PAT (Portable Appliance Testing)

Portable appliance testing (PAT) is the term used for the examination of portable electrical appliances and equipment. The testing helps ensure that these appliances are safe to use. On this page, you will find our prices, and what is covered within our service. It’s very important to note, that PAT Testing is not just something that needs doing every 12 months, that is a common incorrect myth based on convenience rather than risk. Having a risk based system in place, you may actually find, that not all items need testing every 12 months. PAT Testing is a risk assessment based system which helps increase safety in your workplace from electrical shock and fires, etc. We have therefore included in this page far more information than just our price to assist you in making a informed decision on which competent PAT test companies to use.

The majority of electrical safety defects can be found by visual examination. However some types of defect can only be found by testing. The visual examination is an essential part of the process because some types of electrical safety defect can’t be detected by testing alone. PAT testing is required by employers, landlords and self-employed to ensure safety of portable appliances. Therefore, if you are in business have have portable appliances, you should ensure these are safe. Therefore tested at the appropriate time. This page will give you guidance on what you need to know, and to get your equipment tested by us.

PAT testing is not, in itself, a legal requirement. However, current UK legislation states that you must maintain electrical equipment in a safe condition. The best way to do this, is to conduct PAT on your equipment and appliances. All electrical systems, from overhead lines, to battery powered / handheld appliances fall into ‘electrical systems‘. Bear in mind, a battery operated piece of equipment, e.g. handheld drill is an appliance falling under the category, ‘electrical systems‘ in regulation 4. It’s a common myth, that devices such as this do not need considering, which is not correct. Risk assessment, some form of inspection and maintenance is therefore required. The Duty Holder, e.g. business owner or general manager, must risk assess all electrical equipment used in the workplace, or for work purposes. This extends as far as a torch used by a security guard. The HSE state the below.

The Electricity at Work Regulation 1989 require that any electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury is maintained in a safe condition. However the Regulations do not specify what needs to be done, by whom or how frequently. E.g. they don’t have inspection or testing of the electrical appliances a legal requirement, nor do they make it a legal requirement to undertake this annually.

Regulation 4 (2) of The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 requires all electrical systems including appliances to be regularly maintained.

Source: Health & Safety Executive.

By testing your portable appliances and equipment will help you comply with the –   

The Hive Collaborative’s (PAT) portable appliance testing is a trusted, reliable and cost-effective process, giving your business complete peace of mind, ensuring onsite and offsite equipment is safe to use. For more information, call 01352 781965. Our Prices are listed below.

PAT (Portable Appliance Testing)
PAT (Portable Appliance Testing)

PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) Pricing

Our PAT pricing is very straight forward. There are no hidden charges. Prices quoted below are for customers within 20 miles of CH7, Mold, North Wales. We’re happy to provide a personal quotation for businesses outside of this area, based on a rate of £30 + VAT per hour.

  • Up to 20 items – £65.00 + VAT fixed rate then,
  • 20 – 150 items – £1.35 + VAT per item, (min charge £65)
  • 151 – 350 items – £1.20 + VAT per item
  • 350 – 499 items – £1.15 + VAT per item
  • Over 500 items – Please ask us for pricing.

We also have open PAT days at our base in Sandycroft. This is ideal if you carry a small number of equipment on your vehicle that needs testing. Please get in touch for available dates.

We can also provide you with a day or hourly rate price if preferred.

  • Repairs to existing cable or plug FREE (where repairable),
  • Supply & fit replacement plug FREE
  • Supply & fit replacement fuse FREE

Our price includes – free remedial repairs, replacement plugs and fuses.

We provide:

  • you with a same day test certificate,
  • guidance on retest periods,
  • timely retest reminders to keep you safe.

Call us on 01352 781965 to enquire, or complete the form below:

How often to test appliances and equipment?

A few factors need to be considered when you are determining how frequent to test your portable equipment and appliances. The frequency of testing and inspection depends upon the type of equipment and the environment that the equipment it is used in. E.g. a power tool used on a construction site, or a hair dryer in a hair salon should be examined more frequently than a lamp in a hotel bedroom. We provide all our customers retest guidance report, and testing reminders for each item.

Our PAT recommendations

With the above HSE statement in mind, we recommend the following system. Start by compiling an asset register of all your equipment falling under ‘electrical systems’, and then follow the steps in the diagram below. Our service includes all steps, but we do require your input on compiling the asset register. The whole cycle is then kept under constant review. This modern, risk based system ensures the workplace is much safer. E.g. If the risk increasing, the frequency of testing increases. Using fixed 12 month testing system is not acceptable, you must test proportionate to the risk.

PAT (Portable Appliance Testing). Risk based PAT Testing Process
Risk based PAT Testing Process

The person doing testing work needs to be competent to do it. In most low-risk low-risk environments, you can use a competent member of staff to undertake the visual inspections if they have enough knowledge and training. Would you be able to satisfy this requirement? Our engineers meet this requirement and regularly undertake CPD training.

Bear in mind though, when undertaking combined inspection and testing, a greater level of knowledge and experience is required, and the person will need:

  • the correct equipment to do the tests,
  • the ability to use this equipment properly,
  • the ability to properly understand the test results.

Our engineers are qualified to City & Guild Level 2 and use industry standard rated equipment.

PAT Good Practice

Ask your employees to complete a relatively brief visual check of their portable electrical devices and equipment in between checks completed formally by a PAT engineer. A checklist can be used to assist this process.

Health & Safety Services

We provide a full health & safety advice & consultancy service. Click here for more information.

We also recommend you read a couple of HSE Publications, HSE INDG163 (Risk assessments) and HSE107 (Maintaining portable electrical equipment). Both of which are available on the HSE website, or easily obtainable via a search engine.