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Reliable In-Service Inspection & Testing (PAT) in Northern Ireland and Across the UK

We provide professional PAT Testing across Northern Ireland. Our engineers are City & Guilds Level 3 qualified, offering thorough testing and clear reporting to ensure your workplace remains safe, efficient, and up to standard.
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Protect Your Team with PAT Testing

Every workplace uses electrical appliances daily, from kettles and computers to power tools and extension leads. While these may seem harmless, faulty or damaged equipment can cause electric shocks, burns, or even fires. That’s why In-Service Inspection & Testing (PAT) is such a crucial step in keeping your team safe and your premises legally compliant.

FireHow provides PAT testing in Belfast and across Northern Ireland to help businesses meet Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Electricity at Work Regulations. Our certified testers carry out thorough inspections and functional checks, identifying faults before they become a risk.
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What is PAT Testing?

PAT stands for Portable Appliance Testing, but the correct term is In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment. This refers to the routine inspection and testing of electrical items to check they are safe to use.

It isn’t just about plugging something in and checking if it works. The process includes visual inspections, electrical testing, and keeping clear records. It’s especially important for environments where appliances are used often, moved frequently, or exposed to wear and tear.

Who Needs PAT Testing?

Any business, landlord, or organisation that supplies or uses electrical equipment has a duty to ensure it is safe. This includes:
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Offices
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Retail stores
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Construction sites
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Hospitality and catering
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Schools and colleges
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Rental properties
If you own or manage a business or premises where electrical items are used by employees, customers, or tenants, In-Service Inspection & Testing (PAT) should be part of your regular safety routine.

What Does In-Service
Inspection & Testing Include?

PAT Testing is typically split into three parts. Each stage plays a role in helping spot issues early and prevent dangerous faults:
1. User Checks
Staff or users visually check appliances before use. They look for frayed wires, cracked plugs, or any visible damage. This helps catch early signs of wear and tear.
2. Formal Visual Inspections
Carried out by a trained person, this includes a closer inspection of the plug, cable, fuse, and casing. It can detect issues that may not be obvious at first glance.
3. Combined Inspection and Testing
This is the full PAT test. Using specialist equipment, our qualified engineers check earth continuity, insulation resistance, and leakage current. We also label each item with a pass or fail sticker and log the results in a detailed report.
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What Makes Us Different

Why Choose FireHow for PAT Testing

We combine professional experience with a practical, down-to-earth approach. Here’s what you can expect:
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Qualified Engineers

Our PAT testers are City & Guilds Level 3 qualified and follow current IET Code of Practice guidelines to ensure accurate, compliant inspections.
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Thorough and Efficient Testing

We carry out both visual checks and electrical testing using calibrated equipment—minimising disruption while maintaining high standards.
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Clear Documentation

You’ll receive a detailed report listing all appliances tested, their pass/fail status, and any recommended actions, ideal for audits and internal records.
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Legally Compliant Service

Our work supports your obligations under the Electricity at Work Regulations and Health and Safety at Work Act, helping you meet insurance and legal requirements with ease.
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Fast Response Across NI and the UK

Based in Northern Ireland, we respond quickly and support businesses across the UK with efficient service.
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Straightforward Pricing

Our quotes are fixed and clear, no hidden costs or unnecessary extras.
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Support for All Property Types

We provide PAT testing for offices, schools, warehouses, hospitality, and rental properties.

Our PAT Testing Process

We keep it simple and efficient:

We review your setup and list all appliances that need testing.

Our engineers look for obvious defects.

Using approved testing devices, we carry out the necessary checks.

Each appliance is labelled with a pass/fail sticker and retest date.

You get a full report outlining what was tested, results, and any follow-up advice.

We also offer reminders for when your next round of testing is due, helping you stay compliant without the stress.

How Often Should You Carry Out PAT Testing?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The frequency of In-Service Inspection & Testing depends on:
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Type of equipment
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How often it is used
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The environment it’s used in
For example:
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Office equipment: every 2-4 years
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Power tools on a construction site: every 3-6 months
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Extension leads and cables: annually
We can help assess your needs and create a testing schedule that fits your business.
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Legal Requirements for PAT Testing

PAT Testing isn’t a legal requirement in itself, but UK regulations do require that electrical equipment used at work is maintained in a safe condition. Key legislation includes:
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The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
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The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
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Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998
Regular In-Service Inspection and Testing is the best way to prove you’re meeting these duties.
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PAT Testing for Landlords & Letting Agents

If you rent out properties, you must make sure all supplied electrical equipment is safe. PAT testing is a simple way to show you’re meeting your legal and moral responsibilities. We can test everything from kettles and fridges to lamps and heaters.
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Why PAT Testing Matters

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Prevent electrical fires
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Avoid electric shock risks
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Stay compliant with insurance and legal obligations
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Show your commitment to safety
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Avoid costly repairs or downtime

Need PAT Testing?
Let’s Get It Booked

We offer PAT Testing across Northern Ireland with flexible pricing and fast turnaround times. If you need a one-off test or a regular inspection schedule, we’re happy to help.
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FAQs

In-Service Inspection & Testing (PAT)

It’s the official name for what most people call PAT Testing. It covers visual checks, full testing, and record keeping to make sure electrical items are safe to use.

It depends on how many items you have. Most small offices can be completed in a few hours.

Only the items being tested. We can plan testing around your workday to avoid major disruption.

It isn’t a legal requirement by name, but maintaining safe electrical equipment is. PAT Testing is the most common way to show you’re doing that.

That depends on your industry, the type of equipment, and how often it’s used. We can guide you based on your setup.

Comply with Safety Regulations through PAT Testing

We follow the latest IET Code of Practice and use calibrated equipment to ensure each appliance is inspected accurately.
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