What's Included in Our PAT Testing Service
PAT testing involves a visual inspection of each appliance followed by electrical tests appropriate to the item, checking things like earth continuity, insulation resistance, and overall safety. Every appliance is labelled with a pass or fail sticker and the test date, and you'll receive a full written record of everything tested. We can test anything from kettles and computer equipment to larger workshop or catering appliances.
Why Choose Paredes Electrical for PAT Testing
- Fast turnaround, minimal disruption to your working day
- Clear pass/fail labelling and full written records for every appliance
- Competitive rates for larger batches of appliances
- Experience testing office, retail, hospitality and workshop equipment
- Flexible scheduling, including outside normal working hours where needed
We're a small, local team rather than a national call centre, so when you get in touch about pat testing you speak directly to someone who can give you a straight answer. Every job is carried out by our own NAPIT-registered electricians, so you know exactly who is doing the work and the standard to expect.
Our PAT Testing Process
Let us know roughly how many appliances need testing and what type of premises you're in, and we'll give you a price and arrange a convenient time. We work through your appliances systematically, testing and labelling each one, and flag anything that fails along with an explanation of why. You'll receive a complete written record afterwards, useful for insurance purposes and demonstrating compliance with workplace safety requirements.
Signs You Might Need PAT Testing
PAT testing is worth arranging if you run a business with staff or customers using electrical equipment, you're a landlord providing appliances in a rental property, your insurance policy requires evidence of regular testing, or you simply haven't had appliances tested recently and want peace of mind. There's no fixed legal interval for PAT testing, but regular testing is widely regarded as good practice and often expected by insurers.
Getting an Accurate Quote
Pricing for PAT testing is usually based on the number of appliances, with per-item rates typically reducing for larger batches. We'll ask roughly how many items you have and give you a straightforward quote before booking. Across our Northampton, Milton Keynes and Wellingborough client base, we test everything from a handful of items in a small office through to larger batches in retail, hospitality and workshop settings.
Something Worth Knowing
Beyond the safety benefits, having up-to-date PAT testing records can also matter for insurance purposes and, for landlords, demonstrating you've taken reasonable steps to keep tenants safe. We keep our testing straightforward and unobtrusive, working around your business hours where needed so testing doesn't disrupt your day-to-day operations. For businesses with a rolling programme of testing, we're happy to set up a repeat schedule so you're not left wondering when the next test is due, we can get in touch when it's time to book the next round.
Serving Northampton, Milton Keynes and Wellingborough
We work with a range of businesses across Northampton, Milton Keynes and Wellingborough, from small offices and shops through to larger workshops and hospitality venues. Each environment has slightly different testing needs and intervals based on how equipment is used, and we'll advise on a sensible testing schedule for your specific setup rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
For larger sites or businesses with equipment across multiple floors or departments, we can plan the visit to minimise disruption, working through areas systematically rather than requiring everything to stop at once. We're also happy to test new equipment as it's brought into service, rather than waiting for the next scheduled full testing round, if that suits your operations better.
Frequently Asked Questions: PAT Testing
Is PAT testing a legal requirement?
There's no single law mandating PAT testing specifically, but employers have a general duty under health and safety law to ensure electrical equipment is safe, and PAT testing is the standard way of demonstrating that.
How often should appliances be PAT tested?
This depends on the type of appliance and environment. Higher-risk equipment in workshops or kitchens may need annual testing, while office equipment can often go longer between tests. We can advise based on your setup.
How long does PAT testing take for a small office?
A small office with a modest number of appliances can often be completed within a couple of hours. Larger sites or more appliances will take longer, we'll give you a time estimate upfront.
What happens if an appliance fails the test?
We'll label it clearly as failed and explain the reason. It's then up to you whether to have it repaired or replaced, we won't carry out repairs on appliances ourselves as part of the PAT visit.
Do you provide a certificate or record after PAT testing?
Yes, you'll receive a full written record listing every appliance tested, the result, and the date, useful for compliance and insurance purposes.
Do new appliances need PAT testing before use?
New appliances don't strictly need testing immediately, but many businesses choose to test on receipt to establish a baseline record.
Can you test appliances on-site or do they need to be brought to you?
We test on-site, visiting your premises and working through appliances in place, so there's no need to transport anything.
Do you PAT test IT equipment like computers and monitors?
Yes, IT equipment is one of the most common categories we test in office environments, alongside kitchen and workshop appliances.
Do you offer a discount for regular repeat PAT testing customers?
Yes, we're happy to discuss ongoing rates for businesses that need regular repeat testing on a set schedule, get in touch to talk through what would work best for you.
We Serve These Areas
We carry out pat testing across Northampton and the surrounding towns, including:
See our full areas we serve page for everywhere we cover.
Our Other Services
Alongside pat testing, we also offer:
See our full services overview for everything we offer.
