Receiving an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) for the first time can be confusing. The report contains technical language, observation codes, and a satisfactory/unsatisfactory verdict. This guide decodes everything — from what each code means to exactly what action you need to take as a.
Contents
How an EICR Report is Structured
A standard EICR report contains several sections:
- Property details: Address, occupancy type, date of inspection
- Supply characteristics: Type of supply, earthing arrangement, supply conductor size
- Particulars of installation: Type of wiring, consumer unit details, number of circuits
- Observations: A list of all coded observations found during the inspection
- Schedule of circuits: Test results for each individual circuit
- Declaration: The inspector's name, qualification, and overall verdict (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory)
C1 — Danger Present (Immediate Action Required)
A C1 observation indicates that danger is present and there is a risk of injury from the electrical installation in its current state. C1 is the most serious coding and requires immediate action.
Examples of C1 observations:
- Live conductors accessible to touch (exposed wiring)
- Damaged or missing socket outlet facing plates
- Inadequate protection against electric shock in a bathroom or kitchen
- Overloaded consumer unit where a fire risk exists
- Broken RCD or MCB that provides no protection
What to do: Act immediately. In some cases, the engineer will have already isolated the relevant circuit or the entire electrical supply. Do not restore power to any isolated circuit until the fault has been repaired by a qualified electrician. Inform your tenant immediately and arrange emergency repairs.
C2 — Potentially Dangerous (Urgent Action Within 28 Days)
A C2 observation indicates that a defect exists that could become dangerous over time or in certain circumstances. While the risk is not immediate, the issue must be addressed urgently.
Examples of C2 observations:
- Absence of RCD protection on circuits in bathrooms, kitchens, or outdoors
- Old wiring that has deteriorated but is still functional
- Missing bonding connections to gas or water pipes
- Consumer unit without full RCD protection
- Inadequate protective conductor size
What to do: Arrange remedial work within 28 days of the inspection date. Inform your tenant of the issue and the steps being taken. Provide written confirmation once work is complete.
C3 — Improvement Recommended (No Legal Obligation)
A C3 observation indicates that part of the installation does not meet current wiring regulations but is not immediately or potentially dangerous. C3 codes are advisory — they represent best practice recommendations, not safety-critical findings.
Examples of C3 observations:
- Older wiring that pre-dates current standards but is still functional
- Surface-mounted wiring where concealed wiring is now standard
- Consumer unit without surge protection device
- Older socket types that are still safe but not the current standard
What to do: C3 codes are recommendations. You are not legally required to act on them, and they do not make the EICR "Unsatisfactory." However, if multiple C3 codes are present, consider addressing them over time to improve the installation to current standards.
FI — Further Investigation Required
An FI code means the inspector was unable to assess part of the installation during the inspection and further investigation is required. This is not a verdict in itself — the investigation may reveal everything is fine, or it may reveal a C1 or C2 issue.
- Wiring concealed in walls or floors that cannot be inspected
- Part of the installation that was inaccessible during the inspection
- An appliance or fitting that could not be tested
Satisfactory vs Unsatisfactory EICR
| Verdict | What it means | Codes present |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Satisfactory | Installation meets required standards | C3 only, or no observations |
| ❌ Unsatisfactory | Safety issues that must be addressed | Any C1 or C2 present |
Action Plan by Code
| Code | Severity | Required Action | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Immediate danger | Stop use immediately — arrange emergency repair | Same day |
| C2 | Potentially dangerous | Book repair — notify tenant | Within 28 days |
| C3 | Recommendation | Consider improvement when practical | No deadline |
| FI | Investigation needed | Arrange further investigation — results may change code | As soon as possible |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes an EICR unsatisfactory?
Any C1 (immediate danger) or C2 (potentially dangerous) observation makes the EICR unsatisfactory. C3 codes do not make an EICR unsatisfactory.
Do I have to fix C3 codes?
No. C3 codes are recommendations only. You are not legally required to carry out remedial work for C3 observations.
What is the deadline for EICR remedial work?
28 days from the date of the inspection for C1 and C2 observations. For FI codes, as soon as possible — the investigation may reveal urgent issues.
Can I rent my property while EICR remedial work is being done?
If the property is already tenanted, the tenancy continues. You must inform your tenant of the issues and the remedial work in progress. Do not start a new tenancy until the EICR is satisfactory.
How do I get a satisfactory EICR after failed remedial work?
Once remedial work is complete, the electrician should issue a completion certificate. In some cases, a re-inspection is needed to confirm the installation is now satisfactory. This gives you a new satisfactory EICR.