PAT testing and EICR inspections are both essential parts of electrical safety, but they serve completely different purposes. PAT testing checks portable appliances with plugs, while an EICR inspects the fixed electrical installation in your building. Most businesses and landlords need both.
What type of electrical testing do you need?
Let's identify what's required for your situation.
The fundamental difference
The confusion between PAT testing and EICRs is understandable because both relate to electrical safety. But they test completely different things:
PAT Testing vs EICR
PAT Testing
- •Tests portable electrical appliances
- •Kettles, computers, tools, lamps, chargers
- •Equipment with plugs that connect to sockets
- •Visual inspection + electrical tests
- •Frequency: 3 months to 4 years depending on risk
- •Can be done by trained competent person
EICR (Fixed Wire Testing)
- •Tests fixed electrical installation
- •Wiring, circuits, consumer unit, sockets
- •The building's permanent electrical system
- •Comprehensive inspection and testing
- •Frequency: 5 years (landlords), 3-5 years (businesses)
- •Must be done by qualified electrician
Bottom line: Think of it this way: an EICR tests the electrical infrastructure of your building (the wiring in the walls, the fuse box, the sockets themselves). PAT testing checks the equipment you plug into those sockets. They complement each other but neither replaces the other.
What each test covers
PAT testing checks
Portable appliances and equipment:
- Desktop computers, monitors, printers
- Kettles, microwaves, coffee machines
- Vacuum cleaners, fans, heaters
- Power tools and workshop equipment
- Extension leads and power strips
- Lamps and portable lighting
- Battery chargers and power supplies
- Any equipment with a plug
Testing includes:
- Visual inspection for damage (cables, plugs, casing)
- Earth continuity test (for earthed equipment)
- Insulation resistance test
- Earth leakage test
- Polarity checks
- Functional tests
What PAT testing doesn't cover:
- Fixed wiring in walls, floors, ceilings
- Consumer units (fuse boxes)
- Light fittings permanently wired in
- Sockets, switches, and other accessories
- Electrical circuits
- The building's electrical installation
Despite the name "Portable Appliance Testing," PAT testing isn't just for things you can carry. It applies to any equipment with a plug, including fixed-position items like photocopiers, vending machines, and water coolers.
EICR checks
Fixed electrical installation:
- Consumer unit (fuse box) and protective devices
- Fixed wiring (cables in walls, under floors, in ceilings)
- Electrical circuits (lighting, power, cooker circuits)
- Sockets, switches, and ceiling roses
- Earthing and bonding systems
- Distribution boards and isolators
- Immersion heaters and fixed heating systems
Testing includes:
- Visual inspection for damage and deterioration
- Continuity of protective conductors
- Insulation resistance of circuits
- Polarity verification
- Earth fault loop impedance
- RCD (residual current device) operation
- Circuit loading assessment
What an EICR doesn't cover:
- Portable appliances (covered by PAT testing)
- Gas installations
- Condition of appliances
- Whether your equipment works properly
- Decorative condition
An EICR checks the sockets are safe, but not the kettle you plug into them. PAT testing checks the kettle, but not the socket. This is why most workplaces and furnished rental properties need both types of testing.
When you need each one
Legal requirements for landlords
EICR — Legally required:
- Every 5 years maximum for all private rental properties in England, Scotland, and Wales
- Before new tenancies begin (if more than 5 years since last EICR)
- Penalties up to £30,000 for non-compliance
- Must provide copy to tenants within 28 days
PAT testing — Not legally required, but recommended:
- No specific law requires PAT testing for landlords
- However, Electricity at Work Regulations require you to maintain safe electrical equipment
- If you provide appliances (furnished/part-furnished properties), you should test them
- Demonstrates due diligence and reduces liability
Furnished property landlord faced claim after appliance fire
A landlord provided a furnished flat including kitchen appliances. The washing machine, which had never been PAT tested, caught fire due to an internal fault, causing significant damage to the property and the tenant's belongings.
- ✗Landlord had a valid EICR but had never PAT tested the appliances
- ✗Washing machine was over 8 years old with no maintenance
- ✗No records of appliance safety checks
- ✗Insurance company questioned lack of PAT testing
- ✗Tenant made a claim for damaged possessions
The landlord's insurance covered the property damage but disputed liability for the tenant's belongings. The landlord paid £3,000 in compensation to the tenant. The insurer increased premiums and required evidence of future PAT testing. The landlord now PAT tests all appliances annually.
While PAT testing isn't legally required for landlords, it's a crucial part of your duty of care if you provide appliances. The cost of testing is minimal compared to the potential liability from appliance-related incidents.
Business requirements
EICR — Effectively required:
- Electricity at Work Regulations require safe electrical systems
- EICR is the recognized way to demonstrate compliance
- Recommended every 3-5 years depending on premises type
- Most insurers require valid EICR
PAT testing — Effectively required:
- Same regulations require safe equipment maintenance
- PAT testing demonstrates compliance for portable equipment
- Frequency based on risk assessment (typically 6-12 months for offices)
- Failure to maintain equipment can lead to prosecution
For businesses, both EICR and PAT testing are necessary to comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. There's no specific law saying "you must do PAT testing" or "you must have an EICR," but the law requires you to maintain safe electrical systems and equipment — these tests are how you prove it.
Who needs what?
Electrical Safety Requirements by Organization Type
EICR legally required every 5 years. PAT testing strongly recommended for all provided appliances (white goods, lamps, heaters, etc.)
EICR every 3-5 years for the building. PAT testing for all portable equipment based on risk assessment
EICR legally required every 5 years. PAT testing only needed for communal equipment (e.g., washing machines in shared areas)
Landlord needs EICR for building. Tenant responsible for their own equipment PAT testing (check lease)
If you bring equipment to another location (contractors, mobile services), PAT test your equipment. Premises owner handles EICR
EICR recommended every 10 years for safety. Visual checks of appliances sensible, formal PAT testing optional
Frequency differences
One of the key differences between PAT testing and EICR is how often they need to be done:
EICR frequency
Fixed timeframes:
- Landlords (residential): Every 5 years (legal requirement)
- Offices and shops: Every 5 years (recommended)
- Hotels, restaurants, commercial kitchens: Every 3 years
- Industrial premises: Every 3 years
- Entertainment venues: Annually
- Homeowners: Every 10 years (voluntary but recommended)
Triggered by events:
- Before new tenancies (landlords)
- After major electrical work
- When buying or selling property
- After environmental damage (flooding, fire)
- When visible problems occur
EICRs have relatively fixed frequencies because building installations change slowly. Once tested, the fixed wiring should remain safe for years unless something damages it or it deteriorates with age.
PAT testing frequency
Risk-based approach:
- Construction tools and equipment: Every 3 months
- Industrial/commercial equipment (moved regularly): Every 6 months
- Office equipment (general use): Every 12 months
- Office equipment (fixed position): Every 2-4 years
- Equipment in harsh environments: More frequently
- Low-risk, stationary equipment: Less frequently
Factors affecting frequency:
- How often equipment is moved
- Environment (construction site vs office)
- User competence (trained vs untrained)
- History of faults
- Equipment type and class
- Public access or vulnerable users
PAT testing frequency is flexible and based on risk assessment. There's no legal requirement for "annual PAT testing" despite what many believe. You should test as often as necessary to prevent danger — which might be quarterly for some equipment and every 4 years for others.
Visual inspections: The often-forgotten element
For both types of testing:
Visual inspections should happen much more frequently than formal testing:
Fixed installation (pre-EICR):
- Monthly visual checks by users (burn marks, damage, warmth)
- Quarterly RCD testing (press the test button)
- Report concerns immediately
Portable appliances (pre-PAT):
- Before each use for high-risk equipment (power tools)
- Weekly or monthly for office equipment
- Users check for damaged cables, plugs, casings
- Remove damaged equipment from service immediately
Formal Testing vs Visual Checks
Formal Testing (EICR/PAT)
- •Comprehensive electrical tests
- •Requires specialist equipment
- •Done by qualified/competent person
- •Detailed records and certification
- •Infrequent (annually or less)
- •Costs money
Visual Inspections
Recommended- •Look for visible damage
- •No specialist equipment needed
- •Can be done by trained users
- •Simple records (faults found)
- •Very frequent (daily to monthly)
- •Essentially free
Bottom line: Visual inspections catch around 90% of dangerous faults and should be done much more frequently than formal testing. A comprehensive electrical safety regime includes frequent visual checks by users, combined with periodic formal testing by qualified persons.
