Cost Guide · Updated 2026
How much does PAT testing cost in the UK?
Real UK prices for Portable Appliance Testing — call-out fees, per-appliance rates by volume, minimum charges and typical repair costs. Written by working PAT engineers.
Quick answer
The average UK PAT testing cost is £1.00–£3.00 per appliance plus a £30–£60 call-out fee on smaller jobs. Most small businesses pay £90–£180 for a typical visit. Volume brings the per-item rate down — over 100 items usually falls under £1.40 each.
Average PAT testing prices by volume
Indicative UK market rates. SparkSafe pricing sits at the lower end — see our pricing page for our fixed rates.
| Appliances | Call-out fee | Per-item rate | Typical total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–25 items | £40–£60 | £1.80–£3.00 | £70–£120 |
| 26–50 items | £30–£50 | £1.50–£2.00 | £90–£150 |
| 51–100 items | Often waived | £1.20–£1.60 | £100–£180 |
| 101–300 items | Waived | £1.00–£1.40 | £150–£400 |
| 300+ items | Waived | £0.75–£1.10 | Custom quote |
What influences the cost of PAT testing?
Six factors decide the final price on your quote.
Number of appliances
The biggest single driver. Per-item rates fall sharply once you pass 50, 100 and 300 appliances.
Site access & hours
Evening, weekend and out-of-hours work carries a premium. Schools and offices tested in-hours are cheapest.
Condition of equipment
Older kit, damaged plugs and long extension leads take longer and may need minor repairs charged separately.
Location & travel
Central Leicester and Midlands postcodes attract the standard call-out. Remote sites may add mileage.
Retest frequency
Higher-risk environments (construction, kitchens, hire equipment) need testing more often, spreading annual cost.
Reporting requirements
Digital certificates and asset registers are standard. Bespoke reports for insurers or landlords may add a small admin fee.
Repair, fuse & extra costs
Minor fixes are cheap and usually done on the spot so nothing fails unnecessarily.
| Item | Typical charge |
|---|---|
| Replacement 3A / 5A / 13A fuse | £1–£2 each |
| Rewire a moulded plug | £3–£6 each |
| Replace a damaged plug top | £4–£8 each |
| Out-of-hours / weekend visit | +15–25% |
| Additional site (same day) | Reduced call-out |
| Fail item re-test after repair | Usually included |
How to keep PAT testing costs down
- Batch test everything in one visit — call-out fees dominate small jobs.
- Ask for a fixed written quote before the engineer arrives.
- Get pass/fail labels and digital certificates included, not extra.
- Combine sites — many engineers reduce the call-out for a same-day second site.
- Book off-peak (Tue–Thu, in hours) to avoid weekend premiums.
- Retest based on risk, not habit — offices rarely need annual testing.
PAT testing cost — FAQs
How much does PAT testing cost per item in the UK?
Most UK PAT testing companies charge £1.00–£3.00 per appliance, with the rate dropping as volume rises. Under 50 items you typically pay £1.50–£3.00 each; over 100 items falls to around £1.00–£1.40; 300+ items is often under £1.00 each.
Is there a minimum charge for PAT testing?
Yes. Most engineers charge a minimum of £70–£120 for small jobs to cover travel and setup. This usually covers 25–40 items, so it's worth booking a full test rather than a handful of appliances.
Does PAT testing cost include the certificate?
With SparkSafe, yes. Digital certificate, pass/fail labels and a full asset register are included in every quote. Some competitors charge extra for certificates or paper reports — always check.
How much does it cost to fix a failed appliance?
Simple repairs are cheap: replacement fuses are £1–£2, rewiring a plug is £3–£6, and fitting a new plug top is £4–£8. Anything requiring internal repair is quoted separately or scrapped.
How often do I need PAT testing and what will it cost each year?
Offices typically retest every 1–2 years, higher-risk sites annually. Spread over the retest cycle, most small businesses budget £100–£300 per year for PAT testing compliance.
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