PAT Testing — Cheshire & the North West
PAT testing (portable appliance testing) for businesses and landlords across Cheshire, Manchester and the North West. Keep your workplace safe and compliant with a full PAT test certificate. From offices and factories to retail units and rental properties, we test all types of portable electrical equipment.
What is PAT Testing?
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is the process of checking electrical appliances for safety through a combination of visual inspection and electronic testing. It helps prevent electrical accidents, fires, and injuries in the workplace.
Why is PAT Testing Important?
- Protects employees and visitors from electrical hazards
- Demonstrates compliance with health and safety regulations
- Reduces risk of electrical fires
- Often required for insurance purposes
- Identifies faulty equipment before accidents occur
What We Test
- Computers, monitors, and IT equipment
- Kitchen appliances - kettles, microwaves, fridges
- Power tools and workshop equipment
- Extension leads and power strips
- Portable heaters and fans
Our PAT Testing Process
We follow the IET Code of Practice for in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment, ensuring thorough and compliant testing of all your portable appliances.
Visual Inspection
Thorough examination of the appliance, cable, and plug for visible damage, wear, or defects that could pose a safety risk.
Earth Continuity Test
Verification that the earth connection is intact and provides a safe path for fault current in Class I appliances.
Insulation Resistance Test
Measurement of the insulation between live parts and earth to ensure there are no dangerous leakage currents.
Polarity Check
Confirmation that the appliance is wired correctly with live, neutral, and earth in the correct positions.
Functional Check
Operational test to ensure the appliance works correctly and safely under normal operating conditions.
Labelling & Documentation
Application of pass/fail labels and comprehensive documentation including test results and next test date.
PAT Testing for Every Business Type
We provide PAT testing services for all types of businesses and premises across the North West, from small offices to large industrial facilities.
Office & Commercial PAT Testing
Comprehensive portable appliance testing for offices, retail premises, and commercial buildings. We test computers, monitors, kettles, microwaves, and all other portable electrical equipment.
Industrial & Factory PAT Testing
Heavy-duty PAT testing for industrial environments including factories, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities. We understand the unique requirements of industrial electrical equipment.
Retail & Hospitality PAT Testing
PAT testing services for shops, restaurants, hotels, and hospitality venues. Keep your customer-facing equipment safe and compliant with health and safety requirements.
Landlord & Rental Property PAT Testing
PAT testing for rental properties, HMOs, and landlord-owned appliances. Ensure your tenants are safe and your property meets all legal requirements.
Competitive PAT Testing Rates
Transparent, competitive pricing with no hidden costs. Volume discounts available for larger quantities.
Small Business
Up to 50 items
£1.50 per item
- Full visual inspection
- Electrical testing
- Pass/fail labels
- Digital certificate
- Asset register
Medium Business
51-150 items
£1.00 per item
- Full visual inspection
- Electrical testing
- Pass/fail labels
- Digital certificate
- Asset register
- Remedial recommendations
Large Business
150+ items
From £0.75 per item
- Full visual inspection
- Electrical testing
- Pass/fail labels
- Digital certificate
- Asset register
- Remedial recommendations
- Volume discounts
Prices exclude VAT. Call-out charges may apply for remote locations.Contact us for a custom quote.
PAT Testing FAQs
Common questions about portable appliance testing answered.
What is PAT testing?
PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) is the examination of electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use. It involves a visual inspection and electrical tests using specialist equipment to check insulation resistance, earth continuity, and other safety parameters.
Is PAT testing a legal requirement?
While there is no specific law requiring PAT testing, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that all electrical equipment used in the workplace is maintained in a safe condition. PAT testing is the most practical way to demonstrate compliance with this requirement and is often required by insurance companies.
How often should PAT testing be done?
Testing frequency depends on the type of equipment and environment. Office equipment typically requires testing every 2-4 years, while construction site tools may need testing every 3 months. We can advise on the appropriate testing schedule for your specific situation based on IET guidelines.
What happens if an appliance fails?
Failed appliances are clearly labelled as unsafe and should be removed from service immediately. We provide detailed information on why the item failed and can often advise on whether repair is worthwhile or if replacement is recommended.
Do you provide certificates?
Yes, we provide comprehensive digital certificates and detailed test reports for all PAT testing. This includes an asset register of all tested items, individual test results, and pass/fail status for your records and insurance purposes.
Can you test during business hours?
Absolutely. Our PAT testing is designed to cause minimal disruption to your business. We can work around your schedule, test equipment in situ, and ensure your operations continue smoothly during testing.
Recommended Testing Frequencies
Testing frequency depends on the equipment type and environment. Here are the IET recommended intervals.
| Environment | Equipment Type | Suggested Interval |
|---|---|---|
| Office | IT Equipment | Up to 4 years |
| Office | Portable equipment | 2 years |
| Retail | Hand-held equipment | 1 year |
| Industrial | Portable tools | 6 months - 1 year |
| Construction | 110V tools | 3 months |
| Hire Equipment | All equipment | Before each hire |
These are suggested intervals based on IET Code of Practice. Actual requirements may vary based on risk assessment.
Book Your PAT Testing Today
Keep your workplace safe and compliant with professional PAT testing. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your requirements.
Where we carry out PAT testing
We work across Northwich and the surrounding CW8 and CW9 villages every week — including Weaverham, Hartford, Davenham, Barnton, Cuddington, Sandiway, Winnington, Kingsmead, Leftwich, Rudheath, Lostock Gralam, and Wincham. On-site portable appliance testing for offices, schools, landlords and commercial premises.
Beyond Northwich, we cover the wider Cheshire and North West area from our Northwich base. Pick your town for local detail:
Also covering Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Macclesfield, Altrincham, Stockport, Chester, Ellesmere Port, Crewe, Manchester, Liverpool.