In this modern world of internet communications and digital technology, we are bombarded with acronyms and initialisms, many of which mean different things in different industries and workplaces.

A PLC, for instance, can be a Public Limited Company, a Product Life Cycle, a Power Line Carrier or a Programmable Logic Controller, depending on your profession or industry. It is therefore, not surprising that when many of us were told that we needed to have a PAT Test or an EICR in place by July 2021, that the immediate reaction was, ‘a what? – what does that mean?’

So, what is an EICR or a PAT Test that has become a necessary part of live for many of us and what do they do?

Quite simply, they are both designed to ensure that the electrical circuits and appliances that are used in a property are safe to use

Electrical Installation Condition Report, (EICR)

An EICR can be an External Interrupt Control Register, but in this case it is an Electrical Installation Condition Report, which is exactly what it says it is – a Report on the Condition of an existing Electrical Installation. The report is issued by a qualified electrician after carrying out a thorough test of all the installed systems and fixed appliances to identify and prioritise any deficiencies in the installation which do not meet the national safety standard for electrical installations. These are set out in the 18th edition of the ‘Wiring Regulations’, which are published as British Standard 7671.

The Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), will show whether or not the electrical installation is in a satisfactory condition and will detail a list of observations affecting the safety or requiring improvements.

Unsatisfactory Codes:

C1 – Danger present, risk of injury, immediate remedial action required

C2 – Potentially Dangerous, urgent remedial action required

FI – Further investigation required

Satisfactory Code:

C3 – Improvement recommended

Installed systems include, everything from the mains supply connection to your fuse board through all the hidden areas where you cannot see the condition of the wiring to the sockets and light fittings which are visible. Fixed appliances include electric cookers, electric showers and extractor fans. Any appliance which is wired directly into the installed system.

The condition of electrical installations will deteriorate with use and age, so it is important to regularly check that they are in a safe and serviceable condition and that any faults found are rectified. The EICR will highlight if any circuits are overloaded or might potentially cause a risk of electric shocks or fire due to overheating of the circuit. The inspection will also show any defective electrical work and identify any lack of earthing.

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require that landlords of privately rented accommodation must ensure national standards for electrical safety are met. The electrical installations in their rented properties should be inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person at an interval of at least every 5 years. In addition to the specific requirements for the private rented sector, it is recommended that an EICR be carried out every 10 years, for a domestic installation, 5 years for a commercial installation and 3 years for industrial premises.

Portable Appliance Test (PAT).

Appliances such as fridges/freezers, kettles, microwaves or washing machines which are connected to the electrical supply by means of a plug into a socket will not be included in an EICR. If they need to be safety tested for any reason, they will be subject to a Portable Appliance Test (PAT).

Although not a legal requirement the Electricity at Work Regulations 4(2) requires maintenance and regular testing of equipment. Similarly the Health and safety at Work etc. Act 1974, puts a duty of care upon both employer and employee to ensure safety of all persons using the work premises.  Regular records and certification of Portable appliance test is an integral part of ensuring safety. PAT Testing is part of a good health and safety regime.  Some local authorities require PAT testing of electrical appliances in furnished properties before letting to tenants.

People using Public Buildings, Venues and Exhibition Centres, including those bringing equipment in for their own use, will also find that, their equipment will required to have been PAT tested. Exhibition organisers, for instance, should check that all electrical equipment being used by exhibitors has been tested and passed.

PAT Testing an electrical appliance will, in some instances, require only a visual check to ensure it is in a safe condition, while others will need a more in-depth check using special PAT Testing equipment. This will vary depending on the class and category of the appliance.

Once tested, the tester will affix a red (Fail) sticker, or a green (Pass) sticker to the appliance. This sticker will show the Appliance ID, fuse rating, testers name, date of test and re-test due date.

Most electrical fires are caused by faulty electrical plug sockets and dated appliances that have been around for a while.

The Department for Communities & Local Government’s “Fire Statistics for Great Britain - 2011 to 2012”, states that there were 43,500 house fires in Britain during that period and 24,100 fires recorded in non-residential buildings. 14,700 of these accidental house fires, were caused by the misuse of electrical equipment or appliances.

These fires were responsible for almost 300 fatalities in house fires and 25 in non-residential buildings. Fire damage to residential property alone, cost in excess of £100million, with almost half of that caused by faulty appliances.

It is worth noting that the penalty for anyone not meeting legal obligations on electrical appliance safety, can be as high as 2 years’ imprisonment, as well as an unlimited fine.

Many of these fires are avoidable, by carrying out regular safety checks, such as an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), or Portable Appliance Test (PAT).

If you are looking for help with any electrical issues, you may find some of these services useful: