EICR codes explained: C1, C2, C3 and FI
Every observation on an EICR carries a code, and the codes decide whether your report is satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Here is what each one means and what to do about it, in plain English.
When an electrician carries out an EICR, anything they find is recorded as an observation with a classification code. The code tells you how serious it is. Four codes matter.
C1: danger present
Something is dangerous right now, such as exposed live parts. The electrician will make it safe before leaving, or tell you exactly what must happen immediately. A C1 always makes the report unsatisfactory.
C2: potentially dangerous
Not dangerous at this moment, but could become so. Urgent remedial action is required. Common examples include a damaged consumer unit or missing earth bonding. A C2 makes the report unsatisfactory.
C3: improvement recommended
The installation does not meet current standards but is not unsafe. Older installations pick up C3s simply because standards have moved on. C3 codes do not fail a report. They are worth reviewing, but they are your call.
FI: further investigation required
The electrician found something that could not be fully assessed during the inspection. The report is unsatisfactory until the investigation is done and any resulting work is complete.
Satisfactory or unsatisfactory
The rule is simple: any C1, C2 or FI means unsatisfactory. Only C3s, or a clean sheet, means satisfactory. Landlords with an unsatisfactory report need the remedial work done by a registered electrician, after which written confirmation puts the property right.
What to do with an unsatisfactory report
If the property does not pass, we fix it. Any remedial work is carried out in house by our own accredited trades, and the certificate is re-issued once the work is signed off. One company, one number, no chasing a second contractor.
Ready to book an inspection, or been handed a failed report by someone else? See our EICR service, get a quote or call 07817 435 555.
Frequently asked questions
No. C3 means improvement is recommended, but the installation is not unsafe. A report can contain C3 codes and still be satisfactory.
Yes. C2 means potentially dangerous and urgent remedial action is required. Any C1, C2 or FI makes the report unsatisfactory.
Further investigation required. The electrician found something that could not be fully assessed during the inspection. It makes the report unsatisfactory until it is resolved.
The coded observations tell you what needs fixing. Once the remedial work is done by a registered electrician, the installation can be certified as satisfactory. We quote for the work, do it in house, and re-issue.
They are worth considering, especially older installations without RCD protection. They are recommendations rather than requirements, so you choose.