Written on 06 September 2025.

Portable Appliance Testing

Portable Appliance Testing (known as PAT Testing), more recently dubbed "Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment" or Electrical Equipment Testing (EET) was a positive development coming originally from the Electricity At Work Regulations 1989, which came into force in 1990. These regulations set out to raise the standards of electrical safety within industry and commerce. This became the starting point for what is now known widely as PAT testing.

The inspections and tests are designed to enable a competent person to ensure, as far as practicable, that electrical equipment remains safe to use. Generally, PAT tests are carried out "on site" unless there are only a few items to be tested that are easily transportable. Items in the home do not require PAT testing unless they were supplied by a landlord as part of a tenancy. Likewise, new in-box electrical items also typically do not require PAT testing, as they are deemed to have been designed and manufactured safely. However items coming from unknown sources, or used items that are being given, sold or lent should be checked over to ensure continued safety. For instance, if you lend out a power tool, it should be regularly maintained and checked for damage and electrical safety.

For this reason and as part of our Clackmannanshire Tool Library preparations, we have invested in a PAT test machine, and have a fully qualified volunteer who can carry out the required inspections and tests, and where possible to carry out repairs. If you need some items checked over, we can now offer this service by appointment. We have a pricing guide laid out below:

For more details you can get in touch via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Our inspection and testing prices include :

Thorough visual inspection
Electrical safety testing
Pass and fail labels
Test and inspection certificate
VAT

If an appliance fails an inspection, sometimes repairs can be carried out cheaply. We can advise on this.

While you wait (by appointment)

One item - Donation of £5

Just have a single item, like a phone / tablet / laptop / drill charger you want checked over? Bring it to us and we can check it for you.

Two items - Donation of £9

Only two items you want checked over? Bring them to us and we can check them for you.

Three items - Donation of £13

Only three items you want checked over? Bring them to us and we can check them for you.

If you would like to bring more than three items to us for testing at one time, contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to arrange and for pricing.

You can pay by cash or card.

On site PAT testing and inspection

We come to you to carry out the checks. Appliances and their plugs must be accessible.

Up to five items - Donation of £20

If you only need up to five items checked.

Up to ten items - Donation of £35

If you need up to ten items checked.

Up to twenty items - Donation of £60

Ideal for a small office, or a tradesman.

Up to thirty items - Donation of £85

For a medium sized retail space or office.

Up to forty items - Donation of £100

Ideal for a larger office space.