EICR Codes Explained
Every observation on an Electrical Installation Condition Report is given a code: C1, C2, C3 or FI. Here's exactly what each one means, which ones fail your EICR, and how long you have to act.
Danger presentCauses EICR fail
Meaning: Risk of injury. Immediate remedial action required.
Typical examples: Exposed live conductors, broken socket with live parts accessible, missing earth on a metallic appliance, dangerous DIY consumer unit work.
Action timeframe: Make safe immediately — usually same visit.
Potentially dangerousCauses EICR fail
Meaning: Urgent remedial action required. Becomes dangerous if a fault develops.
Typical examples: Missing RCD protection on socket circuits, broken earth at the main earthing terminal, no main protective bonding to gas/water, damaged cable insulation.
Action timeframe: Landlords: 28 days to fix and re-test. Homeowners: as soon as practical.
Improvement recommended
Meaning: Not a fail — installation does not meet current regs but is not unsafe.
Typical examples: Old (but functional) wiring colours, no surge protection, plastic consumer unit in domestic property, unused circuit not labelled.
Action timeframe: No legal deadline — improve when convenient or during next major works.
Further investigation requiredCauses EICR fail
Meaning: Inspector found something that needs deeper testing before a clear code can be given.
Typical examples: Unexplained voltage reading, suspected hidden cable damage, intermittent RCD trip during testing.
Action timeframe: Investigate as soon as possible — until tested, the installation cannot be deemed Satisfactory.
EICR pass / fail summary
- ✅ Satisfactory: Only C3 codes (or none at all)
- ❌ Unsatisfactory: Any C1, C2 or FI code present
- ⏱️ Landlord 28-day rule: All C1 and C2 must be fixed and confirmed in writing within 28 days
- 🏠 Homeowner advice: C1 fix today, C2 within weeks, C3 at next opportunity
Failed EICR or worried about the codes?
We give a fixed-price remedial quote with every EICR. From £250 plus VAT.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the C1, C2 and C3 EICR codes?
C1 means danger present (risk of injury, must be made safe now). C2 means potentially dangerous (must be fixed for the EICR to pass). C3 means improvement recommended (not a fail, just out of date or below modern best practice). FI means further investigation needed.
Does a C3 code mean my EICR fails?
No. A C3 code is an observation only — the report can still be marked Satisfactory with multiple C3 entries. C3s are areas where the installation no longer meets the latest wiring regulations but is not unsafe. Only C1, C2 or FI codes cause an Unsatisfactory result.
How long do landlords have to fix C1 and C2 codes?
Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords have 28 days from the EICR date to complete remedial work for C1 and C2 codes (or shorter if the report specifies). Written confirmation of the works must be supplied to the tenant and local authority.
What is an FI code on an EICR?
FI stands for Further Investigation required. The inspector found a result during testing (such as an unexplained insulation reading or a tripping fault) that needs more invasive testing — for example lifting floorboards or isolating a circuit at length — before a definitive code can be assigned.
How much does it cost to fix C2 codes?
It depends entirely on the fault. Adding a missing RCD by upgrading to a full RCBO consumer unit typically costs from £650 plus VAT. Re-bonding gas and water is often £80–£150 plus VAT. We give a fixed-price remedial quote with every EICR — no surprises.