Browns Electrical provides portable appliance testing PAT for commercial premises, HMOs and rental properties across Cheshire. UK law requires that electrical equipment is maintained so far as reasonably practicable to prevent danger, and PAT is a practical way to show that duty of care has been met in workplaces and rented homes.
Portable appliance testing is a combination of visual checks and electrical tests carried out on movable electrical equipment, such as kettles, extension leads, office equipment and portable tools. The aim is to confirm that the appliance is safe to use and to pick up damage or faults before they lead to electric shock, fire or interruption to your business.
PAT itself is not named in legislation, however landlords and employers must ensure that any electrical equipment they provide is safe. Regular PAT, backed up with sensible visual checks, has become accepted best practice for meeting those responsibilities, especially in HMOs and higher risk environments.
We focus on PAT programmes for landlords and commercial clients. Before testing starts, we agree which appliances are in scope, how they are used and the right frequency of checks for each area. Our engineers work efficiently around staff and tenants, testing appliances in offices, shops, warehouses, HMOs and shared accommodation with minimal disruption.
Every appliance starts with a visual inspection. We look for damaged plugs, exposed conductors, crushed or twisted cables, signs of overheating and misuse, along with any issues with how or where the item is being used. Many faults are picked up at this stage, which reduces risk even before formal tests are carried out.
Where suitable, we then carry out electrical tests using calibrated PAT equipment. These tests typically include earth continuity, insulation resistance and polarity checks, and where appropriate an earth leakage or functional test. Results are recorded against each asset so that trends or repeat failures can be spotted over time.
After testing, each appliance is labelled with a clear pass or fail status and a unique reference. We provide digital records showing the item description, location, outcome and next recommended test date. These logs give landlords and duty holders evidence of maintenance for audits, insurance and health and safety documentation.
If an item fails, we explain why and agree the best next step, whether that is repair, replacement or removal from service. Failed items are clearly identified so they cannot drift back into use. Where we see patterns in the failures, we highlight them so you can reduce future risk, for example by replacing a whole batch of ageing extension leads.
We specialise in electrical work for landlords and commercial clients, from routine testing and inspections to fault finding and remedial repairs. Our team is used to working in live environments such as offices, warehouses, shops and HMOs, where planning and clear communication are essential.
We help you stay on top of your legal and safety duties with clear reports, certificates and records. Whether it is an inspection, a test programme or follow up work, you receive documentation that is easy to file, share and present to insurers, auditors and regulators.
Time matters when you manage properties or run a business. We plan work around your operation, group tasks sensibly and keep disruption to tenants, staff and customers to a minimum. You get realistic timescales, straightforward pricing and a service that respects your schedule.
Electrical safety is always the priority. We follow recognised standards, use calibrated equipment, and take the time to isolate, test, and verify properly. If we find anything that presents a risk, we explain it clearly and agree on practical next steps before we leave the site.
