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Two of the most commonly confused electrical inspection regimes in Scotland are the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) and Portable Appliance Testing (PAT). They are both forms of electrical safety inspection, both produce certificates, and both are sometimes required for the same property. They are not the same thing, and conflating them is a common source of compliance error among Scottish landlords and small business owners. This guide sets out the practical difference clearly so you can decide which inspections your property actually needs.
The fundamental difference
The two regimes cover different things:
- EICR covers the fixed electrical installation: the consumer unit, the cables in the walls, the sockets and switches, the fixed lighting, the fixed appliances such as the cooker or shower. Anything that is part of the building rather than something you can unplug and take with you.
- PAT covers movable appliances that plug into the fixed installation: kettles, toasters, lamps, hairdryers, microwaves, computers, and similar equipment. Anything that has a plug you can pull out of a socket.
If you are a Scottish landlord, you have two different inspection regimes to consider. The EICR is mandatory under the Repairing Standard. PAT is generally not mandatory but is advisable for any appliances you supply with the property. If you are a homeowner, the EICR is recommended every 10 years; PAT is not generally needed at all.
EICR in detail
The EICR is a formal inspection of the fixed installation. It involves both visual inspection and electrical testing of every circuit. The inspection covers the consumer unit, all wiring, sockets, switches, light fittings, earthing, and fixed appliances. The result is a written report that records observations and codes any issues using the standard scheme (C1, C2, C3, FI).
For Scottish private rentals, the EICR is mandatory every 5 years and at change of tenancy where the existing certificate is approaching expiry. The certificate must be issued by an electrician registered with NICEIC or SELECT. For more on what the EICR covers and the legal context, see our companion guide on EICR for Scottish landlords.
PAT testing in detail
Portable Appliance Testing is a separate regime that covers movable appliances. The test typically includes a visual inspection of the appliance casing, plug, and lead, and an electrical test using a PAT testing instrument that checks earth continuity, insulation resistance, and lead polarity. Each appliance is then labelled with a sticker showing the test date and the result.
PAT testing produces a list of all tested appliances with the results. There is no Tribunal style code system; appliances either pass or fail. Failed appliances are taken out of service or repaired before re testing.
Is PAT legally required?
For most settings, PAT is not specifically required by law. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require employers to keep electrical equipment safe, but they do not specify PAT as the means of doing so. PAT is the most common way to demonstrate compliance with the duty to keep appliances safe. For a Scottish landlord, PAT is recommended (not mandatory) for any appliances supplied with a rental property; it is not part of the Repairing Standard requirement.
When does a Scottish landlord need both?
For most Scottish private rentals, the practical answer is: EICR yes (mandatory), PAT for any landlord supplied appliances (recommended).
Specific scenarios:
Unfurnished rental, no landlord supplied appliances
EICR is mandatory. PAT is not needed because the tenant supplies their own appliances. The tenant’s appliances are not the landlord’s responsibility. The fixed cooker hood, shower, immersion heater, and other built in appliances are part of the EICR.
Furnished rental with landlord supplied white goods
EICR is mandatory for the fixed installation. PAT is recommended for the white goods (washing machine, dishwasher, fridge freezer, microwave) supplied by the landlord. Many Scottish landlords combine the EICR booking with PAT for the white goods to keep both regimes on the same renewal cycle.
Fully furnished short term let or holiday let
EICR is mandatory under the short term let licensing regime. PAT is strongly advisable because the holiday let typically includes many landlord supplied appliances (kettle, toaster, hair dryer, iron, lamps) that guests use without the same familiarity as their own equipment. Most short term let licence applications include a PAT certificate alongside the EICR.
HMO licensed property
EICR is mandatory and inspected with additional rigour for HMO purposes. PAT is recommended for any landlord supplied appliances in shared kitchens and common areas. HMOs typically have more landlord supplied equipment than standard residential rentals.
Commercial premises
EICR is required by the Electricity at Work Regulations and most commercial leases. PAT is also required for any office or workplace appliances under the same regulations. For commercial premises, both inspection regimes are typically operated together on a 5 year cycle for the EICR and an annual cycle for PAT.