Cost comparison
EICR costs
Residential properties:
- 1-2 bedroom flat: £120-£180
- 3 bedroom house: £150-£250
- 4-5 bedroom house: £200-£350
- 6+ bedrooms: £300-£500+
Commercial properties:
- Small commercial unit: £200-£400
- Office (up to 15 circuits): £250-£500
- Large commercial premises: £500-£1,500+
Factors affecting cost:
- Property size and number of circuits
- Location (London typically 30-60% more expensive)
- Accessibility (loft access, underfloor areas)
- Complexity of installation
- Time since last inspection
What's included:
- Visual inspection and electrical testing
- Full EICR report with test results
- Classification of defects (C1, C2, C3)
- Recommendations for remedial work
What's not included:
- Remedial work (quoted separately, can be £100-£1,000+ depending on defects)
- Re-inspection after repairs
- Moving furniture for access
An unsatisfactory EICR requiring remedial work can significantly increase your total costs. Budget for potential repairs, especially with older properties. C2 defects like missing RCD protection can cost £200-£500 to rectify.
PAT testing costs
Commercial testing services:
- Per-item testing: £1-£3 per item
- Minimum charges: £50-£100 per visit
- Annual contracts: Discounts for large inventories
In-house testing:
- PAT testing equipment: £300-£2,000
- Training course: £150-£400 per person
- Labels and consumables: £20-£50/year
- Staff time: Variable
Cost-effectiveness comparison:
Small inventory (under 50 items):
- Commercial service: £50-£150/year
- In-house: Not cost-effective due to equipment investment
Medium inventory (50-200 items):
- Commercial service: £150-£500/year
- In-house: Pays for itself after 2-3 years if you have maintenance staff
Large inventory (200+ items):
- Commercial service: £500-£2,000+/year
- In-house: Significantly cheaper, pays for itself within a year
In-house vs Contracted PAT Testing
Commercial Service
Recommended- •No equipment investment (£300-£2,000 saved)
- •No training needed (£150-£400 saved)
- •Guaranteed competence and insurance
- •Typically £1-£3 per item
- •Minimal staff time required
- •Best for small inventories under 100 items
In-house Testing
- •Lower long-term cost for large inventories
- •Test on your schedule
- •Immediate response to new equipment
- •Staff develop electrical safety competence
- •Initial investment: £450-£2,400 (equipment + training)
- •Best for 200+ items or maintenance teams
Bottom line: For most small businesses and landlords with furnished properties, commercial PAT testing services are the most practical option. For larger organizations with maintenance staff and significant equipment inventories, in-house testing becomes cost-effective after the initial investment.
Total annual costs: Example scenarios
Furnished rental property (3-bed house):
- EICR: £200 every 5 years = £40/year
- PAT testing (20 appliances): £60-£100/year
- Total: £100-£140/year
Small office (10 employees):
- EICR: £250 every 5 years = £50/year
- PAT testing (50 items): £100-£150/year
- Total: £150-£200/year
Medium business (50 employees):
- EICR: £400 every 3 years = £133/year
- PAT testing (200 items): £400-£600/year (service) or £200/year amortized (in-house)
- Total: £533-£733/year (service) or £333/year (in-house)
Who can perform each test?
EICR requirements
Must be carried out by:
- A qualified electrician with inspection and testing qualifications
- Typically holding City & Guilds 2391 or equivalent
- Knowledge of BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) 18th Edition
- Experience in electrical installation inspection
Recommended registration:
- NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting)
- NAPIT (National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers)
- ELECSA, Stroma Certification, or NAIC
Why it matters:
- Complex testing requiring specialist knowledge
- Interpreting results needs electrical expertise
- Legal liability for accuracy and safety
- Insurance requires qualified inspectors
Anyone can legally call themselves an electrician in the UK — there's no protected title. Always verify qualifications and scheme registration before engaging someone for an EICR. Check their certificate numbers with the relevant scheme.
