What does it cost for you to do PAT Testing for us?
Please note that I am on holiday from Friday 21 March 2008, returning to work Monday, 31 March.
First of all let me point out that, whilst I normally have a fixed price for doing PAT Testing (see below), I am happy to discuss a discount.
I normally charge £1.50 per item tested (no VAT). There is a minimum charge of £60 per site (negotiable for same-day, geographically-close multiple sites with few items), but this does include the testing of the first forty items at that site (if I only test thirty items, it will cost you £60; if I test forty items, it will still only cost you £60; if I test forty-one items, it will cost you £61.50, and so on.). Please note that in the case of most equipment with detachable 'computer' power leads, such as most computers, monitors, etc., these leads are treated as a separate item. For example, a typical PC and monitor combination with detachable leads will total four items: the PC, the monitor, and the two power leads. Following City & Guilds guidelines, this is standard practice in PAT testing. The tests performed on a power lead are quite different from the tests performed on a PC or monitor, etc., as the lead may have a fault that may not be detected whilst it is plugged into the equipment. I do sometimes come across power leads that fail safety tests; unless the lead is tested independently from the equipment that it is plugged into, any fault in the lead may go undetected. Also, it has to be said, I fail more power cables and extension leads than any other item of equipment.
If you want to work out before hand approximately how much it will cost you to have me inspect and test your electrical equipment, then go around each of the sites that you own, counting up the number of items that have either a standard 240 volt three-pin plug or a 16 Amp 240 volt (blue) or 110 volt (yellow) round plug/socket attached, keeping in mind the following points:
- A typical computer set-up is four items and not two (see above).
- All items in the workplace with plugs are tested. This includes computers (including laptop chargers), printers, fax machines, photocopiers, table lamps, kettles, fridges, toasters, phone chargers, vacuum cleaners, power supplies, extension leads, etc. (NB. In the case of equipment that is powered by a rechargeable battery, such as battery hand-held power tools, mobile phones, laptop computers, etc., you only need to supply me with the charger; I don't need access to the equipment itself.)
- In rented property, only the items (with plugs) that are supplied by the landlord need to be tested; personal equipment owned by the tenant is not covered by legislation, and is therefore not tested.
- In residential care homes, etc., all items (with plugs) that are supplied by the care home owner, either for use by the residents or by the staff, need to be tested; personal equipment owned by the residents is not covered by legislation, and is therefore not tested. Typically, bedside lamps, televisions, uplighters, cookers, fridges, kettles, microwaves, vacuum cleaners, etc. need to be tested. Many of these items will be located in the kitchen.
- Don't forget to include items such as chargers for mobile phones, power tools, laptop computers, etc., plus extension leads, power supplies, vacuum cleaners, etc. Check for items in cupboards, desk drawers, and under the stairs!
Next, multiply the total number of items at each site by £1.50 and that will be the total cost for that site, but bear in mind that there is a minimum charge of £60 per site (negotiable for same-day, geographically-close multiple sites with few items). Remember: there is no VAT charged on anything. Also bear in mind that I am happy to negotiate a discount; simply contact me to discuss!
I always remove the covers of rewireable plugs to check for fuse rating, wire condition, etc. In fact, this is where I find a lot of faults. I carry a supply of new standard three-pin plugs and fuses, all BS/ASTA certified, so if an item of equipment under inspection/test needs either a new plug, the plug rewired or the fuse replaced for it to pass the tests, then this work will be carried out free of charge there and then (most contractors that carry out PAT Testing charge additional for this, up to £4 just to re-wire a plug in fact!). I also carry a supply of new, standard IEC ('computer') power cords. If any of these need to be replaced, then they can be supplied at cost for just a couple of pounds each (you may already have a few spares so these could be used instead; after testing them though, of course!). I do not undertake any other electrical repairs.
The four Adobe Acrobat PDF files showing the test results and certificate, are delivered to you by email, copies or which are kept securely and confidentially by myself. I also post to you printed, signed and dated copies of the compact version of the test results and the certificate, plus a signed and dated covering letter. There is, of course, no charge for any of this.
The only other possible charge, which would be exceptional, is where I might charge for travelling expenses (but probably not time) if your site is far away or perhaps difficult to get to (remember, I normally cover just Bristol, South Wales and the South West). Remember: There is no VAT charged on anything.