Many businesses confuse PAT testing and fixed wire testing (EICR), or assume that having one means they don't need the other. Both are important forms of electrical safety compliance, but they cover completely different aspects of your electrical systems.
PAT Testing in Brief
PAT testing covers portable electrical appliances — equipment that is plugged into a socket and can be moved. A PAT test checks the physical condition of the appliance, its cable and plug, and performs electrical tests to check insulation resistance and earth continuity. It results in a pass or fail result per appliance and a certificate covering all tested equipment.
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) in Brief
An EICR covers the fixed electrical installation — the permanent wiring, consumer unit, sockets, switches, and all electrical infrastructure built into the fabric of the building. It checks that the fixed installation is safe, properly designed, and maintained. It must be carried out by a qualified electrician and results in a coded report identifying any defects.
Key Differences at a Glance
- PAT testing: portable appliances / EICR: fixed wiring and installation
- PAT testing: can be done by a trained competent person / EICR: requires a qualified electrician
- PAT testing: typically annual / EICR: typically every 5 years
- PAT testing: per-appliance result / EICR: whole-installation assessment with condition codes
- PAT testing: legal obligation under Electricity at Work Regs / EICR: mandatory for private landlords since 2020
Do You Need Both?
Yes — in almost all cases. A building can have a perfectly sound fixed installation (a good EICR result) but still have dangerous portable appliances. Equally, all appliances can pass PAT testing while the fixed installation has serious faults. The two forms of testing complement each other and together provide comprehensive electrical safety coverage. MES PAT Testing Ltd provides both services.
