PAT testing is one of the most affordable forms of business compliance — yet many businesses are unsure what to budget. Prices vary between providers and depend on several factors, but the cost is invariably modest when set against the safety and insurance value it provides.
Typical PAT Testing Price Ranges in the UK
- Per-appliance rate (large volumes, 100+): £0.75–£1.50 per appliance
- Per-appliance rate (medium volumes, 50–100): £1.50–£2.50 per appliance
- Small business (up to 50 appliances): £60–£150 including call-out
- Day-rate testing (100–300 appliances): £200–£400 per day
- Out-of-hours premium: 20–30% surcharge
What Affects the Cost?
- Volume of appliances — more appliances means a lower per-unit rate
- Type of appliances — some specialist items take longer to test
- Location — travel costs apply in remote areas
- Timing — out-of-hours or weekend visits carry a premium
- Additional services — asset registers, emergency lighting, EICR
- Contract arrangements — annual contracts typically offer better rates
What Should Be Included in the Price?
Always ensure that the quoted price includes the test certificate, individual appliance labels (pass/fail stickers), and the digital test report. Some budget providers quote a low per-appliance rate but then charge separately for certificates and labels, making the final cost considerably higher. MES PAT Testing Ltd includes all of these in our standard price.
The Cost of Not Having PAT Testing
HSE improvement notices can lead to fines and business disruption. If a fire or injury occurs and you cannot demonstrate regular testing, your insurance may not pay out. Employment tribunal claims related to unsafe working conditions can be extremely costly. The annual cost of PAT testing is a fraction of these potential consequences.
