COST GUIDES
PAT testing costs: Price breakdown 2026 (UK)
Updated 02/26
Typical cost
PAT testing costs in the UK typically range from about £1 to £1.25 per item, with discounts applied for larger volumes.
Minimum visit fee
Many PAT testers charge a call-out or minimum site fee of around £40–£60.
Key cost driver
The number of appliances tested and the testing environment have the biggest impact on the PAT testing cost.
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT testing) checks electrical appliances and equipment to confirm they are safe to use.
Businesses, landlords, and workplaces commonly use this service to manage electrical safety and compliance.
This guide explains how much PAT testing costs in the UK in 2026, what affects pricing, and how to budget accurately before booking this service.
PAT testing isn’t legally required, but it’s commonly used to support compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and must be carried out by a competent person.
How much does PAT testing cost (2026 prices)?
PAT testing companies in the UK usually charge in one of two ways:
Per item cost — common for most jobs
Hourly or day rates — sometimes used for larger sites or special circumstances
| No of items to be PAT tested | Average UK cost |
|---|---|
| 1–50 (each) | £1.25 |
| 51–100 (each) | £1 |
| Last updated: June 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |
PAT testing per item cost
Most testers charge per item, with the unit rate usually decreasing as the number of appliances increases:
Smaller jobs (e.g. up to 50 items): £1.25 per item
Larger jobs (50+ items): £1 per item due to volume discount
PAT testing — hourly rates
Hourly rates where used: £40–£60 per hour
Out of hours work will be charged at a higher rate, and can rise to £80–£100 per hour
PAT testing costs in London
PAT testing costs in London and the South East are often higher than the UK average, with higher minimum fees or hourly rates.
PAT testing for landlords cost
| No of items to be PAT tested | Average UK cost |
|---|---|
| Up to 10 | £45 |
| Up to 20 | £55 |
| Up to 30 | £65 |
| Last updated: June 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |
PAT testing for landlords is often charged at one price for a set number of items:
For a smaller property with up to 10 items: £45
For a larger property with up to 30 items: £65
Extra items can be added on for an extra cost of around £1 per item. The latter is usually required for HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation), blocks of flats, or larger properties.
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What affects PAT testing costs?
Several factors can influence how much PAT testing costs:
Number of appliances — More items usually increases total cost but reduces the per item cost with volume
Testing environment — Offices are generally quicker to work in than industrial or crowded spaces
Minimum fee — Small jobs often have a base charge to cover setup and travel
Region/location — London and major cities often have higher labour costs
Reporting and certification — Certificates or detailed reports may come with a small additional fee
Understanding these factors helps you compare quotes fairly and avoid under-budgeting.
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Additional costs to budget for
When planning for PAT testing, consider whether the quote includes:
Certification and documentation
Labels for tested appliances
Retesting of failed appliances
Minor repairs (e.g. fuses or plugs)
Call-out and travel fees
Always ask what’s included so you don’t get unexpected charges.
By law, landlords must have the electrical installations in their rented properties inspected and tested by a qualified, competent person at least every 5 years, with an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) provided to tenants within 28 days.
How long does PAT testing take?
The time required for PAT testing depends on the number and accessibility of items:
Small jobs: 30 mins – 1 hour
Medium jobs: 1–3 hours
Large properties or offices: several hours
Preparing appliances so they’re easy to access can reduce the total time and cost.
PAT testing cost calculator
Use our calculator to estimate average PAT testing costs based on the number of items, location, and testing model (per item or hourly).
Job Estimate Calculator
This calculator provides a guide price only, not a quote. Actual costs vary by location and tester.
What’s included in PAT testing quotes?
Most PAT testing quotes should include:
Visual inspection
Electrical testing
Reporting and labelling of passed items
Often excluded:
Fault repairs (budget for an average cost of £40–£80)
Detailed documentation beyond standard certificates
Travel costs (if not covered in the minimum fee)
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Hiring a PAT tester vs DIY
PAT testing requires both visual and electrical testing skills.
While anyone competent can perform a basic check, most landlords and businesses choose a qualified electrician due to compliance needs and liability considerations.
DIY testing without proper equipment and competence can miss faults and may not give valid results.
Signs you may need PAT testing
You should consider PAT testing if:
You're a landlord supplying appliances in a rented property
You manage an office or workplace with multiple appliances
You have electrical equipment that’s been moved or installed recently
You want documented proof of safety for insurance or compliance
PAT testing cost checklist
Find a PAT testing company near you
PAT testing is a core electrical safety task, so choosing the right contractor matters.
Search your postcode to compare checked, reviewed PAT testers working in your area and request quotes with confidence.
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PAT testing cost FAQs
How much does PAT testing cost?
In the UK, PAT testing costs usually start from around £1.25 per item, with a minimum call-out fee often around £40–£60. Per item fees decrease the more items that need testing.
What is PAT testing per item cost?
PAT testing prices per item tend to fall as more appliances are tested — smaller jobs are usually towards the top of the price range.
What is PAT testing?
PAT testing (Portable Appliance Testing) checks electrical appliances that plug into a socket to ensure they’re safe to use.
It involves a visual inspection and electrical tests to identify faults that could cause electric shock, fire, or other hazards, and is carried out by a qualified electrician or competent person.
Is PAT testing legally required?
PAT testing is not a statutory requirement in the UK, but it’s widely used as part of a robust electrical safety regime. It’s a key part of landlords meeting their legal obligations to maintain high standards of electrical safety in their rented property.
Does PAT testing cost more in London?
Yes — PAT testing costs in London are generally higher than the UK average due to local labour rates and demand.
What is the cost of PAT testing for landlords?
Landlords typically pay for PAT testing the same way as other customers — per item or with packaged rates — but volume pricing and multi-property deals can reduce the average cost.
How often should PAT testing be done?
There’s no legal frequency for PAT testing, but many businesses and landlords test annually or at tenancy change-over.
How frequently do I need to get electrical equipment PAT tested?
It depends on the type of equipment to be tested. For example, IT equipment in offices, shops and hotels only needs testing every 48 months. However, equipment on industrial sites and in commercial kitchens should be tested every 6-12 months, depending on the appliance.
Many businesses choose to get PAT testing done once a year as part of an annual maintenance schedule.
Will I receive any PAT testing documentation?
You should receive a PAT testing certificate from the testing company. You can use this certificate to prove compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, should you need to.
Does all electrical equipment need PAT testing?
New equipment won’t need PAT testing, as it should be supplied in a safe condition. If the equipment is in a low-risk workplace and is not likely to have been moved or damaged, it may not need PAT testing. In this case, a visual check for damage will be sufficient.
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