EICR codes grade each defect found during an electrical inspection. C1 means danger is present, C2 means potentially dangerous, FI means further investigation is needed and C3 means improvement is recommended. Wylde Green Electrical explains that a report with any C1, C2 or FI is unsatisfactory; C3 alone does not fail it.
Wylde Green Electrical Ltd, NAPIT registered (NAPIT). Published and last reviewed: .
At a glance
- C1
- Danger present: made safe immediately
- C2
- Potentially dangerous: urgent remedial work
- FI
- Further investigation needed without delay
- C3
- Improvement recommended; not a fail
- Satisfactory
- No C1, C2 or FI codes on the report
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) lists observations about the condition of a property's fixed wiring, and each one gets a code. The EICR codes tell you how serious each problem is and whether the report is satisfactory overall. Understanding them helps you judge a remedial quote and avoid paying for work that is not needed.
What do the four EICR codes mean?
There are four EICR codes, set out in the model forms that accompany BS 7671:
| Code | Meaning | What happens next |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Danger present. Risk of injury. | Made safe immediately, usually before the inspector leaves |
| C2 | Potentially dangerous. | Urgent remedial work needed |
| FI | Further investigation required without delay. | Investigated, then recoded or cleared |
| C3 | Improvement recommended. | Optional; does not make the report unsatisfactory |
Which EICR codes make a report unsatisfactory?
Any C1, C2 or FI code makes the overall report unsatisfactory. A report with only C3 codes, or no codes at all, is satisfactory. For landlords this matters: an unsatisfactory report means remedial work must be done within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so.
What are typical examples of each code?
Coding depends on the circumstances, and inspectors use published guidance such as the industry best practice guides from Electrical Safety First. Typical examples are:
- C1: a broken socket or fitting with live parts that can be touched
- C2: no effective earthing, or a circuit whose protective device would not disconnect a fault quickly enough
- FI: a circuit that tests poorly but whose cause could not be found on the day
- C3: features that met the rules when installed but fall short of today's standard, where they are not dangerous
What should I do if my EICR has C1 or C2 codes?
- Read the observations. Each code should have a clear description and location.
- Ask for an itemised quote. Each remedial item should be priced separately.
- Get the work done. You can use the inspector or another qualified electrician.
- Keep the paperwork. You should receive certificates for the remedial work. Landlords also need written confirmation that it was completed.
Can I challenge an EICR code?
Yes. If a code seems harsh, ask the inspector to explain the reasoning and the regulation it relates to. A second opinion from another registered electrician is reasonable. What is not reasonable is pressure to accept a large job, such as a full rewire, without an itemised explanation of each fault.
Wylde Green Electrical carries out EICR testing in Sutton Coldfield and explains every code in plain English. Landlords should also read our landlord electrical safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
What does C2 mean on an EICR?
C2 means potentially dangerous. The defect is not an immediate danger but could become one, so urgent remedial work is needed. Any C2 code makes the whole report unsatisfactory.
Does a C3 code fail an EICR?
No. C3 means improvement is recommended. A report with only C3 codes is satisfactory, although the improvements are often worth doing when other electrical work is planned.
What does FI mean on an electrical report?
FI means further investigation is required without delay. The inspector found something that needs looking into but could not establish the cause during the inspection. The report is unsatisfactory until it is investigated.
Do I have to use the same electrician for remedial work?
No. You can use any qualified electrician for remedial work. Make sure you receive the certificates for the work, and landlords should keep written confirmation that it was completed.
How long do landlords have to fix C1 and C2 codes?
In England, landlords must complete remedial work within 28 days of the inspection, or sooner if the report specifies a shorter period. C1 dangers are normally made safe during the inspection itself.