PAT testing cost in Aberdeenshire
PAT testing is typically priced per appliance with a minimum charge for a small batch. Indicative costs in 2026:
- Per appliance: £1.50 to £3.00 depending on the volume.
- Minimum charge for a small batch: £60 to £100 (typically covers 20 to 30 appliances).
- Typical 3 bedroom furnished rental with white goods: £80 to £150 covering all landlord supplied appliances.
- Holiday let with full inventory: £100 to £200 depending on the appliance count.
- Office with full IT and kitchen equipment: £150 to £400 depending on size.
PAT is much cheaper per appliance than the EICR per circuit because each PAT test is quick and the equipment is highly portable. A bundled EICR and PAT booking can save time and is often arranged together for landlord properties.
EICR cost in Aberdeenshire (for reference)
- Studio or 1 bedroom flat: £150 to £200.
- 2 bedroom flat or terraced: £180 to £250.
- 3 bedroom semi detached: £220 to £300.
- 4 bedroom detached: £280 to £380.
- HMO licensed property: £250 to £400.
- Commercial premises: from £300 by inspection.
For more detail on EICR pricing and what affects it, see our pillar guide on EICR services in Aberdeen.
Comparison summary
| Aspect | EICR | PAT |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | Fixed installation | Movable appliances |
| Mandatory for Scottish private rental | Yes | No (recommended for landlord supplied appliances) |
| Frequency | Every 5 years | Typically annual |
| Issued by | NICEIC or SELECT registered electrician | Competent person with PAT testing equipment |
| Output | EICR certificate with code system | List of pass or fail per appliance plus stickers |
| Typical cost (3 bedroom Aberdeenshire rental) | £220 to £300 | £80 to £150 |
Common confusion: “my electrician did a PAT certificate, am I covered?”
This is one of the most common compliance errors among Scottish landlords. A PAT certificate covering the appliances does not cover the fixed installation. A landlord with PAT but no EICR is in breach of the Repairing Standard. The reverse is also true: a current EICR does not cover the appliances. Most landlords with furnished properties need both.
If you are unsure what certificates you have, look at the document and check what it covers. An EICR will be titled “Electrical Installation Condition Report” and will list the circuits inspected. A PAT certificate will list individual appliances by name and serial number.
Frequently asked questions
Can the same electrician do both EICR and PAT?
Yes. Many NICEIC registered firms offer both regimes. Combining the bookings into a single visit is more efficient than two separate appointments. Faithful Spark provides EICR and PAT as a coordinated service for landlords with furnished properties.
Do I need PAT for an unfurnished rental?
Generally no. PAT covers landlord supplied appliances. If the property has no landlord appliances (the tenant brings everything), there is nothing for PAT to cover. Built in fixed appliances are covered by the EICR.
My washing machine has a fault. Was it the EICR’s job to find it?
No. The EICR confirms that the supply circuit to the washing machine is safe. The washing machine itself is the appliance. PAT or the manufacturer’s service regime would identify the fault, not the EICR.
For a holiday let, do I need PAT every year or every 5 years?
The IET PAT guidance generally recommends annual testing for appliances in commercial environments. For holiday lets and short term lets where appliances are used by guests rather than long term residents, annual PAT is the practical baseline. The EICR remains on the standard 5 year cycle.
Are PAT certificates accepted by short term let licensing?
Most Scottish short term let licensing applications request both the EICR and a PAT certificate (or equivalent appliance safety documentation). Both regimes contribute to overall property safety; including both in the licence application is good practice.
Book EICR or combined EICR and PAT with Faithful Spark
Faithful Spark provides NICEIC registered EICRs and PAT testing across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Combined inspections at a single visit save time for landlords with furnished properties. Fixed price quotes, fast turnaround, and full documentation. See our pillar guide on EICR services in Aberdeen.
Faithful Spark Electricians. NICEIC approved. Local Aberdeen team. EICR inspections, PAT testing, electrical safety certificates, and remedial work for Aberdeen, Peterhead, Ellon, Fraserburgh and across Aberdeenshire.
