Every observation on an Electrical Installation Condition Report is given a classification code. The codes tell you how serious each issue is and decide whether the overall report is satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
| Code | Meaning | Report outcome | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Danger present. Risk of injury. | Unsatisfactory | Immediate action. The inspector should make it safe before leaving. |
| C2 | Potentially dangerous. | Unsatisfactory | Urgent remedial action. |
| FI | Further investigation required without delay. | Unsatisfactory | Investigate promptly to establish whether a danger exists. |
| C3 | Improvement recommended. | Does not on its own make it unsatisfactory | Recommended, not mandatory. |
C1: danger present
A C1 means someone could be hurt now. Examples include exposed live conductors from a broken accessory, a socket with live parts accessible, or incorrect polarity that leaves a fitting live when switched off. The inspector should make the danger safe on the day, for example by isolating the circuit, and tell the person ordering the report immediately.
C2: potentially dangerous
A C2 is not an immediate danger but would become one if a fault occurred. Common C2s include:
- No main protective bonding to gas or water pipes
- Earth fault loop impedance too high for the protective device to disconnect in time
- Signs of overheating or thermal damage at the consumer unit
- Socket-outlets likely to supply equipment outdoors without RCD protection
- Damaged cables or accessories where live parts could become exposed
FI: further investigation required
FI is used when the inspector has found something that suggests a problem but could not confirm it during the inspection, for example a circuit that could not be traced, or unexpected test results. FI items count against the report until they are investigated and resolved.
C3: improvement recommended
C3 covers items that do not meet the current edition of BS 7671 but are not dangerous, for example an older consumer unit without RCD protection for some circuits where the risk is low, or no surge protection. A report with only C3 items is satisfactory. They are worth planning for, especially before a consumer unit upgrade.
Other entries you may see
- LIM: a limitation, such as a room that could not be accessed.
- N/V: not verified.
- N/A: not applicable to this installation.
Limitations should be agreed before the inspection and listed on the report. A report with large unexplained limitations is worth questioning.
My EICR is unsatisfactory: what now?
- Get a priced remedial list. Each C1, C2 and FI item should be clearly described so any competent electrician can quote.
- Book the work quickly. In rented homes in England, remedial or investigative work must be completed within 28 days of the inspection, or sooner if the report says so.
- Get certification for the work. The electrician should issue a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate or an Electrical Installation Certificate.
- Confirm completion in writing. Landlords must give written confirmation of completed work to the tenant and the local housing authority within 28 days of completion.
- Keep everything together. The original report plus the completion certificates together show the installation is now safe. A fresh EICR is not normally required.
Can you dispute an EICR code?
Yes. Coding involves professional judgement, and guidance such as the Electrical Safety First Best Practice Guide 4 helps inspectors code consistently. If a code looks unjustified, ask the inspector to explain the regulation and the risk. A second opinion from another registered contractor is reasonable for expensive remedials.