PAT testing requirements
Can be carried out by:
- Any "competent person"
- Trained in-house staff
- Maintenance technicians
- Electrical contractors
- Dedicated PAT testing companies
Competence means:
- Understanding electrical safety principles
- Training on PAT testing procedures and equipment
- Ability to interpret test results
- Knowledge of pass/fail criteria
- Understanding equipment classes (Class I, II, III)
Training options:
- City & Guilds 2377 (PAT Testing) — 1-2 days
- Manufacturer-specific training for equipment
- In-house training for basic competence
- No qualification legally required, but training strongly advised
The lower barrier to PAT testing competence reflects the less complex nature of the task compared to full electrical installation inspection. However, competence still matters — improper PAT testing can miss dangerous faults or incorrectly fail safe equipment.
Common misconceptions
"I have an EICR, so I don't need PAT testing"
Reality: They test different things. An EICR confirms your building's electrical wiring is safe but doesn't check the appliances you plug into it. If you have portable equipment (especially in workplaces or furnished rentals), you need PAT testing too.
"PAT testing is legally required annually"
Reality: There's no law requiring annual PAT testing. The law requires safe equipment maintenance. How often you test depends on your risk assessment — it might be quarterly for construction tools or every 4 years for low-risk office equipment.
"PAT testing covers everything electrical"
Reality: PAT testing only covers portable equipment with plugs. It doesn't cover fixed wiring, consumer units, or permanently installed equipment. That's what an EICR is for.
"EICRs last forever if nothing changes"
Reality: Electrical installations deteriorate over time. Connections loosen, insulation degrades, and standards change. Even if "nothing has changed," landlords must have EICRs every 5 years, and businesses should follow recommended intervals.
"I only need one or the other"
Reality: Most businesses and furnished rental properties need both. They're complementary safety measures, not alternatives. One tests the installation, one tests the equipment — both are necessary for complete electrical safety.
"New equipment doesn't need PAT testing"
Reality: While brand-new equipment should be safe, you should establish a baseline record and visually inspect it. Equipment can be damaged in transit. More importantly, you need a testing schedule — new equipment becomes old equipment.
Office manager reduces costs with risk-based approach
An office with 80 employees had been PAT testing all equipment annually at a cost of £300/year and getting EICRs every 5 years at £250. After understanding the difference and conducting a risk assessment, the manager optimized the regime.
- ✗All equipment tested annually regardless of risk
- ✗Low-risk fixed equipment over-tested
- ✗No visual inspection regime between formal tests
- ✗Following 'standard practice' rather than actual requirements
- ✗Money spent inefficiently
The office implemented: (1) EICR every 5 years as before (£250). (2) PAT testing split by risk: high-use equipment (kitchen appliances, portable tools) annually; office IT equipment every 3 years. (3) Monthly visual checks by department heads. Annual PAT testing cost reduced to £120, total electrical safety costs £170/year vs £310 previously, while actually improving safety through more frequent visual checks.
Understanding the difference between EICR and PAT testing, and applying risk-based frequencies, can reduce costs while maintaining or improving safety. Visual inspections are free and catch most faults.
Do you need both?
When you need both EICR and PAT testing
Definitely need both:
- Furnished rental properties (providing appliances to tenants)
- Businesses with electrical equipment
- Care homes and healthcare facilities
- Schools and educational establishments
- Hotels, restaurants, and hospitality venues
- Gyms, leisure centers, and entertainment venues
- Churches, village halls, community centers (with equipment)
- Charities with premises and electrical equipment
When you need EICR but not PAT testing
EICR only:
- Unfurnished rental properties (tenant brings own appliances)
- Commercial property landlords (where tenant operates their own equipment)
- Owner-occupied homes with no business use
Note: Even if PAT testing isn't required, you should still visually check your own appliances for safety.
When you need PAT testing but not EICR
PAT only:
- Contractors bringing equipment to client sites
- Mobile businesses operating from vehicles
- Market traders using equipment in rented spaces
- Consultants bringing laptops/equipment to client offices
Reason: The building owner is responsible for the EICR. If you bring equipment to someone else's premises, you're responsible for ensuring your equipment is safe (PAT testing), but not the building's electrical installation.
