EICR inspections and PAT testing are both electrical safety checks, and both matter. But they check completely different things, apply to different people in different circumstances, and are governed by different legal frameworks. Confusing the two — or assuming that having one means you do not need the other — is a common mistake that can leave landlords non-compliant and business owners exposed.
This guide explains both checks clearly, draws the key distinctions between them, and helps you understand who needs each one and when.
What is an EICR?
An EICR — Electrical Installation Condition Report — is a formal inspection and test of the fixed electrical installation in a building. The fixed installation includes everything that is permanently wired into the building: the consumer unit (fuse box), the cables running through the walls, ceilings, and floors, the socket outlets and switches, the light fittings, and any fixed equipment such as electric showers, cooker connection units, and immersion heaters.
The purpose of an EICR is to assess whether the fixed installation is safe, whether it meets the current standard (BS 7671, the IET Wiring Regulations), and to identify any defects, deterioration, or non-compliance. The inspector carries out both a visual inspection and a series of electrical tests on each circuit. The result is either Satisfactory (meaning the installation is safe to use) or Unsatisfactory (meaning remedial work is required before it can be considered safe).
An EICR must be carried out by a qualified electrician — typically one registered with a competent person scheme such as NICEIC. It is a technically demanding inspection that requires specific knowledge, calibrated test equipment, and the ability to interpret results against the current wiring standards. It is not a task that can be carried out by an unqualified person.
What is PAT Testing?
PAT testing — Portable Appliance Testing — is an inspection and test of portable electrical appliances. These are items that are plugged into a socket rather than permanently wired into the building. Examples include kettles, toasters, desk lamps, computers, extension leads, televisions, washing machines, and electric drills.
The purpose of PAT testing is to check that portable appliances are safe to use. The check includes a visual inspection of the appliance, its plug, and its cable, followed in many cases by electrical tests using a PAT tester — a piece of equipment that checks insulation resistance, earth continuity, and other parameters. Appliances that pass the inspection are given a pass label; those that fail are either removed from service or repaired before being retested.
PAT testing does not require the person carrying it out to be a qualified electrician, though competence is required. Many organisations use trained in-house staff or specialist PAT testing contractors. The level of technical knowledge required is considerably lower than for an EICR.
The Key Differences
The most fundamental difference is what each check covers. An EICR covers the fixed wiring in the building. PAT testing covers portable appliances. These are entirely separate things and one check does not substitute for the other. A building can have a satisfactory EICR and still have dangerous appliances. A building can have every appliance PAT tested and still have a dangerous fixed installation.
The legal framework is also different. EICRs for residential rented property are mandatory under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. There is no equivalent legislation making PAT testing mandatory for residential landlords. For commercial premises and workplaces, both checks may be relevant under health and safety legislation — specifically the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, which requires employers to ensure that all electrical equipment is maintained in a safe condition — but PAT testing is not specifically mandated. The specific method of compliance is at the employer's discretion.
The frequency of each check differs. EICRs in private rented residential properties are required every five years or at change of tenancy. PAT testing frequency varies depending on the type of equipment and the environment in which it is used — construction site tools may need testing every three months, while office equipment in a low-risk environment may only need testing every two to four years. The Health and Safety Executive guidance on PAT testing emphasises that the appropriate frequency depends on risk assessment rather than a fixed schedule.
Cost is also different. An EICR for a typical Exeter property costs between £100 and £250 depending on size, and the work must be done by a qualified electrician. PAT testing is generally cheaper per appliance and can be done in bulk — a large office with many appliances might have them all tested in a single day for a flat fee.
Who is Required to Have an EICR?
Private landlords in England who let residential property must have an EICR carried out every five years. This is a legal obligation under the 2020 regulations. Failure to comply can result in a fine of up to £30,000.
Owner-occupiers have no legal obligation to have an EICR, though it is strongly recommended every ten years or after significant electrical alterations.
Commercial property owners and employers have obligations under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 to maintain their electrical installation in a safe condition. An EICR is the standard way to demonstrate compliance with this duty, and most commercial properties will have EICRs carried out every three to five years depending on the nature of the use.
Who is Required to Have PAT Testing?
No legislation specifically requires PAT testing by name. However, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that all electrical systems and equipment in workplaces be maintained in a safe condition. For employers, this means having a system for checking that portable appliances remain safe. PAT testing is the most common way to demonstrate this, and in most workplaces it is the pragmatic approach to compliance.
Residential landlords are not required by law to carry out PAT testing. However, if a landlord provides white goods or other appliances as part of a tenancy — washing machines, dishwashers, fridges — it is good practice to ensure those appliances are safe. An appliance that causes an injury to a tenant could expose the landlord to liability. PAT testing the appliances provided with the tenancy is a reasonable precaution.
For HMO landlords, local authority licensing conditions sometimes include requirements relating to portable appliances, so it is worth checking the specific conditions of your HMO licence.
Commercial Properties: When Both Are Needed
In most commercial settings, both an EICR and a PAT testing programme are appropriate. The EICR covers the fixed installation — the wiring, distribution boards, and fixed equipment. The PAT testing programme covers the portable appliances used in the workplace. Together, they provide a comprehensive approach to electrical safety.
The EICR is typically commissioned on a three to five-year cycle depending on the type of premises. PAT testing is carried out more frequently — often annually for most office equipment, more frequently for high-risk environments such as construction sites, kitchens, or workshops. The two programmes should be documented separately as they cover different aspects of electrical safety.
Do You Need Both?
Whether you need both an EICR and PAT testing depends on your circumstances. As a summary:
- Residential landlord providing unfurnished property: EICR legally required every 5 years. PAT testing not legally required but good practice for any appliances provided.
- Residential landlord providing furnished property with white goods: EICR legally required. PAT testing strongly recommended for all provided appliances.
- Commercial property owner or employer: EICR required under health and safety legislation. PAT testing programme also required to demonstrate compliance with Electricity at Work Regulations.
- Owner-occupier: Neither is legally required. EICR recommended every 10 years. PAT testing not relevant in a domestic context.
If you are uncertain about your obligations, the safest approach is to book an EICR in Exeter as a starting point. An EICR provides a comprehensive picture of the condition of your fixed installation and the inspector will be able to advise you whether any further checks are appropriate for your property type and use.
For landlords in Exeter managing multiple properties, our landlord electrician service covers EICR inspections across your portfolio. Contact us to discuss your requirements and we will arrange inspections that fit around your tenancies.