Commercial EICR vs PAT testing
An EICR concerns the existing fixed electrical installation: distribution boards, wiring, circuits and connected fixed equipment as agreed. Portable appliance inspection and testing concerns equipment such as plug-in tools and office appliances. Both sit within electrical safety management but have different scopes.
Check my situationDo not swap the reports
A PAT register does not establish the condition of the fixed wiring. An EICR does not show that every portable appliance has been inspected. Buy each task against its own inventory, risk and output.
- Is the question about the supply wiring and distribution system or individual equipment?
- Which assets, circuits, sockets and appliances are explicitly included?
- What inspection and maintenance decisions remain after either report?
What to do next: Prepare two distinct scopes if both services are needed. Reuse site access arrangements where practical, but ask for separate reports, prices, exclusions and follow-up actions.
Fixed wiring
HSE advises arranging inspection and testing of fixed wiring to detect deterioration. The EICR records the agreed installation boundary, test results, observations and limitations.
Portable equipment
Portable appliance checks are based on equipment type, use and environment. HSE does not impose universal annual PAT testing. Visual inspection can be important even when an electrical test is not needed.
Shared duty, separate evidence
The employer must maintain electrical systems and equipment so far as reasonably practicable to prevent danger. The right inspection plan is risk-based, with competent review after defects or changes.