Portable Appliance Testing in Abertillery

County: East Wales

Portable Appliance Testing, often shortened to PAT, is a safety check for electrical appliances that are plugged into mains sockets in your home or workplace. The main goal is to ensure that these devices are safe to use and don't pose a risk of electrical shock or fire. PAT testing is especially important if you regularly use appliances that are moved around, such as kettles, vacuum cleaners, power tools, or extension leads. While not usually a legal requirement for private homeowners, PAT testing is commonly recommended as part of good housekeeping, especially for landlords, businesses, or rental properties. You might arrange PAT testing when: - You want to ensure your electrical appliances remain safe. - You’re a landlord preparing for a new tenant. - You need to comply with insurance requirements. - You have recently had electrical work done and want to verify safety.

Open full page →

⭐ Introduction

PAT testing is especially important if you regularly use appliances that are moved around, such as kettles, vacuum cleaners, power tools, or extension leads. While not usually a legal requirement for private homeowners, PAT testing is commonly recommended as part of good housekeeping, especially for landlords, businesses, or rental properties.

You might arrange PAT testing when:

You want to ensure your electrical appliances remain safe.
You’re a landlord preparing for a new tenant.
You need to comply with insurance requirements.
You have recently had electrical work done and want to verify safety.

🔧 What the job involves

PAT testing checks the electrical safety of portable appliances by carrying out a variety of simple inspections and tests. It usually involves two main stages:

Visual inspection
The electrician examines the appliance and its cord to look for obvious signs of damage, wear or faulty connections. This can include cracked casings, frayed cables, or loose plugs.
Electrical testing
The tester uses portable PAT testing equipment to check that the appliance’s insulation is sound, that the earth connection is working properly (if applicable), and that it doesn’t leak current. The tester often performs:
- Earth continuity test.
- Insulation resistance test.
- Functional test (plugging in and switching on).

Once tested, each appliance is typically labelled with a pass or fail sticker. Appliances that fail will need repair or replacement.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

Enquiry
Contact your chosen electrician or PAT testing service. Explain what appliances you want tested and the size of the job.
Survey / Quote
The electrician may arrange a visit or ask for photos of your appliances to provide an accurate quote. They advise on any preparations.
Scheduling
Agree a convenient date and time for the PAT testing. Typically, the electrician can complete this in a few hours depending on the number of appliances.
Day of works
The electrician arrives and carries out the visual and electrical tests on each appliance. Appliances with faults are noted.
Wrap-up
You receive a detailed report showing which appliances passed or failed, plus any recommendations. Portable Appliance Test certificates are provided if requested.

💷 Main costs to expect

Labour: Charged per hour or per appliance. Typical charge around £20–£40/hour.
Materials: PAT stickers or labels cost a few £ per appliance but usually included in the labour cost.
Extras: Repair or replacement of faulty appliances is additional.
Disposal: Removing failed appliances may incur small fees if arranged.
Certification: Test certificates can be included or charged extra (£10–£30).

Example breakdown

Item	Typical Cost
Labour for 20 appliances	£60–£100
PAT labels (included)	£0
Certification documentation	£15
Minor appliance repairs	£50+ (if required)

📊 What affects the price

Number of appliances to test — more appliances take longer.
Accessibility — Appliances stored in hard-to-reach places add time.
Appliance type and complexity — Some equipment needs additional tests.
Condition of appliances — More faulty items extend the job.
Whether a full report and certification are required.
Location — Travel distance and geographic area can affect costs.
Urgency — Short notice or weekend work may incur premium charges.

⏱ How long does it take?

Small jobs (10–20 appliances): Around 1–2 hours. For example, a homeowner’s typical kitchen and living room appliances.
Medium jobs (20–50 appliances): 2–4 hours. Suitable for landlords with a number of tenant appliances.
Large or complex jobs (50+ appliances): Several hours, possibly over multiple visits.

The testing itself per appliance usually takes only a few minutes, but preparation and recording results add time.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

While some people buy PAT testers and apply labels themselves, it’s generally safer and more reliable to use a qualified electrician. Reasons include:

Interpreting test readings requires technical knowledge.
Ensuring your testing is compliant with UK guidelines.
Safely handling electrical appliances during testing.
Some appliances (particularly those classed as Class I or with complex wiring) need specialist skills.

For typical homeowner needs, professional PAT testing offers peace of mind and proper documentation.

💰 Typical UK price range

For standard residential PAT testing, expect £50–£150 plus VAT, depending on job size and location. Larger or commercial jobs cost more.

