An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) assesses the condition of an existing electrical installation and identifies defects that could affect electrical safety. You might wonder what happens when an EICR identifies C1, C2 or FI faults.
Whether you own a home, manage a rental property or are responsible for commercial premises, receiving an EICR marked “Unsatisfactory” can raise several questions. What do the fault codes mean? How urgently must the problems be addressed? And will you need another electrical inspection once the repairs are completed?
Understanding the different EICR classification codes can help you take the appropriate action.
Classification codes can help you take the appropriate action.
What Do EICR Classification Codes Mean?
During an EICR, a qualified electrician examines and tests an electrical installation against the relevant safety requirements of BS 7671.
Where defects or safety concerns are identified, the electrician assigns classification codes according to the nature and severity of the observations.
| Code | Meaning | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Danger present | Immediate action required |
| C2 | Potentially dangerous | Urgent remedial action required |
| C3 | Improvement recommended | Improvement advised |
| FI | Further investigation | Further investigation advised |
Under BS 7671:2018+A4:2026, an EICR containing C1 or C2 observations receives an Unsatisfactory assessment. C3 and FI observations are advisory and do not, on their own, make the report unsatisfactory.
C1 – Danger Present
A C1 classification indicates that immediate danger exists and there is a risk of injury.
Examples might include exposed live electrical parts that are accessible or damaged equipment presenting an immediate electric shock risk.
What happens next?
Immediate action is necessary to remove the danger. This may involve isolating the affected circuit or equipment until appropriate repairs can be completed.
A C1 fault should never be left unresolved while waiting for routine maintenance.
C2 – Potentially Dangerous
A C2 classification identifies a defect that could become dangerous, even if there is no immediate danger at the time of inspection.
Examples may include inadequate protective arrangements, defective earthing or bonding, or electrical equipment that could create a risk under certain conditions.
How quickly must C2 faults be fixed?
C2 observations require urgent remedial action. The electrician should explain the risks and advise on the appropriate next steps.
For rented properties, specific legal deadlines may also apply, depending on the location and type of tenancy.
FI – Further Investigation Required
An FI classification means the electrician has identified a potential safety concern that cannot be fully assessed without additional investigation.
This might involve suspected circuit defects, unusual test results or concerns about concealed wiring.
Does FI mean the installation is unsafe?
Not necessarily. However, the possibility of danger has not been ruled out, so further investigation is required without delay.
Once the investigation is complete, the electrician can establish whether remedial work is necessary.
C3 – Improvement Recommended
A C3 observation identifies an area where an improvement would enhance electrical safety, but which does not, on its own, make the EICR unsatisfactory.
A C3 recommendation does not automatically mean that the installation is unsafe or that immediate replacement is necessary.
However, it is worth discussing recommended improvements with your electrician, particularly if you are planning other electrical work.
What Happens If Your EICR Is Unsatisfactory?
An unsatisfactory EICR does not necessarily mean that an entire electrical installation needs replacing.
In many cases, the issues identified can be resolved through targeted electrical repairs or improvements.
What Happens Next? Your 5-Step Action Plan
Identify which circuits or components have received C1, C2 or FI classifications.
Any C1 observations must be made safe immediately.
Obtain professional advice and a quotation for resolving C2 faults and investigating FI observations.
A competent electrician carries out the necessary corrective work.
Appropriate electrical certification or written confirmation records the work completed and its outcome.
The scope of the work depends on the defects identified. An unsatisfactory EICR does not automatically require a complete rewire or replacement consumer unit.
What Is EICR Remedial Work?
EICR remedial work refers to the electrical repairs or alterations necessary to address defects identified during an inspection.
Depending on the installation, this could include:
- Repairing damaged wiring, sockets or electrical accessories.
- Correcting defective earthing or bonding arrangements.
- Replacing faulty protective devices.
- Addressing defects within consumer units or distribution boards.
- Investigating circuit faults and abnormal test results.
- Rectifying unsafe electrical connections.
For commercial and industrial properties, remedial work may also involve distribution equipment, three-phase circuits and electrical supplies serving machinery or other fixed equipment.
The objective is to resolve the identified safety concerns while avoiding unnecessary replacement of equipment that remains serviceable.
Do You Need Another EICR After Remedial Work?
A completely new EICR is not always necessary after remedial electrical work.
Where defects have been corrected, the electrician should provide appropriate documentation confirming the work undertaken and the relevant inspection and testing results.
Depending on the work involved, this may include an Electrical Installation Certificate, a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate or a suitable written record of the investigation and remedial action.
These documents should be retained alongside the original EICR to demonstrate how the identified observations were addressed.
A further full EICR may be appropriate in some circumstances, but it should not automatically be assumed necessary following every repair.
EICR Faults in Rental Properties and Commercial Premises
The responsibilities following an unsatisfactory EICR depend on the type of property and the legislation that applies.
Private rented properties: Landlords must comply with the relevant electrical safety regulations. In England, applicable private-rented-sector requirements include completing necessary remedial work or further investigation within the statutory timeframe, subject to any shorter period specified in the report.
Commercial premises: Employers, landlords and those responsible for electrical installations have duties to maintain electrical systems safely. Identified dangers should be assessed and addressed promptly, taking account of the risks, applicable legislation and the nature of the premises.
Owner-occupied homes: Although the same rental-property deadlines do not generally apply, electrical safety concerns should still be taken seriously. C1 defects require immediate action, while C2 defects and FI observations should be addressed urgently.
EICR Remedial Electrical Work in Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire
LS Electrical has over 30 years of experience delivering domestic, commercial and industrial electrical services.
As an NICEIC-approved electrical contractor, we can help property owners and businesses understand electrical inspection findings and arrange appropriate remedial work.
Whether your EICR has identified defective wiring, distribution board issues, inadequate protective arrangements or faults requiring further investigation, our electricians can assess the findings and recommend suitable corrective action.
Received an Unsatisfactory EICR?
Whether your electrical inspection has identified C1 or C2 faults, or highlighted areas requiring further investigation, LS Electrical can help you understand the findings and arrange appropriate remedial work.
With over 30 years of experience, we provide domestic, commercial and industrial electrical services across Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire.
Discuss Your EICR Report →Frequently Asked Questions About EICR Fault Codes
Can you pass an EICR with a C2 fault?
No. A C2 observation indicates a potentially dangerous condition and results in an unsatisfactory EICR assessment.
Is a C3 fault an EICR failure?
No. A C3 observation means improvement is recommended. C3 observations alone do not make an EICR unsatisfactory.
Can I continue using electricity after an unsatisfactory EICR?
It depends on the nature and location of the defects. Some circuits may remain safe to use, while others may need to be isolated. Follow the inspecting electrician’s safety advice and never re-energise equipment that has been isolated because of a dangerous condition.
Does an FI code require remedial work?
An FI observation requires further investigation. The investigation will determine whether corrective work is necessary.
How much does EICR remedial work cost?
Costs depend on the number and nature of the defects, accessibility, parts required and the extent of testing or investigation. A quotation should be based on the actual findings rather than assuming extensive replacement work is necessary.
How long do landlords have to fix an unsatisfactory EICR?
In England, where the applicable private-rented-sector regulations apply, required remedial work or further investigation must generally be completed within 28 days, or a shorter period if specified in the report. Requirements differ across the UK, so landlords should check the rules applicable to their property.
