Electrical inspection requirements vary depending on whether you're a landlord, employer, or both. Understanding exactly what inspections you need, how often, and who can carry them out is essential for legal compliance and safety.
What's your situation?
This determines your electrical inspection requirements.
Overview of electrical inspection requirements
Electrical inspections in the UK fall into two main categories:
Fixed electrical installation testing (EICR)
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) inspects the fixed wiring in a building — the permanent electrical infrastructure including consumer units, wiring, sockets, and fixed equipment.
Who needs it:
- All private landlords in England (mandatory since 2020)
- All private landlords in Scotland (mandatory since 2015)
- Employers (required under Electricity at Work Regulations, though frequency not specified)
- Social housing providers
Portable appliance testing (PAT)
PAT testing inspects portable electrical equipment — items that plug in and can be moved, such as kettles, computers, and power tools.
Who needs it:
- Employers (to maintain safe equipment under general electrical safety duties)
- Landlords (if providing electrical appliances with the property)
- Anyone with a duty of care for electrical equipment
There's no specific law called "PAT testing regulations" — but the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require you to maintain electrical equipment in safe condition. PAT testing is the accepted way to demonstrate compliance.
Landlord requirements
England — mandatory EICR
Since 1 July 2020, private landlords in England must:
- Have a valid EICR before a new tenancy starts
- Provide a copy to tenants before they move in
- Provide a copy to the local authority within 7 days if requested
- Carry out remedial work to address any unsatisfactory findings within 28 days (or as specified in the report)
- Renew the EICR at least every 5 years (or sooner if recommended)
Properties covered:
- All private rented properties (Assured Shorthold Tenancies)
- HMOs (including those with mandatory or additional licensing)
- Properties rented to family members (if a tenancy exists)
Exemptions:
- Social housing (separate rules apply)
- Long leases (over 7 years)
- Student accommodation directly provided by educational institutions
- Hostels and refuges
Scotland — mandatory EICR
Since 1 December 2015, private landlords in Scotland must:
- Have a valid EICR before each new tenancy
- Renew every 5 years during the tenancy
- Provide a copy to tenants before the start of the tenancy
Wales and Northern Ireland
No mandatory EICR requirements currently exist for private landlords in Wales or Northern Ireland, though it remains best practice and may be required by mortgage lenders or insurers.
Operating without a valid EICR in England can result in fines up to £30,000. Local authorities can also carry out remedial work and charge the landlord for the cost.
What the EICR must cover
The inspection must examine:
- Consumer unit (fuse box) condition and suitability
- All fixed wiring throughout the property
- Socket outlets and switches
- Light fittings and circuits
- Earthing and bonding arrangements
- Any fixed electrical equipment (electric showers, cookers)
Satisfactory vs unsatisfactory results
EICR findings are categorized using codes:
| Code | Meaning | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Danger present | Immediate action — make safe urgently |
| C2 | Potentially dangerous | Urgent remedial action required |
| C3 | Improvement recommended | Not required but advisable |
| FI | Further investigation | Investigation needed before classification |
An EICR is classed as "unsatisfactory" if there are any C1, C2, or FI codes. You must carry out remedial work within 28 days (or as specified) and provide evidence to your tenant and local authority.
Employer requirements
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
Regulation 4(2) requires:
"As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, such danger."
This creates a general duty to maintain electrical systems safely, but doesn't specify inspection frequencies. You must decide appropriate intervals based on:
- Age and condition of the installation
- Type of business and usage
- Environmental conditions
- Competent advice
Recommended EICR frequencies for workplaces
| Premises Type | Recommended Maximum Interval |
|---|---|
| Commercial (offices, shops) | 5 years |
| Industrial | 3 years |
| Cinemas, theatres, public venues | 1-3 years |
| Swimming pools, leisure centres | 1 year |
| Construction sites | 3 months |
| Agricultural and horticultural | 3 years |
| Caravan parks | 1-3 years |
PAT testing requirements for employers
The Electricity at Work Regulations require portable equipment to be maintained safely. PAT testing demonstrates this, but frequencies depend on risk assessment.
Suggested PAT testing intervals:
| Equipment Type | Office/Shop | Industrial |
|---|---|---|
| IT equipment (computers, monitors) | 4 years | 2 years |
| Portable appliances (kettles, fans) | 2 years | 1 year |
| Hand-held equipment | 1-2 years | 6 months |
| Moveable equipment | 2 years | 1 year |
| Extension leads | 2 years | 6-12 months |
Visual inspection between formal PAT tests is often more important than the testing itself. Train staff to check for obvious damage — frayed cables, burn marks, cracked casings — before each use.
