Electrical Testing Guide
EIC or PAT Testing: Which Do You Need and When?
EIC and PAT testing are often confused, but they check
completely different parts of your electrical safety.
An EIC normally confirms that new fixed electrical
installation work has been properly inspected and tested.
PAT testing checks plug-in electrical equipment such as
computers, kettles, tools and extension leads.
This guide helps homeowners, landlords and businesses
choose the right service without booking unnecessary testing.
Visual Testing Guide
EIC vs PAT Testing Infographic
Use this visual comparison to quickly identify which
electrical test or certificate may be suitable.
Click or tap the infographic to view the complete guide
in a larger format.
The Whole Article at a Glance
⚡
Choose an EIC
After a new installation, full rewire, consumer unit
replacement or installation of a new circuit.
🔌
Choose PAT Testing
When plug-in appliances used by staff, tenants,
customers or contractors need safety checks.
📋
Need Existing Wiring Checked?
You may need an EICR rather than an EIC or PAT test.
📄
What Is an Electrical Installation Certificate?
An Electrical Installation Certificate, usually shortened
to EIC, records the inspection and testing completed after
significant new electrical installation work.
It confirms details of the installation, circuits,
protective devices and test results. It should be completed
by the person or business responsible for designing,
installing and testing the work.
You will commonly receive an EIC after:
- A complete property rewire
- A new electrical installation
- A replacement consumer unit
- Adding one or more new circuits
- Major electrical alterations
- Electrical work within a new extension
Important:
An EIC confirms specific new installation work.
It is not normally used to assess the overall condition
of an older electrical system.
🔌
What Is PAT Testing?
Portable Appliance Testing focuses on electrical equipment
that is connected to the power supply through a plug.
The process may include a visual inspection and electrical
tests, depending on the appliance and level of risk.
PAT testing does not inspect the fixed wiring behind walls,
sockets or the consumer unit. It checks the safety of
individual appliances and their plugs, cables and
protective features.
Common appliances checked include:
- Computers and office equipment
- Kettles and kitchen appliances
- Extension leads and adaptors
- Cleaning equipment
- Portable heaters and fans
- Power tools and site equipment
Testing frequency should be based on risk. A power tool
used on a building site may need checking more frequently
than a computer kept in a clean, dry office.
⚖️
The Main Difference Between EIC and PAT Testing
EIC
Covers new fixed electrical installation work,
including wiring, circuits and consumer units.
It is normally produced after installation work
has been completed and tested.
PAT Testing
Covers portable or movable electrical appliances
connected through plugs.
It forms part of an ongoing equipment maintenance
and electrical safety programme.
The two services do not replace each other. A business may
have a valid certificate for its fixed installation while
still having damaged appliances. It may also have recently
tested appliances but unsafe fixed wiring.
✅
Which Electrical Test Do You Need?
| Your Situation |
Likely Service |
What It Covers |
|
You have completed a full rewire
|
EIC
|
The new fixed electrical installation
|
|
A new circuit has been installed
|
EIC
|
The new circuit and related installation work
|
|
You operate an office, shop or workplace
|
PAT
|
Plug-in electrical equipment used at work
|
|
You supply appliances to tenants
|
PAT
|
Landlord-supplied portable appliances
|
|
You want the existing wiring assessed
|
EICR
|
The condition of the existing installation
|
|
You have both fixed wiring and appliances
|
EICR + PAT
|
Separate checks for both areas
|
🏢
What Do Landlords and Businesses Usually Need?
Landlords and businesses often need more than one type
of electrical document because fixed installations and
portable appliances present different risks.
Landlords
An EIC may be supplied after new installation work, while
an EICR is used for periodic inspection of the existing
wiring. Where a landlord supplies appliances, suitable
appliance inspection and testing may also be appropriate.
Offices, shops and workplaces
Employers must keep electrical equipment safe, but this
does not automatically mean every low-risk appliance needs
a formal PAT test every year. The inspection and testing
programme should reflect how the equipment is used,
its environment and its maintenance history.
Construction and higher-risk environments
Equipment exposed to dust, moisture, movement or physical
damage normally requires more frequent checks than equipment
used in a controlled office.
🛡️
Choose the Right Electrician, Not Just the Right Test
The value of an electrical certificate depends on the
quality of the inspection and testing behind it.
Before booking, explain whether you have completed new
installation work, need existing wiring assessed or want
appliances checked.
A professional
Electrician in London
should first identify the correct service instead of
selling the same test to every customer.
- Clear explanation before testing begins
- Suitable calibrated testing equipment
- Accurate circuit or appliance records
- Explanation of defects and next steps
- Properly completed documentation
- No unnecessary annual testing promises
Why Choose RCD Electrical?
Our team helps homeowners, landlords and businesses
identify which inspection, test or certificate is
suitable for their situation.
Still Unsure Whether You Need an EIC or PAT Test?
Tell RCD Electrical what work has been completed,
what equipment you use and why the testing is required.
We will help you select the appropriate service.
Avoid unnecessary testing and receive clear,
professional electrical guidance for your London
property or business.
Call RCD Electrical: 020 3488 2928