Decoding Your EICR Report: Understanding C1, C2, and FI Codes

You’ve just received your Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), and it’s marked ‘Unsatisfactory’. Seeing that result can be worrying, but understanding what the observation codes mean is the first step to making your property safe and compliant.

Think of an EICR as an “MOT for your building’s electrics.” It’s a thorough check-up to find any potential safety issues. This guide will clearly explain each observation code (C1, C2, C3, and FI) and outline the necessary next steps to take after receiving an unsatisfactory EICR report.

What is an EICR Observation Code?

During an inspection, electricians use observation codes to classify the severity of any defects or non-compliances they find. The final report will have one of two possible outcomes: ‘Satisfactory’ or ‘Unsatisfactory’.

Any report that includes a C1 (Danger Present), a C2 (Potentially Dangerous) or an FI (Further Investigation Required) code will automatically be deemed ‘Unsatisfactory’. This is a clear signal that urgent action is required to resolve safety issues within the electrical installation.

Code C1: Danger Present – Risk of Injury

A C1 code signifies the most severe type of defect. It means there is an immediate and urgent threat to safety and that anyone using the installation is at risk of injury or even death. This is the definition of an EICR C1 danger present fault.

Common Examples:

• Exposed live parts, such as a broken socket faceplate or switch.
• Conductive parts that have become live due to a fault.
• Incorrect polarity at the mains supply.

Action Required: The inspecting engineer should take immediate action (with your permission) to make the situation safe. Full remedial work must be completed as a top priority.

Code C2: Potentially Dangerous

A C2 code indicates a defect that isn’t an immediate threat but is potentially dangerous and could become a hazard under certain fault conditions. An EICR C2 potentially dangerous finding is still a serious issue that results in an ‘Unsatisfactory’ report.

Common Examples:

• Lack of RCD protection for sockets that may be used to supply outdoor equipment.
• The absence of reliable and safe earthing in the installation.
• Incorrect fuse sizes for a particular circuit, leading to a risk of overheating.

Action Required: Remedial work is required “as a matter of urgency” to bring the installation up to a safe and compliant standard.

Code C3: Improvement Recommended

A C3 code identifies a non-compliance with the current wiring regulations that isn’t considered a source of immediate or potential danger. A C3 code does not result in an ‘Unsatisfactory’ report. It’s a formal recommendation for improvement to bring your installation up to the latest standards.

Common Examples:

• The absence of RCD protection on all circuits as required by the latest regulations.
• Using outdated wiring colours that don’t conform to current standards.
• Sockets or switches being mounted in incorrect locations according to modern standards.

Action Required: While not mandatory, it’s best practice to address C3 issues, often at the same time as carrying out remedial work for any C1 or C2 faults.

Code FI: Further Investigation Required

An FI code is used when the electrician observes something they suspect is a fault but can’t confirm it without a more in-depth investigation. The FI code on an EICR automatically results in an ‘Unsatisfactory’ report because the installation can’t be fully verified as safe.

Common Examples:

• A circuit that couldn’t be traced or properly identified.
• Suspected issues located behind inaccessible parts of the building, like walls or floors.

Action Required: Further investigation must be carried out to determine if a C1, C2, or C3 fault exists.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long do I have to complete remedial work after an unsatisfactory EICR?

For a C1 (Danger Present) code, the issue must be addressed immediately to remove the danger. For a C2 (Potentially Dangerous) code, the regulations state that the work should be carried out “as a matter of urgency.” While there isn’t a fixed legal deadline like ’28 days’, a failure to act promptly would demonstrate a breach of your duty of care, especially in the event of an incident.

Can the company that did the EICR also do the remedial work?

Yes, in most cases. Using the same competent and accredited company that conducted the initial EICR for the remedial work is often the most efficient approach. They already have a detailed understanding of the installation and the specific faults that need to be rectified.

Will I get a new ‘Satisfactory’ EICR after the work is done?

You don’t get a new EICR. Instead, upon completion of the repairs, you will receive an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) or a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC). This new certificate, when kept with your original ‘Unsatisfactory’ EICR, proves that the identified faults have been corrected and the installation is now safe.

Is it cheaper to fix C3 recommendations at the same time?

Yes, it’s almost always more cost-effective. While C3 (Improvement Recommended) issues aren’t urgent, having them fixed while the electrician is already on-site for C1 or C2 repairs saves you the cost of a separate call-out fee and additional labour charges later on.

Your EICR is Unsatisfactory. What Are the Next Steps?

Receiving an ‘Unsatisfactory’ report can be stressful, but the path forward is clear. Here’s what to do after an EICR finds C1, C2, or FI faults:

1. Acknowledge the Urgency: Never ignore a C1 or C2 finding. Your priority is to make the installation safe for everyone who uses it.
2. Get a Quote: Contact a qualified and accredited electrical contractor (like Hawkesworth) to provide a detailed quote for the required remedial electrical works.
3. Complete the Work: Arrange for a certified electrician to carry out the necessary repairs and corrections.
4. Obtain Certification: Once the work is done, you should receive either a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate or an Electrical Installation Certificate. This, alongside your original EICR, proves that the faults have been rectified and your installation is now safe.

Get Expert Help with Your Remedial Works

Received an Unsatisfactory EICR? Don’t delay. Contact Hawkesworth’s experts now for a fast, competitive quote on your remedial works.

Any report that includes a C1 (Danger Present), a C2 (Potentially Dangerous) or an FI (Unsatisfactory) code will automatically be deemed ‘Unsatisfactory’. This is a clear signal that urgent action is required to resolve safety issues within the electrical installation.