Guide
When an EICR is completed, any defects found are recorded using a standard set of codes. Here is what each code means in plain English and what you are expected to do about it.
Rather than leaving the interpretation of a fault to individual judgment, EICR certificates use a standardised coding system. Each defect or observation found during the inspection is assigned one of four codes. The code determines the overall outcome of the report. A report with only C3 observations is classified as Satisfactory. A report with any C1, C2, or FI observation is classified as Unsatisfactory.
C1 — Danger present
There is an immediate risk of injury or worse. Requires immediate action. The electrician will often make the installation safe before leaving — for example, by isolating the affected circuit.
C2 — Potentially dangerous
The fault is not immediately dangerous, but has the potential to become so. Requires urgent remedial action. For landlords, regulations require this work to be completed within 28 days of the inspection.
C3 — Improvement recommended
The installation does not meet the latest standards but is not considered dangerous in its current state. A C3 is a recommendation, not a requirement. The report remains Satisfactory if there are no C1, C2, or FI observations alongside.
FI — Further investigation required
The electrician was unable to fully assess something and further investigation is needed. FI observations make the overall outcome unsatisfactory until the investigation is carried out and resolved.
A satisfactory EICR means the inspection found no C1, C2, or FI observations. It does not mean the installation is perfect — C3 observations may be present. Satisfactory means the installation is in an acceptable condition and safe to continue using at the time of inspection.
If an EICR is unsatisfactory, the landlord must have the remedial work carried out within 28 days. For full detail see our landlord EICR page.
C1: Exposed live conductors, missing earth connections creating immediate shock risk, severely damaged insulation on accessible cables.
C2: Absence of RCD protection where required, inadequate main bonding, signs of overheating at connections.
C3: Single-pole switching on lighting circuits, older-style accessories that are functional but do not meet current standard.
FI: Inaccessible sections of wiring, test results that were inconclusive and require further investigation.
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