What do we do?
Personalised service
We tailor our PAT Testing service to meet the specific needs of your business, ensuring you only pay for what you require. Whether you need more frequent testing or minor repairs to help certain items pass inspection, Birchley Testing is committed to delivering the highest quality service to keep your business or properties safe.
What is PAT Testing?
Portable appliance testing (PAT testing for short) is a combination of both visual and electronic tests carried out on portable electronic equipment to make sure it is safe to use. Most electrical safety defects can be easily identified by visual testing but certain faults can only be found by electrical testing and may not be visible.
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that any electrical equipment that can potentially cause injury must be maintained in a safe condition. However PAT testing is not a legal requirement and therefore it us up to the business owner to decide, if and how frequently they would like testing performed.
A risk based approach to how often you have items tested and maintained is best in order to prevent danger. You should consider how an item is used, how regularly its moved and what its used for.
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT testing), now officially referred to as the in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment, involves a combination of visual inspections and electronic tests on portable electrical devices to ensure they are safe for use. Although the official terminology has changed, it is still commonly known as PAT testing. While many electrical safety issues can be identified through visual checks, some faults are detectable only through electronic testing.
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that any electrical equipment with the potential to cause injury must be maintained in a safe condition. However, PAT testing itself is not legally mandated, leaving it up to the business owner to determine the necessity and frequency of testing.
According to the latest IET 5th Edition Code of Practice, a risk-based approach is emphasized as the best method for determining how often items should be tested and maintained. The IET advises considering factors such as the type of equipment, how often it is used and moved, and the environment in which it operates. Regular risk assessments and visual checks are recommended as part of ongoing maintenance to prevent danger effectively.
What happens?
After you’ve chosen us to carry out your PAT Testing our service involves the following:
Visual Test
The visual inspection is the most crucial part of a PAT test, as it often identifies issues that an electrical test might miss. For example, it can reveal exposed inner sheathing or wires, broken plugs, burnt extension sockets, and other visible defects that could pose safety risks.
Electrical Test
During this part of the test, the appliance is subjected to a series of electrical tests using a specialised PAT testing machine. These tests identify any faults in the wiring, such as crossed wires, short circuits, or earth problems. Key tests include leakage current, earth continuity, and insulation resistance, ensuring the appliance is safe to use.
Result Logging
Upon completion of testing, we record all results and compile them into a detailed report for your records. Each appliance is labeled with a PASS or FAIL sticker, indicating its safety status. This process provides you with a clear audit trail for electrical safety compliance and aids in future maintenance planning.
Past Experience
Our team has many years of experience in PAT testing covering a wide range of settings and industries. We have all the equipment to fully test and check your appliances to ensure they comply fully with government guidelines and are safe for use.
Building Sites
110/240v cables and tools on sites across the country.
Small Business
Appliance testing for charities and small businesses.
Offices
Both small and 10,000+ item Offices.
Industry
Testing for warehouses and industrial settings.
Larger business?