Who can carry out electrical inspections?
EICR inspections
EICRs must be carried out by a person who is competent and qualified to do so:
- Registered electricians with bodies such as NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, or Part P schemes
- Qualified electricians holding appropriate qualifications (City & Guilds 2391 or equivalent)
Always verify the electrician's registration. Legitimate schemes maintain online registers where you can check current membership.
PAT testing
PAT testing can be carried out by:
- Qualified electricians — Can test any equipment
- Trained competent persons — In-house staff with appropriate training for visual inspection and basic testing
- PAT testing companies — Specialists for larger volumes
For straightforward visual checks and Class I/II testing, in-house trained staff may be appropriate. For more complex equipment or situations, use a qualified electrician.
Inspection records and documentation
What records to keep
EICR:
- Current certificate (and previous for comparison)
- Any associated certificates (like Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificates)
- Evidence of remedial work completion
- Correspondence with local authority (if applicable)
PAT testing:
- Equipment register
- Test results (pass/fail, test type, date)
- Failed equipment records and disposal
- Evidence of competence for testers
How long to keep records
- EICR — Keep current certificate plus previous one (minimum 10 years recommended)
- PAT records — Until next test cycle plus reasonable retention (5+ years recommended)
- Accident/incident records — 3 years minimum (longer for serious incidents)
Cost of electrical inspections
EICR costs
| Property Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| 1-2 bed flat | £100-175 |
| 3-bed house | £150-250 |
| 4+ bed house | £200-350 |
| HMO (per unit) | £100-150 |
| Small commercial | £200-400 |
| Large commercial | £400-1,500+ |
PAT testing costs
| Pricing Model | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Per item | £1-3 per item |
| Minimum call-out | £50-100 |
| Day rate | £200-350 |
| In-house (equipment + training) | £300-1,000 initial |
Consequences of non-compliance
Landlords (England)
- Fines up to £30,000 per breach
- Local authority can arrange remedial work and charge you
- Potential prosecution under Health and Safety legislation
- Insurance may be invalid
- Difficulty with mortgage compliance
Employers
- Prosecution under Electricity at Work Regulations (unlimited fine)
- Prosecution under Health and Safety at Work Act (unlimited fine, imprisonment)
- Civil liability for injuries
- Insurance claims refused
- HSE enforcement notices
Frequently asked questions
In England and Scotland, you need an EICR at least every 5 years. However, if the report recommends a shorter interval (due to installation condition), you must follow that recommendation. You also need a satisfactory EICR at the start of each new tenancy.
There's no specific 'PAT testing law', but the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require electrical equipment to be maintained safely. PAT testing is the accepted method to demonstrate compliance. If equipment you provide causes harm, you'd need to show you took reasonable steps to maintain it.
You can carry out visual inspections and basic testing if you have appropriate training. For more comprehensive testing, or if you're unsure about equipment safety, use a qualified person. Remember, you remain responsible for equipment safety regardless of who tests it.
You must carry out remedial work to address C1, C2, and FI findings within 28 days (or the timeframe specified in the report). Once work is complete, obtain written confirmation from the electrician and provide copies to your tenant and (in England) be prepared to show the local authority.
Yes. Even newer properties require an EICR. The 5-year interval applies regardless of when the property was built. Newer properties may have fewer issues, but the inspection is still legally required for landlords in England and Scotland.
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is the current name for what was previously called a Periodic Inspection Report (PIR). 'Electrical safety certificate' is a general term that could refer to an EICR, an Electrical Installation Certificate (for new work), or a Minor Works Certificate. For ongoing landlord compliance, you need an EICR.
Next steps
- Identify your requirements — Are you a landlord, employer, or both?
- Check existing documentation — When was your last EICR? When are PAT tests due?
- Schedule inspections — Book ahead to avoid gaps in compliance
- Keep records — Maintain organized documentation for compliance evidence
Related guides:
- What is an EICR? — Detailed guide to electrical installation reports
- PAT Testing Guide — Everything about portable appliance testing
- Electrical Safety in the Workplace — Employer duties explained
Not sure what electrical inspections you need? A registered electrician can assess your property and advise on your specific legal requirements.