A damaged extension lead and an ageing consumer unit can both create an electrical risk, but they are not checked in the same way. That is the key point in fixed wiring testing versus PAT. One looks at the permanent electrical installation in a property; the other considers the electrical appliances connected to it.
For homeowners, landlords and businesses in Plymouth, understanding the difference helps avoid gaps in electrical safety records. It also prevents paying for the wrong type of inspection when you need evidence for a tenancy, insurance query, workplace assessment or property purchase.
Fixed wiring testing versus PAT: the main difference
Fixed wiring testing examines the electrical installation that is permanently built into a property. This includes the consumer unit or fuse board, circuits, cabling, sockets, switches, light fittings, earthing and bonding. It is usually carried out as part of an Electrical Installation Condition Report, commonly known as an EICR.
PAT stands for Portable Appliance Testing. It concerns moveable electrical equipment that plugs into the installation, such as kettles, computers, chargers, power tools, extension leads, printers and portable heaters. The term covers a combination of visual checks and, where appropriate, electrical tests.
Put simply, fixed wiring testing asks whether the building’s electrical system is safe and suitable for continued use. PAT asks whether a particular appliance and its lead are safe to use. A passed PAT label does not confirm that the socket supplying the appliance is safe. Equally, a satisfactory EICR does not prove that every appliance in the building is in good condition.
Both checks can be valuable, particularly in rented properties, offices, shops, workshops and communal areas. They serve different purposes and should not be treated as alternatives.
What fixed wiring testing covers
During fixed wiring testing, a qualified electrician inspects and tests the permanent installation against the requirements of BS 7671, the IET Wiring Regulations. Parts of the system may need to be isolated briefly while testing is completed, so planning is particularly useful in occupied homes and trading premises.
The inspection will consider whether the installation has suitable protection from electric shock and fire, whether circuits are correctly identified, and whether earthing arrangements remain effective. An electrician will look for signs of deterioration, damage, overloading, poor previous alterations and equipment that no longer meets expected safety standards.
Testing can identify issues that are not obvious during everyday use. Examples include low insulation resistance, incorrect polarity, inadequate fault protection or a circuit that is no longer appropriate for its intended load. These defects may not cause an immediate power cut, but they can increase risk and should be assessed properly.
The outcome is an EICR that records observations using recognised classification codes. A satisfactory report means no observations requiring urgent action have been found. An unsatisfactory report means remedial work is needed, often before a landlord can meet their legal obligations or a business can demonstrate that risks have been controlled.
An EICR is not a guarantee that nothing will ever fail after the inspection date. It is a record of the installation’s condition at that time, based on the extent and limitations stated on the report. That is why prompt repairs and sensible ongoing maintenance still matter.
When is an EICR needed?
In England, private landlords must generally have the electrical installation inspected and tested at least every five years, or sooner if the report recommends it. They must also provide the report to tenants and act on remedial work within the required timescales.
Homeowners are not normally subject to the same five-year legal requirement, but periodic inspection is sensible. It is especially worthwhile when buying an older property, before major alterations, after flood or fire damage, or where the installation has not been checked for many years.
For commercial premises, there is no single interval that suits every business. The right frequency depends on the type of premises, how the installation is used, its age, maintenance history and the level of risk. An office and a busy workshop have very different demands. A competent electrician can advise on an appropriate inspection period rather than applying a one-size-fits-all date.
What PAT testing covers
PAT testing begins with a visual inspection, which is often the most revealing part. A technician checks the plug, cable, casing, connections and signs of overheating, damage or unsuitable repairs. Crushed cables, cracked plugs and missing strain relief are common defects that can make an appliance unsafe.
Where appropriate, further tests may check earth continuity, insulation resistance and lead polarity. Not every item needs exactly the same test. A double-insulated device has different construction from a metal-cased, earthed appliance, and some electronic equipment needs testing methods that will not damage sensitive components.
PAT is frequently associated with workplaces, but the legal duty is about maintaining equipment safely, not simply applying a sticker to every item once a year. Employers have duties under the Electricity at Work Regulations to prevent danger so far as reasonably practicable. The level and frequency of inspection should reflect the risk.
For example, a heavily used extension lead in a workshop needs closer attention than a rarely moved monitor lead in a low-risk office. Equipment used outdoors, carried between sites or handled by the public may also require more regular checks. A visual inspection programme, user checks and recorded formal testing can all form part of a sensible approach.
In rented homes, PAT testing of a landlord’s supplied appliances can provide useful evidence that those items have been maintained. However, it does not replace the landlord’s duty to have the fixed installation inspected through an EICR. Tenant-owned appliances are normally the tenant’s responsibility unless another arrangement has been agreed.
Do you need both tests?
You may need both where you are responsible for the building and the appliances within it. A landlord furnishing a flat with white goods, a café with kitchen equipment, or an office supplying staff with IT equipment are clear examples. Fixed wiring testing checks the infrastructure; PAT testing helps manage the equipment plugged into it.
There are situations where one is more relevant than the other. If you are concerned about an old consumer unit, frequent tripping, warm sockets or a house purchase, an EICR or fault-finding visit is likely to be the right starting point. PAT testing will not investigate those installation issues.
If the building has a recent satisfactory EICR but staff are using worn extension leads and damaged power tools, appliance inspection and testing may be the priority. The appliance labels, asset register and test records should be kept organised, particularly where equipment moves between staff members or sites.
It also depends on who owns the item. A business is generally responsible for equipment it provides to employees, while individual staff may be responsible for personally owned items brought into work unless the employer has a specific policy. Clear rules help avoid uncertainty.
Common misunderstandings to avoid
A PAT label is not a certificate for the whole building. It relates only to the appliance tested and does not confirm that the socket circuit, consumer unit or earthing system has been inspected.
Likewise, an EICR does not test every portable appliance. The electrician may identify obvious appliance concerns while on site, but appliance testing is a separate scope of work unless it has been specifically arranged.
There is also no universal rule that every appliance must be tested annually. Annual PAT testing may be suitable in some higher-use environments, but it can be excessive for low-risk equipment and insufficient for harsh working conditions. Risk, use and condition should guide the programme.
Finally, neither test should be viewed as paperwork for its own sake. The real value is finding faults before they cause electric shock, fire, damaged equipment or disruption to a tenant or business.
Choosing a practical inspection plan
Start by listing what you are responsible for: the fixed installation, supplied appliances, or both. Gather previous EICRs, records of remedial work and any existing appliance register. This gives an electrician a clearer picture of the property and helps prevent unnecessary duplication.
For a business, arrange testing at a time that limits disruption and ensure access to consumer units, distribution boards and equipment. For landlords, book inspections early enough to allow for any remedial work before a new tenancy or compliance deadline. If faults are found, use the report to prioritise safety-critical work rather than delaying action.
Good electrical safety is rarely about a single certificate. It comes from knowing what is installed, maintaining it properly and getting the right check for the risk in front of you. If you are unsure whether your Plymouth property needs an EICR, PAT testing or both, a qualified local electrician can assess the situation and give clear, practical advice before work begins.