This estimate includes labour, basic certification, and labels, but excludes repairs or disposal fees. Prices vary by region and electrician.

✅ Handy tips before you start

Organise appliances: Gather all the devices you want tested in an accessible area.
Identify appliances: Label items beforehand if possible to speed up the process.
Unplug safely: Remove any fragile or irreplaceable items near appliances.
Keep paperwork: Store certificates and reports safely — they may be useful for future insurance or sales.
Maintenance: Regularly inspect appliances yourself for damage or wear between tests.
Hire a reputable electrician: Check qualifications, such as NICEIC or ELECSA accreditation.

Following these steps ensures your PAT testing runs smoothly, keeps your home safe, and complies with recommended best practices.

Checkatrade Which? Trusted Traders TrustATrader MyBuilder Rated People

Other electricians projects in Abertillery

Appliance Repair
Appliance Repair by a vetted local pro.
Bathroom TV Installation
Bathroom TV Installation by a vetted local pro.
Ceiling Fan Installation
Ceiling Fan Installation by a vetted local pro.
Chandelier Installation
Chandelier Installation by a vetted local pro.
Change a hard wired appliance point to a normal power socket
Change a hard wired appliance point to a normal power socket by a vetted local pro.
Connect a cooker or other appliance to an existing hard-wired power outlet
Connect a cooker or other appliance to an existing hard-wired power outlet by a vetted local pro.
Cooker Hood Repair
Cooker Hood Repair by a vetted local pro.
Diagnose and fix an electrical fault
Diagnose and fix an electrical fault by a vetted local pro.
Dimmer Switches Installation
Dimmer Switches Installation by a vetted local pro.
Disconnect a hard-wired cooker or other appliance
Disconnect a hard-wired cooker or other appliance by a vetted local pro.
Do one hour’s electrical work
Do one hour’s electrical work by a vetted local pro.
Drive Over Lights
Drive Over Lights by a vetted local pro.
EICR: Electrical Inspection Condition Report
EICR: Electrical Inspection Condition Report by a vetted local pro.
EPC Certificate
EPC Certificate by a vetted local pro.
Electric Blind
Electric Blind by a vetted local pro.
Electric Car Charger Installation
Electric Car Charger Installation by a vetted local pro.
Electric Fire Installation
Electric Fire Installation by a vetted local pro.
Electric Shower
Electric Shower by a vetted local pro.
Electrical Safety Check
Electrical Safety Check by a vetted local pro.
Electrical Wall Box
Electrical Wall Box by a vetted local pro.
Electrician Hourly Rate
Electrician Hourly Rate by a vetted local pro.
Emergency Electrician
Emergency Electrician by a vetted local pro.
Ethernet and Phone Lines
Ethernet and Phone Lines by a vetted local pro.
Extend wiring for new light where there hasn’t been one before
Extend wiring for new light where there hasn’t been one before by a vetted local pro.
Fire Suppression System
Fire Suppression System by a vetted local pro.
Fit switched fused spur for boiler or other appliance
Fit switched fused spur for boiler or other appliance by a vetted local pro.
Fix a light or light switch which isn’t working properly
Fix a light or light switch which isn’t working properly by a vetted local pro.
Fix a socket which isn’t working
Fix a socket which isn’t working by a vetted local pro.
Fix a tripping fusebox
Fix a tripping fusebox by a vetted local pro.
Fix an electric heater
Fix an electric heater by a vetted local pro.
Fix an extractor fan
Fix an extractor fan by a vetted local pro.
Fix an intercom which isn’t working correctly
Fix an intercom which isn’t working correctly by a vetted local pro.
Fix or replace bathroom pull switch
Fix or replace bathroom pull switch by a vetted local pro.
Hive Installation
Hive Installation by a vetted local pro.
Home Cinema
Home Cinema by a vetted local pro.
Home Generator Installation
Home Generator Installation by a vetted local pro.
Home Lift
Home Lift by a vetted local pro.
Indoor Lights Decor
Indoor Lights Decor by a vetted local pro.
Install Hot Tub power
Running a Hot Tub by a vetted local pro.
Install Recessed Lighting
Installing Recessed Lighting by a vetted local pro.
Install Smart Garage Door Opener
Smart Garage Door Opener by a vetted local pro.
Install Smart Lighting
Smart Lighting by a vetted local pro.
Install Under-Cabinet Lighting
Installing Under-Cabinet Lighting by a vetted local pro.
Install a Smart Meter
Smart Meter by a vetted local pro.
Install a light (to existing wiring)
Install a light (to existing wiring) by a vetted local pro.
Install a nest thermostat
