Cobb & Co. provide professional PAT testing and electrical appliance safety inspections for businesses, landlords, managing agents and organisations throughout Sheffield and South Yorkshire.

Portable Appliance Testing helps identify electrical equipment that may have become damaged, defective or unsafe during use.

From individual premises to larger property portfolios and workplaces with significant numbers of appliances, we provide an organised testing service with clear records and practical advice where defects are identified.

What Is PAT Testing?

PAT testing, commonly known as Portable Appliance Testing, involves the inspection and, where appropriate, electrical testing of appliances and equipment to help determine whether they are safe for continued use.

Depending on the type of equipment, this can include a visual inspection together with appropriate electrical tests.

Checks may identify issues such as:

• Damaged plugs and cables

• Loose or damaged connections

• Incorrect fuse ratings

• Damaged appliance casings

• Inadequate insulation

• Earth continuity faults

• Other signs of damage, deterioration or unsafe use

Equipment that passes inspection and testing can be appropriately identified and the results recorded.

Is PAT Testing a Legal Requirement?

UK legislation requires employers, landlords and those responsible for electrical equipment to ensure that equipment is maintained so that it does not present a danger.

The law does not generally specify that every electrical appliance must undergo PAT testing annually.

The appropriate frequency of inspection and testing depends on factors including the type of equipment, how it is used and the environment in which it operates.

PAT testing provides a practical way of inspecting electrical equipment, identifying defects and maintaining records as part of an appropriate electrical safety regime.

PAT Testing for Businesses

We provide appliance testing for businesses and organisations across a wide range of commercial environments.

This can include:

• Offices

• Shops and retail premises

• Restaurants, pubs and hospitality venues

• Warehouses and workshops

• Churches and community buildings

• Educational premises

• Managed commercial properties

• Other workplaces and commercial environments

Testing can be organised around the operation of the premises where practical to help minimise disruption.

PAT Testing for Landlords & Managing Agents

Electrical appliances supplied as part of a rented or managed property should be maintained in a safe condition.

We can inspect and test landlord-owned portable electrical equipment within rental properties, HMOs, communal areas and managed buildings.

For landlords and managing agents responsible for multiple properties, we can also provide testing across larger portfolios, helping keep appliance safety records organised and straightforward.

What Happens During PAT Testing?

Equipment is first visually inspected for signs of damage, deterioration or inappropriate use.

Where appropriate for the appliance, electrical testing is then carried out using professional test equipment.

Following testing, we can provide a record of the appliances inspected and their test results.

Where an appliance fails or a defect is identified, this will be clearly reported so that appropriate action can be taken.

Failed or Unsafe Appliances

If an appliance fails testing or is considered unsafe, we will clearly identify the issue and advise on the appropriate next step.

Depending on the fault and equipment involved, this may involve repair, replacement or removal from service.

As electrical contractors rather than solely a PAT testing company, we can also investigate associated electrical issues where a problem relates to the fixed electrical installation rather than the appliance itself.

Ongoing Appliance Safety Testing

For businesses, landlords and managing agents requiring repeat inspections, Cobb & Co. can provide ongoing PAT testing and appliance safety support.

Testing programmes can be arranged according to the equipment, environment and appropriate inspection intervals, helping clients maintain clear records across individual premises or multiple sites.

This can also be combined with our wider electrical compliance services, including EICRs, emergency lighting testing, remedial works and general electrical maintenance.