Portable Appliance Testing, commonly known as PAT, is a specialised process in the United Kingdom where electrical appliances are routinely checked for safety. The goal is to prevent electrical fires and shocks by ensuring that any item that plugs into a wall socket is fit for use. At First Certify, we provide comprehensive PAT inspections for residential landlords, offices, shops, and industrial sites across Sussex and London.
Our qualified engineers use calibrated testing equipment to perform a series of visual and electronic checks. This ensures that your property remains compliant with the latest health and safety regulations and that your insurance policies remain valid.
While the law does not specify how often testing should happen, it does mandate that all electrical equipment provided in a workplace or a rental property must be maintained in a safe condition.
Legal Compliance: Regular testing helps you meet your “duty of care” under the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Electricity at Work Regulations.
Fire Prevention: Faulty appliances are a leading cause of accidental fires in both domestic and commercial settings.
Insurance Requirements: Many insurance providers require evidence of regular PAT testing to process claims related to electrical damage.
Landlord Obligations: If you are a landlord in Sussex or London, providing safe kettles, toasters, or washing machines is as vital as your EICR.
PAT testers follow a systematic approach to ensure every item is thoroughly checked without causing unnecessary disruption to your day.
Visual Inspection: Testers check the plug, the fuse, and the cable for signs of fraying, damage, or overheating.
In Depth Testing: Our engineers use professional PAT testing devices to check earth continuity, insulation resistance, and lead polarity.
Clear Labelling: Each appliance is marked with a “Pass” or “Fail” sticker, including the date of the test and the ID of the engineer.
Digital Reporting: Once the survey is complete, you will receive a detailed asset register and a certificate of compliance for your records.
Whether you have a few appliances in a studio flat or hundreds of items in a large London office block, we offer a scalable service to suit your needs. We pride ourselves on an organised workflow that keeps your business running smoothly.
For all commercial plans including retail units, office spaces, and industrial warehouses, we provide a specialised service tailored to the complexity of the site. These 2D comprehensive plans are essential for lease documentation, fire safety planning, and accurate square footage calculations. Because commercial properties vary significantly in size and layout, we provide bespoke pricing to ensure you receive the most cost effective solution for your specific project. Whether you are a business owner or a commercial property manager, please contact us for a quote to discuss your requirements and secure a professional scale layout.
Q: How long does an EPC assessment take?
An EPC assessment typically takes less than an hour. However, the duration may vary depending on the complexity of the property’s layout, such as loft conversions, extensions, or other unique features.
Q: Do I need to be present during the EPC assessment?
While it’s not necessary for you to be present during the assessment, it can be helpful to answer any questions the assessor may have about the property. The assessment usually involves a walk-through to gather information about the building’s energy use.
Q: How long is an EPC certificate valid for?
An EPC certificate is valid for 10 years. However, you may want to have your property reassessed sooner if you’ve made significant improvements to its energy efficiency.
Q: Is an EPC required for renting out my property?
Yes, in the UK, an EPC is required for properties being rented or sold. Landlords must provide a valid EPC to tenants at the start of a tenancy. The rating must be at least an E to meet legal requirements.
Q: How long does an EICR assessment take?
An EICR assessment typically takes between 1-2 hours, depending on the size of the property and the complexity of the electrical system. Larger properties with more circuits or older systems may take longer to inspect.
Q: Do I need to be present during the EICR assessment?
It’s not necessary for you to be present, but it can be helpful if you’re available to answer any questions or provide access to areas like fuse boards or electrical installations.
Q: What happens during an EICR assessment?
The assessor will examine your property’s electrical installation, including wiring, fuse boards, and electrical appliances, to ensure they meet safety standards. They will check for any potential hazards, such as overloaded circuits or faulty wiring, and identify any necessary improvements.
Q: How long is an EICR certificate valid for?
An EICR is valid for 5 years or until there is a significant change to the electrical system, such as a renovation or major electrical work.
Q: How long does a Gas Safety Certificate inspection take?
A Gas Safety Certificate inspection typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of the property and the number of gas appliances that need to be checked. Larger properties or those with multiple gas appliances may take a little longer.
Q: Do I need to be present during the Gas Safety Certificate inspection?
It’s not required for you to be present during the inspection, but it can be helpful if you’re available to provide access to gas appliances, such as boilers, ovens, and gas meters. The inspector will need to check these systems for safety.
Q: Is a Gas Safety Certificate required for rental properties?
Yes, landlords must ensure that all gas appliances in a rental property are inspected and have a valid Gas Safety Certificate every year. This certificate must be provided to tenants at the start of the tenancy and upon renewal of the certificate.
Q: What happens if my Gas Safety Certificate inspection reveals a problem?
If the inspection reveals any safety concerns or issues, the engineer will provide a report with details of the problems and may advise on necessary repairs or improvements. In the case of a serious safety issue, the appliance may need to be disconnected until it is properly repaired.
Our online booking system is available 24/7 and allows you to book your EPC, EICR, or Gas Safety Certificates at a time that suits you best.
Steps to Book Online:
Visit our website and go to the booking page.
Select the service(s) you need (EPC, EICR, Gas Safety Certificate).
Choose your preferred time and date for the inspection.
Enter your details, address and payment information.
Confirm your booking and receive an instant confirmation email.
Advantages:
Fast and easy to schedule.
Available at any time, day or night.
Receive instant confirmation.
If you prefer to book via email or need more information before making a decision, simply email us with your booking request. We’ll get back to you promptly with available dates and confirmation of your appointment.
Email: support@firstcertify.co.uk
Advantages:
Convenient for those who prefer written communication.
Get a detailed response with all your questions answered.
Can be used for more complex inquiries or bookings.
Brighton & Hove
Crawley
Worthing
Bognor Regis
Eastbourne
Hastings
Lewes
Shoreham-by-Sea
Littlehampton
Burgess Hill
Haywards Heath
Lancing
Central London
North London
South London
East London
West London
Greater London Area
Maidstone
Canterbury
Tunbridge Wells
Dover
Ashford
Folkestone
Chatham
Rochester
Gillingham
First Certify is expanding and we are looking for experienced and detail oriented PAT Testing engineers to cover Sussex, London, the South East and the wider UK. As the property market continues to prioritise electrical compliance and workplace safety, we are seeing a record demand for our portable appliance testing services. We offer our engineers steady and reliable work with a professional back office team that handles all the administration and appointment booking so you can focus on the onsite inspection and safety testing.
We provide Gas Safety Certifictes and property certification in the following locations:
First Certify provides compliance certification for landlords and agents across the UK.
Contact us if your area is not listed.