Install a nest thermostat by a vetted local pro.
Install a new power outlet for a cooker or other hard-wired appliance and connect the appliance
Install a new power outlet for a cooker or other hard-wired appliance and connect the appliance by a vetted local pro.
Install an additional aerial socket
Install an additional aerial socket by a vetted local pro.
Install an additional light switch
Install an additional light switch by a vetted local pro.
Install an additional power socket
Install an additional power socket by a vetted local pro.
Install earth bonding
Install earth bonding by a vetted local pro.
Install new power outlet for a cooker or other hard-wired appliance and connect the appliance
Install new power outlet for a cooker or other hard-wired appliance and connect the appliance by a vetted local pro.
Install new smoke or heat detector
Install new smoke or heat detector by a vetted local pro.
Install or replace a Fusebox
Install or replace a Fusebox by a vetted local pro.
Lawn Mower Repair
Lawn Mower Repair by a vetted local pro.
Loss of power
Loss of power by a vetted local pro.
Motion Sensor Lights Installation
Motion Sensor Lights Installation by a vetted local pro.
Move a light
Move a light by a vetted local pro.
Move a light switch
Move a light switch by a vetted local pro.
Move a power socket
Move a power socket by a vetted local pro.
Move a smoke or heat detector
Move a smoke or heat detector by a vetted local pro.
Move an Electric Meter
Moving an Electric Meter by a vetted local pro.
Move an aerial socket
Move an aerial socket by a vetted local pro.
Move an electric heater
Move an electric heater by a vetted local pro.
Move an intercom handset
Move an intercom handset by a vetted local pro.
New Electric Fuse Box
New Electric Fuse Box by a vetted local pro.
New Plug Sockets
New Plug Sockets by a vetted local pro.
Outdoor Cinema
Outdoor Cinema by a vetted local pro.
Outdoor Lights
Outdoor Lights by a vetted local pro.
Outdoor Socket Installation
Outdoor Socket Installation by a vetted local pro.
Oven Installation
Oven Installation by a vetted local pro.
Oven Repair
Oven Repair by a vetted local pro.
PIV Installation
PIV Installation by a vetted local pro.
Parking Sensor Installation
Parking Sensor Installation by a vetted local pro.
Projector Installation
Projector Installation by a vetted local pro.
Repair or fix a fire alarm or fire alarm system
Repair or fix a fire alarm or fire alarm system by a vetted local pro.
Replace Circuit Breakers
Replacing Circuit Breakers by a vetted local pro.
Replace a fire alarm/smoke detector
Replace a fire alarm/smoke detector by a vetted local pro.
Replace a light switch
Replace a light switch by a vetted local pro.
Replace a power socket
Replace a power socket by a vetted local pro.
Replace an aerial socket
Replace an aerial socket by a vetted local pro.
Replace an electric fire
Replace an electric fire by a vetted local pro.
Replace an electric heater
Replace an electric heater by a vetted local pro.
Replace an extractor fan
Replace an extractor fan by a vetted local pro.
Replace an intercom handset
Replace an intercom handset by a vetted local pro.
Rewire a House
Rewire a House by a vetted local pro.
Roof Heating Cable Installation
Roof Heating Cable Installation by a vetted local pro.
Smart Home Installation
Smart Home Installation by a vetted local pro.
Smart Plugs
Smart Plugs by a vetted local pro.
Smart Speakers
Smart Speakers by a vetted local pro.
Smoke Alarm Installation
Smoke Alarm Installation by a vetted local pro.
Solar Battery
Solar Battery by a vetted local pro.
Solar Panel Installation
Solar Panel Installation by a vetted local pro.
Solar Panel Maintenance
Solar Panel Maintenance by a vetted local pro.
Stairlift Installation
Stairlift Installation by a vetted local pro.
Storage Heaters
Storage Heaters by a vetted local pro.
TV Aerial Installation
TV Aerial Installation by a vetted local pro.
TV Screen Repair
TV Screen Repair by a vetted local pro.
Wind Turbine Installation
Wind Turbine Installation by a vetted local pro.
Wireless Light Switch
Wireless Light Switch by a vetted local pro.

Are you a Tradesperson or business owner?

Grow your business with Fixington — tools and services for electricians, plumbers and heating engineers.

1) Fixington app

Estimate, schedule and invoice on the go with our iPhone app and web tools.

More info Buy

2) Fixdd job management

Manage jobs from quote to invoice, take card payments, and keep customers updated.

Visit fixdd.com

3) Get listed on Fixington

Appear where customers are searching. Showcase reviews and get discovered locally.

See all services for tradespeople