EICR vs PAT Testing: What’s the Difference?

Two acronyms, endless confusion. If you own a rental property or run a business, you've probably been told you need both an EICR and PAT testing, and you've probably wondered whether they're the same thing dressed up in different letters. They're not. One looks at the wiring built into your walls. The other looks at the kettle in your kitchen. Getting them mixed up can leave you either overpaying for tests you don't need or, far worse, falling short of your legal duties.

Here's the short version. An EICR checks the fixed electrical installation, the part of the system that's wired in and stays put. PAT testing checks the things you plug into that system. Read on and we'll break down exactly what each one covers, who needs them, and how often.

What is an EICR?

An EICR, or Electrical Installation Condition Report, is a full health check of the permanent wiring in a property. Think of everything behind the plasterwork and inside the cupboards: the cables, the consumer unit (most people still call it the fuse box), the sockets, the light switches, and the earthing arrangements that keep you safe when something goes wrong.

A qualified electrician inspects and tests all of it against BS 7671, the national wiring standard, currently in its 18th Edition. The report doesn't just say "pass" or "fail". It records observations using codes. A C1 means danger is present and someone could get hurt right now. A C2 flags something potentially dangerous that needs sorting soon. A C3 is a recommendation rather than a fault, and an FI means part of the system needs further investigation.

For rented homes, an EICR is a legal requirement and must be carried out at least every five years. Our electrical inspection and testing service covers exactly this, and we explain the duties in full in our guide to the landlord electrical safety regulations. If you'd rather talk it through, give us a ring on 07936 250380.

What is PAT Testing?

PAT testing, short for Portable Appliance Testing, deals with the movable kit that plugs into the wall. Kettles, microwaves, toasters, desk lamps, computers, vacuum cleaners, power tools, extension leads. Anything with a plug on the end.

The process has two parts. First comes a visual check: frayed cables, cracked plugs, scorch marks, bent pins, the obvious stuff that often gets missed. Then an electrician uses a tester to run electrical checks the eye can't manage, such as earth continuity and insulation resistance. Pass, and the item gets a little label with the date. Fail, and it's flagged for repair or removal.

PAT testing isn't named as a strict legal requirement the way an EICR is. But the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require electrical equipment to be kept in a safe condition, and PAT testing is the simplest way to prove you've done that. If you're a landlord providing a furnished property, those supplied appliances need to be safe, and a record of pat testing is your evidence.

So What's the Actual Difference?

The cleanest way to remember it: an EICR tests what's wired in, PAT testing tests what's plugged in.

• What gets tested. The EICR covers fixed wiring, the consumer unit, sockets and switches. PAT covers loose appliances with a plug. There's no overlap, which is why one can't replace the other.
• Who needs it. Every landlord needs an EICR by law. PAT testing matters most for businesses and for landlords letting furnished homes with their own appliances inside.
• How often. An EICR runs on a five-year cycle for rentals, or sooner if the report says so. PAT testing has no fixed legal interval; it's risk-based, so a building site sees its tools tested far more often than a quiet office sees its printers.
• The paperwork. An EICR produces a formal coded report. PAT testing produces pass/fail labels and a register of items.

Different jobs, different kit, different paperwork. Most rental and commercial properties genuinely need both, just for different reasons.

Which One Do You Actually Need?

If you're a landlord, start with the EICR. It's the legal baseline, and skipping it carries real penalties. Then, if you let the property furnished, add PAT testing for the appliances you provide so the whole property is covered, not just the bits behind the walls.

If you run a business, the same logic applies in reverse order of how often you'll see them. Your premises need a periodic EICR, and your day-to-day equipment needs PAT testing on a schedule that matches how hard it's worked.

Not sure where your property or premises sit? That's what we're here for. As experienced landlord electrician specialists across the North West, we'll tell you plainly what you need and what you don't. Call DH Electrical Services on 07936 250380 or email [email protected] for a no-obligation quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can one electrician do both an EICR and PAT testing?

Yes, and it usually makes sense to book them together. A NAPIT registered electrician can carry out your fixed wiring inspection and test your portable appliances in the same visit, which saves you a second call-out and keeps all your safety records in one place.

Is PAT testing a legal requirement for landlords?

Not by name. The law requires you to keep supplied electrical equipment safe, and PAT testing is the accepted way to show you have. If you let a property furnished, having your appliances tested is strongly advised even though no single regulation uses the words "you must PAT test".

How long does an EICR last compared to PAT testing?

An EICR is valid for up to five years in a rented property, or less if the electrician sets an earlier date. PAT testing has no fixed expiry; the right interval depends on the appliance and how it's used, which the electrician will advise on.

Do I need an EICR if my property is brand new?

A new installation should come with an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) rather than an EICR, as it's been freshly tested and signed off. Your first EICR would then be due within five years. We're happy to confirm where your property stands; just call 07936 250380.