend DRA to any organisation that needs appliance testing carried out.
Jackson Hogg Recruitment, Newcastle
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
These guys were recommended to us and they came in recently to do the Portable Appliance Testing. The service was first class and report very professionally presented in an easy to understand format. It is rare I give 5 stars in a review however in this case it is thoroughly deserved and would recommend DRA PAT Testing Limited to any organisation
Dacon Fabrication, Gateshead
Portable Appliance Testing in the UK
The best Portable Appliance Testing price would include FREE remedial repairs, replacement plugs and fuses – which is what we do. Also we offer fixed prices so you don’t get the shock when the bill comes in like you do with per item rates.
Our professional, reliable PAT testing service is carried out by experienced engineers who have been checked by CHAS, Durham Police and DBS. We use the quickest industry leading, data storing machines available to ensure the service you get and the report you receive is the best possible. All our records are securely stored and can be re-issued to you for free if you lose your copy.
Our service is carried out efficiently, quickly and using tried and tested methods that guarantee minimal disruption to your business. To make the process even slicker in the future we carry out cable sorting and re-organising as we go, to create an efficient, safer working environment.
The price for testing 110 volt and 230 volt equipment is the same, and we can also test 3-phase and fixed appliances. We carry out a through formal visual inspection on EVERY appliance, as well as carrying out our tests; many cheap PAT testing companies skip the visual inspection (which is actually the most important part) to save time.
Minor repairs, replacement plugs and fuses are fixed automatically, FREE of charge.
What our clients say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you so much Richard! Richard arranged and kindly did Portable Appliance Testing for all the equipment in my clinic, he attended perfectly on time, made sure it’s arranged around the time I can be free. He even had spare parts and just changed them for me straightaway. He is very genuine, professional and kind. Great value in comparison with other companies and very trustworthy. I’ve already asked him to book me in for my next testing and I definitely recommend him
Skin & Beauty Clinic., Newcastle upon Tyne
Portable Appliance Testing for Landlords
Landlords Portable Appliance Testing is a best practice process; there is no official legal requirement to do it, but it makes a lot of sense if you do. For example, if an appliance develops a fault and the tenant gets a shock, an investigation will want to know if you have done “everything reasonably practicable” to ensure the tenant was safe.
A Portable appliance test Certificate would show that testing has been carried out, and the appliance was deemed safe, so you did do what you needed to.
In Newcastle upon Tyne, the council requires landlords to PAT test electrical appliances, and it is a requirement of HMO licences.
We are able to test both the portable appliances and the integrated equipment such as white goods and cookers; where-as some PAT testers with less electrical training cannot; so you get a higher standard of service.
We also check whitewoods against the latest product recall notices to make sure they are not a fire risk.
We are DBS and Police checked, so you can leave us to deal with your tenant directly, give us keys etc to save you the bother.
ALL minor repairs (such as replacing defective plugs and fuses) will be fixed on the spot and FREE of charge.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Always had excellent service from Richard, he’s looked after our rental properties for years now, and always turns up on time and does a great job. Highly recommend him!
Landlord of multiple properties, Newcastle
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We manage over 100 rental properties in Newcastle upon Tyne; DRA PAT testing have managed the appliances in them for years now and always do a great job. We trust them with keys and feedback from tenants is always really good.
Lettings Agency, Newcastle
We provide Portable Appliance Testing in rental properties in Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and Co. Durham
Portable Appliance Testing Frequently Asked Questions
What is Portable Appliance Testing?
Portable Appliance Testing falls under the scope of UK legislation for portable equipment (anything that requires a plug and socket combination to power it) which includes everything from small hand held appliances like hair driers and hand drills to fixed 400 kV distribution systems. What inspection, testing and maintenance regimes take place differs from one to the other, and the personnel who can carry them out can differ too.
Don’t make the mistake that many do, thinking because it’s mentioned in a book or legislation it all needs doing by the same person for 50 pence! That’s not the case.
Firstly the scope for portable appliance testing is for any appliance fitted with a standard plug that plugs into a socket to be powered up; this does also include industrial plugs generally referred to as voltage adaptors.
However, the scope does not include appliances hard wired to the mains; if the wiring includes a fused spur connection unit it is possible for a trained and competent PAT testing engineer to test this in full, when the power can be isolated, or for earth continuity when that is not possible. If however a fused spur is not being used, then an electrician fully qualified to inspect will need to do it.
Portable equipment as a rule generally includes stationery appliances such as washing machines, IT equipment like computers, movable appliances that weigh less than 18kg give or take such as welding sets, portable appliances like kettles and toasters, and hand-held electrical appliances like hair driers, hoovers and drills.
When is Portable Appliance Testing required?
When is Portable Appliance Testing required?
The HSE recommends that portable electrical equipment undergoes a process of combined inspection and testing by a competent person (e.g. us) on a periodic basis depicted by the risk; more frequent formal visual inspections (by us also), and even more regular checks by the user of an appliance (called a user check).
This means that if you arrange for us to PAT test your equipment, then we return to do it again, it doesn’t necessarily need testing in full the second time, but a thorough inspection may be sufficient.
How often do portable appliances need testing?
There is no set periods for inspection and testing, however the HSE recommends that inspections and tests be carried out at intervals proportionate to the risks of the equipment and the environment.
For example, equipment in a low risk office will need testing less often than power tools on a building site.
Whatever periods are put in place they must ensure that equipment remains safe for use at all times.
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.
What is a user check?
This is something you are required to do, but most tend to forget about it; or don’t even know about it. This is where the user of an appliance checks the condition of their equipment prior to use. It is relatively easy for people to spot and report signs of damage, overheating and misuse.
What is the formal visual inspection?
Most people seem to think that a test using a PAT machine is the most important aspect of maintaining safe electrical equipment, when in fact it is the formal visual inspection. There are many issues that a test will not pick up on, that an experienced trained eye will.
Some of these companies offering super cheap prices do so based on getting as many tests recorded as possible in as short a time as possible, and to do so they tend to skip the formal visual inspection, so they can have as many items logged on your report as they can. Doing this is when problems arise later on, as dangers have been missed.
As you are the person responsible in the event of an accident this could be a very costly attempt at saving some money.
A regular formal visual inspection should be carried out by someone who has been properly trained to perform a more thorough check of the equipment. This may include examining plugs, fuses, flexible cables, and cable clamping arrangements etc.
What is combined inspection and testing?
The “combined” bit refers to the formal visual inspection and inspection an testing using a machine, which is what is usually carried out by a reputable PAT Testing company such as ourselves. This process ticks all boxes.
When the formal visual inspection has been completed, and any faults dealt with, the appliance will be tested to see if there is any internal issues. For example, internal damage may result from misuse* or the deterioration of internal electrical connections.
*For example, if you take your computer home from the office to work, and it bounces around the boot of your car this can lead to internal damage.
One way to identify internal defects is electrical testing using a portable appliance test instrument (a “PAT” tester). This should be carried out by a suitably trained, PAT testing expert who is competent to disconnect the equipment from the electrical supply, perform complex tests and interpret the results obtained.