PAT Testing Guide for Charity Shops

PAT Testing for Charity Shops

Charity shops occupy a unique position when it comes to PAT testing. They need to test both their own shop equipment (tills, computers, kettles) and the donated electrical goods they sell. Getting this right is essential — selling an untested electrical item to a customer creates serious legal and safety risks.

Testing Donated Electrical Goods for Sale

Under the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016, anyone selling electrical goods — including charity shops — must ensure those goods are safe. For donated items, this means:

• Every donated electrical item must be visually inspected and PAT tested before being put on sale
• Items that fail testing must not be sold — they should be disposed of or clearly marked as spares/repairs only
• A record of testing should be maintained
• Tested items should carry a pass label with the test date

Testing Your Shop Equipment

Like any retail premises, charity shops also need to PAT test their own equipment:

• Till systems and card payment terminals
• Computers and printers
• Kettles, microwaves, and fridges in staff areas
• Hoovers and cleaning equipment
• Pricing guns, label machines (if mains-powered)
• Extension leads and portable heaters

Training Volunteers

Many charity shops rely on volunteers. Ensure volunteers know not to put donated electrical items on the shop floor without testing. Establish a clear process: donated electrical items go to a holding area until they have been tested and passed. Items that cannot be tested should not be sold as working items.

Charity Shops in Greater Manchester and Northwest

We provide PAT testing for charity shops across the region at competitive rates. We can test your shop equipment and provide ongoing testing for donated goods — either through regular visits or by training a designated person to perform basic visual inspections between our visits.

Get in Touch

Contact Green Tag PAT for charity shop testing. We understand the unique requirements of charity retail and offer affordable rates to suit charitable budgets.