How much should you charge for EICRs, PAT testing, initial verification, and periodic inspections in 2026? This guide covers every type of electrical testing cost in the UK, with pricing tables by property size and practical advice on maximising your testing profitability.
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Written and reviewed by Andrew Moore, founder of Elec-Mate, against BS 7671:2018+A4:2026, IET Guidance Note 3 and the IET On-Site Guide.
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Electrical testing is a core revenue stream for UK electricians. Whether you specialise in periodic inspection, initial verification, or PAT testing, getting your pricing right is the difference between profitable work and burning out on thin margins.
The testing market has grown significantly since the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 made EICRs a legal requirement for all privately rented properties. With approximately 4.4 million private rented households in England, demand for EICR certificates is substantial and recurring.
This guide covers every type of electrical testing cost — EICR pricing by property size, PAT testing rates, initial verification fees, and periodic inspection costs for both domestic and commercial installations. All prices reflect 2026 UK market rates.
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EICR pricing varies by property size, number of circuits, number of distribution boards, and the age and condition of the installation. The prices below are for the inspection and report only — remedial work is additional.
The quickest domestic EICR. A single consumer unit with few circuits means testing is fast. Be cautious with older conversion flats that may have shared circuits or inadequate earthing.
The bread-and-butter of landlord EICRs. Extensions, loft conversions, and outbuilding supplies often add a second distribution board, pushing prices towards the higher end.
HMOs and commercial premises are the highest-value EICRs. Multiple boards, specialist circuits, three-phase supplies, and coordination with tenants or business operations all justify premium pricing. Large commercial installations are typically priced on a day rate of £300 to £500.
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PAT testing is commonly priced per item for bulk work or per hour for smaller jobs. The pricing model you choose depends on the number of appliances and the client type.
| Pricing Model | Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Per item (bulk) | £1 — £3 | Offices, schools, landlords with 50+ items |
| Per item (small job) | £3 — £5 | Small businesses with 10 — 30 items |
| Hourly rate | £60 — £120/hr | Mixed jobs under 20 items |
| Day rate | £300 — £500/day | Large sites, factories, universities |
PAT testing can be a profitable add-on service when offered alongside EICR inspections. A landlord who needs an EICR on a rented property often also needs PAT testing on appliances provided with the tenancy. Offering both in a single visit reduces travel time and increases your revenue per job.
Initial verification is the testing and certification carried out when a new electrical installation or alteration is completed. It results in an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) or a Minor Works Certificate, depending on the scope of work.
For most electricians, the cost of initial verification is built into the installation price. You do not quote separately for the EIC — it is part of the job. However, there are situations where standalone initial verification is needed:
A building control body or approved inspector may require an EIC from a registered competent person.
Some clients, contractors, or local authorities require initial verification by an independent third party (not the installing electrician).
Large commercial installations often require initial verification documentation as part of the handover package.
Professional quotes with the remedial estimator, then invoice from your phone the moment the work is done. From £6.99/mo.
Try the quoting tools freePeriodic inspection (EICR) frequencies are recommended by BS 7671 and IET Guidance Note 3. The required interval affects how often clients need your services and therefore how you build long-term relationships.
| Installation Type | Max Interval | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic (owner-occupied) | 10 years | Or on change of occupancy |
| Private rented | 5 years | Legal requirement since 2020 |
| Commercial | 5 years | Insurance may require shorter |
| Industrial | 3 years | Harsh environments may need more |
| Swimming pools | 1 year | Special location requirements |
| Caravan parks | 1 year | Seasonal inspection common |
Building a client base of landlords, letting agents, and commercial property managers who need periodic inspections at regular intervals creates a predictable, recurring income stream. Track inspection due dates using Elec-Mate and proactively contact clients before their next EICR is due.
The most common mistake electricians make with testing work is undercharging because they fail to account for the full cost of their time. The testing itself is only part of the job — you also need to factor in travel, report completion, and administration.
Add up all your annual costs (van, insurance, tools, calibration, scheme membership, software, training…
A 3-hour EICR is not a 3-hour job. Add travel time (30 to 60 minutes each way), report completion (30 to 90 minutes if done manually)…
This is the single biggest way to increase profitability. If you save 45 minutes per certificate by completing everything on site with Elec-Mate…
Elec-Mate's voice test entry, AI board scanner, and instant PDF delivery mean you leave site with the certificate done, the quote sent…
Try it free for 7 daysEvery minute saved on a testing job is a minute you can spend on the next one. Elec-Mate is built to eliminate the administrative overhead of electrical testing and certification.
Photograph the consumer unit and the AI reads MCB/RCBO ratings, circuit details, and board layout. The EICR starts pre-filled with board data — saving 15 to 30 minutes per inspection.
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