If you've been searching for an electrical safety check, you've probably seen it called several different things — EICR, fixed wire testing, an electrical safety certificate, a landlord safety certificate, or just “electrical testing.” It's confusing, but the good news is simple: in almost every case, these all refer to the same inspection.
The terms, explained
- EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) — the official, current technical name for the test and the document you receive at the end of it. This is the term used in regulations and by insurers.
- Fixed wire testing — an older term, still very common, especially in commercial and industrial settings. It refers to the same inspection of the fixed electrical installation (as opposed to portable appliances).
- Electrical safety certificate — a plain-English way of describing the certificate you receive after an EICR. Not an official term, but widely searched and understood.
- Landlord safety certificate / landlord electrical certificate — refers to the same EICR, specifically in the context of the legal requirement for private landlords in England under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.
- Electrical testing — the broadest, most general term, often used to describe the process of carrying out an EICR.
What it isn't the same as
An EICR is not the same as:
- PAT testing (Portable Appliance Testing) — covers movable items like kettles, laptops and appliances, not the fixed wiring
- Gas Safety Certificate — a completely separate certificate for gas appliances, not electrics
- PIR (Periodic Inspection Report) — an older name for what's now called an EICR; if you've been quoted a “PIR,” you're being quoted the same test under its previous name
So what should you actually book?
Whatever term you've seen used — EICR, fixed wire test, electrical safety certificate, landlord certificate — the test itself is the same: a qualified inspection of your fixed wiring, consumer unit, sockets, switches and earthing, tested against BS 7671 and reported with coded observations. When you get in touch, just tell us what the property is (rental, home, commercial) and we'll confirm exactly what's needed.
Related: EICR services · Commercial EICR · Landlord EICR guide · EICR cost guide
Need an EICR in Shropshire?
Whether you've been asked for an EICR, a fixed wire test or an electrical safety certificate, we carry out the same inspection for homes, rentals and businesses across Telford, Shrewsbury and Shropshire.
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