PAT testing concerns electrical equipment. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) concerns the fixed electrical installation. The right enquiry depends on what you need checked; one report does not replace the other.
| Your concern | Relevant starting point |
|---|---|
| Appliances, mains chargers or detachable leads | Discuss equipment inspection and testing with a competent PAT provider. |
| Fixed wiring, distribution boards or socket circuits | Discuss inspection of the electrical installation with a competent electrical inspector. |
| A landlord, client or insurer has requested a report | Send the exact wording so the required scope can be clarified before you book. |
PAT work combines visual inspection with appropriate electrical tests for the equipment concerned. The agreed scope may include office appliances, mains power supplies and detachable leads. It is not a performance test or a promise that an item will remain fault-free.
A battery-powered laptop body is different from its mains charger and removable mains lead. Our appliance-counting guide shows how these are treated when preparing a quote.
An EICR records the findings of inspection and testing of an electrical installation against BS 7671, within the agreed extent and limitations. It may identify defects requiring action. Electrical Safety First explains periodic inspection and testing.
A socket circuit being included in an installation inspection does not mean every appliance plugged into it has received a PAT inspection or test.
No single schedule should be assumed for both services. Discuss the actual equipment or installation, use, previous findings and relevant requirements with a competent person. HSE’s PAT guidance explains why annual PAT testing is not a universal legal requirement.
For equipment at work, see AiO’s PAT testing service and get a quote. You can see our example reports and appliance labels. For a fixed-installation enquiry, use the separate EICR page. If the wording of a request is unclear, send it to AiO before booking.
View our example report and appliance labels before you book.