When you need neither (legally)
No legal requirement:
- Owner-occupied homes (homeowners)
- Empty properties not being let or used as workplaces
But still recommended: An EICR every 10 years for homeowners is good safety practice, and visual checks of appliances are sensible.
Landlord requirements
Furnished properties
If you provide any electrical appliances in a rental property, you should PAT test them:
Typical furnished property equipment:
- White goods (fridge, freezer, washing machine, dryer, cooker)
- Microwave, kettle, toaster
- Lamps and lighting (with plugs)
- TV and entertainment equipment
- Vacuum cleaner
- Heaters (portable)
- Extension leads
Recommended approach:
- PAT test all provided appliances before new tenancy
- Re-test annually or every 2 years depending on risk
- Keep records of all tests
- Include requirement for tenant to report damage in tenancy agreement
EICR requirement remains:
- Still need EICR every 5 years regardless of PAT testing
- EICR is legally required; PAT testing is best practice but demonstrates duty of care
Unfurnished properties
EICR — Required:
- Every 5 years (England, Scotland, Wales)
- Before new tenancies if more than 5 years since last inspection
- Legal requirement with penalties up to £30,000
PAT testing — Generally not required:
- Tenants bring their own appliances
- Tenant responsible for safety of their equipment
- Exception: Test any communal equipment (e.g., washing machines in shared areas, garden equipment you provide)
HMOs and shared accommodation
Higher duty of care:
- EICR every 5 years minimum (some councils require every 3 years)
- PAT testing strongly recommended for shared equipment:
- Washing machines, dryers in communal areas
- Kitchen appliances in shared kitchens
- Vacuum cleaners provided for communal areas
- Any other shared electrical equipment
Licensing requirements:
- Most HMO licenses specify electrical safety requirements
- Evidence of both EICR and PAT testing may be required
- Check your specific HMO license conditions
As a landlord, the cost of PAT testing provided appliances (typically £20-£60 per property) is minimal compared to your potential liability if an appliance you provided causes injury or fire. It's a worthwhile investment in tenant safety and your own protection.
Record keeping and documentation
Both EICR and PAT testing require records, but the requirements differ:
EICR records
What you receive:
- Electrical Installation Condition Report (multiple pages)
- Schedule of test results
- Schedule of items inspected
- Classification of defects (C1, C2, C3, FI)
- Overall result: Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory
- Recommendations for remedial work
- Next inspection date
How long to keep:
- Until superseded by the next EICR (minimum 5 years)
- Landlords: Provide copy to tenant within 28 days
- Keep for at least 6 years for liability purposes
- May need to provide to buyers when selling
Legal requirements:
- Landlords must provide to tenants and local authority on request
- Businesses should keep as evidence of compliance
- Part of demonstrating due diligence
PAT testing records
What you should record:
- Asset number/identifier for each item
- Description of equipment
- Location/department
- Date of test
- Test results (pass/fail)
- Measurements (earth continuity, insulation resistance)
- Name of tester
- Next test due date
How long to keep:
- Until equipment is replaced or next test completed
- Minimum 2-3 years advisable
- Keep as evidence of maintenance regime
Best practice:
- Modern PAT testing equipment often records digitally
- Cloud-based systems provide backup and accessibility
- Barcode systems help track large inventories
- Schedule reminders for retesting
Good records for both EICR and PAT testing demonstrate due diligence. If you're investigated after an electrical incident, clear documentation showing regular testing and maintenance will be crucial to your defense against prosecution or civil claims.
Homeowners: What should you do?
