As the weather gets colder, many workplaces start plugging in portable heaters, kettles, and festive fairy lights. But with that extra electrical load comes extra risk. Every winter, faulty seasonal equipment causes shocks, fires and costly downtime.

That’s why Winter PAT Testing in Newcastle is essential. At DRA PAT Testing, we help local businesses, schools, landlords and traders across Tyneside and Tyne and Wear stay safe and compliant through the winter months.

Cold weather means more plug-in heaters, fan heaters, and hot drink machines. Add in Christmas decorations, extension leads and fairy lights, and your circuits are suddenly working harder than ever.

These seasonal items are often:

• Old or damaged after a year in storage.

• Overloaded with multiple plugs in one socket.

• Used outdoors where moisture can cause electrical faults.

A PAT test (Portable Appliance Test) checks that every item is safe to use, helping prevent fires and electric shocks before they happen.

When the temperatures drop and the nights draw in, it’s natural for workplaces, shops and market stalls to plug in portable heaters, kettles and festive lighting. But every winter, these seasonal items are responsible for a sharp rise in electrical faults and fires.

That’s why Winter PAT Testing is so important — it helps you stay compliant, keep your team safe and avoid costly downtime.

Portable heaters, extension leads, and decorative lighting might look harmless, but they’re often:

• Old or damaged after years in storage.

• Overloaded when plugged into multi-way adapters.

• Used in damp or outdoor conditions that can lead to insulation breakdown.

Even a small fault in a heater or light string can cause electric shock or fire — especially when equipment is left running unattended.

Our engineers test all portable electrical appliances, including:

• Portable heaters and fan heaters

• Extension leads and multi-way adapters

• Christmas lights and displays

• Coffee machines and catering equipment

• Computers, printers and office equipment

Each item is inspected and tested for:

• Correct earthing and wiring

• Insulation resistance (no current leakage)

• Safe plugs, fuses and cables

• Proper labelling and certification

You’ll receive a PAT Testing Certificate for your records – ideal for health and safety compliance and insurance purposes.

A quick visual check isn’t enough to spot hidden electrical faults. A proper Portable Appliance Test (PAT) ensures:

• The earth connection is sound.

• There’s no insulation breakdown or leakage.

• The plug, fuse and cable are all safe for continued use.

Having your portable heaters and lighting tested before the winter season gives peace of mind and helps meet your obligations under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.

If you’re trading at a Christmas market, fairground, or pop-up event, organisers will usually ask to see proof that your electrical equipment has been tested. PAT testing your lights, hot drink machines, and other gear ensures you can set up safely — and stay trading without interruption.

If you’re a Christmas market trader in Newcastle,  Sunderland, Durham; attending festive fairs across the North East, you’ll almost certainly be asked to show that your electrical equipment has been PAT tested.

Whether you’re powering a hot drinks stall, food van, or festive lights, DRA PAT Testing can provide the certification you need quickly and affordably – so you can trade safely and confidently.

Winter is the worst time for an electrical failure. A quick round of PAT testing now can:

• Prevent electrical fires and shocks.

• Avoid insurance issues in the event of an incident.

• Keep your business legally compliant and running smoothly through the busy season.

Don’t wait for a blown fuse to ruin your festive plans. Get in touch with DRA PAT Testing — your local experts in keeping workplaces and traders across Newcastle and the North East safe all year round.

DRA PAT Testing provides fast, reliable PAT testing in Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside and across Tyne and Wear.

Book your Winter PAT Testing today and get peace of mind that your heaters, fairy lights and seasonal equipment are safe to use.

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