FAQs

What is PAT Testing?

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PAT Testing is the inspection and testing of portable electrical appliances to ensure they are safe
to use. It involves a combination of visual checks and electrical tests to reduce the risk of
electric shock, fire, or equipment failure.

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Is PAT Testing a legal requirement?

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PAT Testing itself is not specifically named in law, but it is often asked for auditing, Goverment
entities or a sudden inspection by Health and Safety Officers. Electricity at Work Regulations
require electrical equipment to be maintained in a safe condition. PAT Testing is the most widely
accepted way to demonstrate compliance.

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How often does PAT Testing need to be carried out?

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• The frequency depends on the environment and type of equipment. For example:

• Offices: every 12–24 months

• Construction sites: every 3–6 months

• Rental properties: typically annually

• We can advise on suitable intervals following a risk assessment.

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What types of equipment need PAT Testing?

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Any portable or movable electrical appliance, including computers, kettles, extension leads,
power tools, printers, monitors and power supplies, etc.

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Will equipment be damaged or switched off during testing?

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No damage will occur. Some items may need to be briefly powered down during testing, but
disruption is kept to a minimum.

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Do you provide labels and certificates?

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Yes. All tested items are clearly labelled, and a detailed digital or printed report is provided for
compliance records.

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What is Electrical Installation Testing?

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Electrical Installation Testing involves inspecting and testing fixed wiring systems to assess their
safety and condition. The results are documented in an Electrical Installation Condition Report
(EICR).

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Who needs an EICR?

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• Landlords

• Commercial property owners

• Industrial premises

• Public buildings

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Will the power be switched off during testing?

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Yes, parts of the installation may need to be isolated for safe testing. We aim to plan testing to
minimise disruption to your business.

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Do you provide reports?

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Yes. You’ll receive a professional detailed report and certification including findings and
recommended actions.

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Do you carry out remedial work if issues are found?

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Yes. We can provide a clear quotation and complete any required remedial work to bring the
installation up to standard.

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What is Distribution Board Testing?

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Distribution board testing ensures that circuit breakers, RCDs, and protective devices operate
correctly to protect people, property, and equipment.

 

Why is distribution board servicing important?

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Faulty or poorly maintained distribution boards are a leading cause of electrical fires. Regular
servicing ensures reliability, compliance, and safe operation.

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What does distribution board servicing include?

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• Visual inspection

• Torque checks on connections

• RCD and RCBO testing

• Thermal inspection (where applicable)

• Cleaning and dry vacuuming of Board

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How often should distribution boards be serviced?

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Typically every 1–3 years depending on usage, environment, and regulatory requirements.

 

Can testing be done without shutting down power?

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Some testing can be done live, but full servicing often requires planned shutdowns for safety.
We work with you to schedule this at convenient times.

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Do you provide test results and reports?

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Yes. You’ll receive a detailed report and Certification confirming test results, observations, and
any recommendations.

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What is a Thermographic Survey?

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A thermographic survey uses thermal imaging cameras to detect heat anomalies in electrical
systems that may indicate loose connections, overloaded circuits, or failing components.

 

Why is thermography important?

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It allows early detection of faults before failure occurs, helping prevent fires, unplanned
downtime, and costly repairs.

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Is thermographic testing non-intrusive?

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Yes. It is a non-contact, non-invasive inspection that can usually be carried out while systems
remain live and operational.

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What equipment can be surveyed?

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• Distribution boards

• Switchgear

• Control panels

• Busbars

• Electrical connections and cabling

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How often should a thermal survey be conducted?

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Annually is recommended for most commercial and industrial environments, or more frequently
for critical systems.

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Do you provide thermal images and reports?

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Yes. You’ll receive a professional report and certification including thermal images, fault
descriptions, severity levels, and recommended actions.