EICR vs PAT Test – What’s the Difference? UK 2025 Guide
🔌 What’s the Difference Between an EICR and a PAT Test? UK 2025 Guide
Landlords, businesses, and even homeowners often confuse EICRs and PAT testing. While both improve electrical safety, they cover completely different parts of your property.
This clear UK 2025 guide explains the difference, who needs which test, how often they’re required, and common mistakes to avoid.
📚 Contents
- 📌 Quick Answer
- 📘 What an EICR Covers
- 🔌 What a PAT Test Covers
- ⚖️ Key Differences Explained
- 👥 Who Needs EICR vs Who Needs PAT?
- ⏳ How Often Do They Need Doing?
- 📜 Legal Requirements (2025)
- 🔗 Related Guides
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
📌 Quick Answer
EICR checks your building’s fixed electrical installation.
PAT testing checks appliances you plug into sockets.
They serve different purposes — and in many cases, you may need both.
📘 What an EICR Covers
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) inspects the fixed wiring and electrical infrastructure of a property.
It checks:
- wiring & cable condition
- consumer unit (fuse board)
- sockets & switches
- lighting circuits
- earthing & bonding
- RCD/RCBO operation
- possible fire or shock risks (C1, C2, C3, FI)
For a full breakdown, read: What’s Included in an EICR (2025 Checklist) .
🔌 What a PAT Test Covers
PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) checks items that plug into sockets, such as:
- kettles
- microwaves
- toasters
- power tools
- fridges, dishwashers, washing machines (if plugged-in)
- extension leads
PAT tests identify:
- damaged flexes
- loose or cracked casings
- failing earth continuity
- insulation resistance issues
- faulty plugs or fuses
PAT is about ensuring appliances are safe — not the building’s wiring.
⚖️ Key Differences Explained
| Feature | EICR | PAT Test |
|---|---|---|
| Checks wiring? | ✔ Yes | ✖ No |
| Checks appliances? | ✖ No | ✔ Yes |
| Required for landlords? | ✔ Yes (5-yearly) | ✔ Recommended (varies) |
| Legal requirement? | ✔ For rentals | Depends on workplace risk |
| Part of the building installation? | ✔ Yes | ✖ No |
👥 
🏠 Homeowners
- EICR every 10 years recommended
- PAT not normally required
🏠 Landlords
- EICR = Legal requirement every 5 years
- PAT = Strongly recommended, especially for furnished rentals
🏢 Businesses
- EICR required every 3–5 years
- PAT required based on risk assessment
⏳ How Often Do They Need Doing?
EICR Frequency (UK 2025)
- Homeowners: every 10 years
- Rentals: every 5 years (legal)
- HMOs: every 5 years
- Commercial: every 3–5 years
PAT Testing Frequency
There is no set legal interval. Instead it depends on risk:
- Office equipment: every 12–48 months
- Catering or industrial appliances: every 6–12 months
- High-risk hand tools: every 3–6 months
📜 Legal Requirements (2025)
EICR Law
Landlords MUST have a valid EICR at least every 5 years. Businesses must maintain safe installations under the Electricity at Work Regulations.
PAT Law
PAT is not a specific law, but workplaces must ensure appliances are safe. PAT is the recognised method to prove compliance.
🔗 Related Electrical Guides
- EICR Cost Guide 2025
- How Often Should an EICR Be Done?
- Landlord EICR Requirements
- EICR vs Homebuyer Survey
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is PAT included in an EICR?
No — they are separate tests.
Do landlords need both?
Yes, if the property is furnished or has provided appliances.
Does PAT testing check wiring?
No — that requires an EICR.
Is PAT legally required?
Not by name, but workplaces must test appliances to prove safety.
Which is more important, PAT or EICR?
They serve different purposes — most landlords and businesses need both.
EICR and PAT testing work together to create a safe electrical environment. EICR protects the building — PAT protects the appliances you plug into it.