Electrical Testing Guide
PAT Testing Vs EICR: What’s the Difference?
PAT Testing and EICR are often confused, but they do very different jobs. One checks portable electrical appliances. The other checks the fixed electrical installation of a property.
For landlords, businesses, offices, shops and homeowners, understanding the difference helps you book the right service, avoid wasted callouts and keep electrical safety records clear.
RCD Electrical provides testing, inspection and Reliable electrical services in London for homes, rental properties and commercial premises.
Visual Comparison
PAT Testing Vs EICR Infographic
A quick visual guide showing the difference between appliance testing and fixed electrical installation inspection.
🔍 Click image to enlarge
⚡ The Whole Article at a Glance
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PAT Testing
Checks movable appliances such as kettles, computers, extension leads, power tools and office equipment.
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EICR
Checks fixed wiring, consumer units, earthing, sockets, lighting circuits and electrical installation safety.
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Best For
PAT is useful for appliance safety records. EICR is essential for property wiring condition and compliance.
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Often Needed Together
Landlords and businesses may need both to show a wider electrical safety management approach.
🔌 What Is PAT Testing?
PAT stands for Portable Appliance Testing. It focuses on electrical equipment that can be moved, plugged in, unplugged or used by staff, tenants, customers or contractors.
A PAT check may include a visual inspection, plug check, cable condition check, fuse rating review and electrical testing where suitable. The aim is simple: identify appliances that may present a shock, burn or fire risk.
Common items checked during PAT Testing
- Office computers, monitors and printers
- Extension leads and power adapters
- Kettles, microwaves and kitchen equipment
- Power tools and workshop equipment
- Portable heaters and cleaning machines
- Landlord-supplied appliances
Product view: PAT Testing is best seen as an appliance safety service. It helps businesses and landlords manage equipment risk, organise records and remove unsafe items before they cause problems.
🏠 What Is an EICR?
EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report. Unlike PAT Testing, it does not focus on plug-in appliances. It checks the fixed electrical installation inside the property.
During an EICR, a qualified electrician inspects and tests circuits to assess whether the installation is safe for continued use. The report can identify damage, deterioration, poor earthing, overloaded circuits, outdated consumer units and wiring defects.
If your property needs a formal inspection for safety, compliance or landlord requirements, you can Click to receive EICR services from RCD Electrical.
Typical areas reviewed in an EICR
- Consumer unit and protective devices
- Lighting and socket circuits
- Earthing and bonding arrangements
- RCD protection and trip times
- Signs of heat damage or wear
- Electrical safety observations and codes
For rental properties, commercial units and older London homes, an EICR gives a clearer picture of the condition of the electrical system itself.
⚖️ PAT Testing Vs EICR: The Real Difference
The easiest way to understand the difference is this: PAT Testing checks the appliance. EICR checks the installation that supplies the appliance.
PAT Testing
Checks portable electrical items and plug-in equipment. It is useful for offices, shops, rental appliances, workshops and businesses with staff using electrical equipment daily.
- Focuses on movable equipment
- Helps manage appliance risk
- Useful for workplace safety records
- Can help identify damaged plugs and leads
EICR
Checks the fixed electrical wiring and installation. It is usually the more important test for landlords, property buyers, commercial premises and older buildings.
- Focuses on property wiring
- Checks circuits and protection
- Produces a formal condition report
- Highlights urgent and recommended work
If a socket circuit is unsafe, PAT Testing will not fully diagnose that issue. If a kettle has a damaged cable, an EICR may not be the correct service to identify that specific appliance fault.
👷 Who Needs PAT Testing, EICR or Both?
Most customers are not looking for technical wording; they want to know which service to book. The answer depends on the property, equipment and reason for testing.
- Landlords may need EICR for fixed wiring and PAT for supplied appliances
- Offices often use PAT Testing for equipment and EICR for the building installation
- Shops and salons may need both because customers and staff use electrical equipment
- Homeowners usually book EICR for wiring condition, especially before buying or renovating
- Businesses with many plug-in devices benefit from planned PAT records
- Older properties should consider EICR before adding new electrical loads
If you are unsure, speak to an Electrician in London who can recommend the correct inspection instead of selling you the wrong test.
📄 What Do You Receive After Testing?
A professional electrical testing service should give you more than a quick pass or fail. You should understand what was tested, what needs attention and what the next step should be.
With PAT Testing, you may receive:
- Appliance pass or fail results
- Itemised equipment list
- Clear notes on damaged or unsafe items
- Labels or records where appropriate
With an EICR, you may receive:
- Electrical Installation Condition Report
- Observation codes such as C1, C2, C3 or FI
- Summary of required remedial work
- Professional guidance on safety and next steps
For landlords, homeowners and commercial premises, an EICR Certificate helps document the condition of the fixed electrical installation and any remedial work required.
A failed result is not the end of the process. It is a clear route map for making the appliance or installation safer.
✅ Which Electrical Test Should You Book?
Book PAT Testing if your main concern is portable appliances, office equipment, landlord-supplied appliances or plug-in devices used by staff or tenants.
Book an EICR if your concern is the property wiring, consumer unit, circuits, electrical safety report, landlord compliance, property purchase, old wiring or repeated electrical faults.
Book both if you manage a rental property, office, shop, salon, commercial space or building where both fixed wiring and portable equipment need to be controlled.
RCD Electrical provides practical testing advice, clear reports and reliable electrical services in London for customers who want the right answer without confusion.
Need PAT Testing or an EICR in London?
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