For owner-occupiers, neither EICR nor PAT testing is legally required. However, both have value for safety and property maintenance:
EICR for homeowners
Recommended every 10 years:
- Identifies hidden electrical hazards
- Prevents expensive emergency repairs
- Good practice for properties over 25 years old
Especially valuable when:
- Buying a property (include in survey)
- Selling a property (demonstrate good maintenance)
- After major renovations
- If you're experiencing electrical problems
- Property has old wiring or outdated consumer unit
Cost: £120-£350 depending on property size Benefit: Peace of mind and property protection
PAT testing for homeowners
Generally not needed:
- Visual checks are sufficient for most households
- No legal requirement to formally test appliances
Consider it if:
- You run a business from home
- You have valuable equipment you want to verify
- You're particularly safety-conscious
- You have appliances in harsh environments (workshop, garage)
Alternative: Regular visual inspection
- Check cables for damage before use
- Look for burn marks, melted plastic, frayed cables
- Replace damaged equipment immediately
- Much more important than formal PAT testing
Homeowner Electrical Safety: Professional vs DIY
Professional Testing
- •EICR every 10 years: £120-£350
- •PAT testing: Not necessary
- •Peace of mind from expert verification
- •Documentation for property records
- •Identifies hidden problems
- •Best for older properties
DIY Vigilance
Recommended- •Monthly visual checks: Free
- •Quarterly RCD testing: Free (press test button)
- •Pre-use appliance checks: Free
- •Report problems immediately
- •Replace damaged equipment
- •Suitable for newer properties under 25 years
Bottom line: For homeowners, a combination works best: have an EICR every 10 years (or when buying/selling), combined with regular visual checks of appliances and the electrical system. This provides good safety without unnecessary expense. Save formal PAT testing for business equipment.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, if they're qualified for both. An electrician qualified to conduct EICRs (holding 2391 qualifications) is certainly competent to do PAT testing. However, PAT testing can be done by non-electricians who are trained and competent, whereas EICRs require a qualified electrician with specific inspection qualifications.
Yes. The EICR checks your fixed electrical installation (wiring, circuits, consumer unit) but doesn't test portable appliances. You still need PAT testing for any equipment with plugs. They're separate and complementary safety measures.
Yes. You need an EICR every 5 years for the building's electrical installation (to comply with Electricity at Work Regulations), and PAT testing for office equipment. For a low-risk office, you might test fixed-position equipment less frequently (every 2-4 years), but both types of testing are necessary.
If you're providing appliances (furnished or part-furnished property), you remain responsible for their safety regardless of tenancy agreements. You can't contract out of your duty of care. For unfurnished properties where tenants bring all their own appliances, PAT testing isn't required. But test any communal equipment you provide.
For a typical 3-bedroom furnished rental: EICR £150-£250 every 5 years (£30-£50/year) + PAT testing 15-20 items £50-£80/year = Total £80-£130/year. For a small office with 50 items: EICR £200-£300 every 5 years (£40-£60/year) + PAT testing £100-£150/year = Total £140-£210/year.
Yes. EICR must be done by a qualified electrician, but you can do PAT testing yourself if you're competent (trained and understand the process). Many landlords and small businesses do their own PAT testing after a training course, while contracting out EICRs to qualified electricians.
Most landlord and business insurance policies require evidence of electrical safety maintenance. This typically means a valid EICR is essential. PAT testing isn't always explicitly required, but insurers may question claims if an incident involves equipment that hadn't been maintained. Check your specific policy wording.
It depends on the circumstances. If your PAT testing was done properly and the equipment was safe, but the socket was faulty (which an EICR should have identified), liability likely falls on whoever was responsible for maintaining the fixed installation. This is exactly why you need both tests — they cover different aspects of electrical safety.
Any new electrical work should come with an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) or Minor Works Certificate. Your EICR remains valid for the rest of the installation (up to 5 years from its date), but the new work is covered by its own certification. However, substantial electrical modifications might warrant a new full EICR to assess the entire system.
No. If you operate from a vehicle and bring equipment to client sites, you need PAT testing for your tools and equipment, but not an EICR. The vehicle's electrical system is automotive, not a fixed installation. However, if you operate from a workshop or office, that building needs an EICR.
Next steps
Now you understand the difference between PAT testing and EICR, learn more about each:
If you're a landlord, understand your full electrical safety obligations:
For information about overall electrical safety requirements:
Electrical Safety in the Workplace →
Need help with electrical safety compliance? A qualified electrician can assess your requirements for both PAT testing and EICR inspections. For EICRs, ensure they're registered with NICEIC, NAPIT, or another competent person scheme.
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