EICR codes explained: C1, C2, C3 and FI.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report can look like a list of alarming codes. Here is what each one means and what you actually need to do about it.
What an EICR is
An Electrical Installation Condition Report, or EICR, records the condition of the fixed wiring in a property: the consumer unit, circuits, sockets, switches and fixed equipment. An electrician inspects and tests the installation against the current wiring regulations, BS 7671, and records anything that does not meet them as an observation with a code.
The report ends with an overall result of satisfactory or unsatisfactory, and a recommended date for the next inspection.
The four codes
Each observation is given one of four codes. The code reflects how urgent the issue is, not how expensive it is to fix.
- C1, danger present. There is a risk of injury now, such as exposed live parts. It should be made safe immediately, usually before the electrician leaves
- C2, potentially dangerous. Not an immediate danger, but it could become one if a fault occurred, for example missing earthing or no RCD protection where it is required. Urgent remedial work is needed
- FI, further investigation required without delay. Something could not be fully assessed during the inspection and needs looking at more closely
- C3, improvement recommended. It does not meet the current regulations, but it is not dangerous. Often this reflects older standards rather than a fault
Satisfactory or unsatisfactory?
Any C1, C2 or FI observation makes the whole report unsatisfactory. A report with only C3 observations, or none at all, can be satisfactory.
For landlords this matters a great deal. An unsatisfactory report means remedial work must be carried out within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so, and written confirmation must be given to the tenant and, if asked, the local council.
Why older homes often get C3s
The wiring regulations are updated regularly. An installation that met the rules when it was put in may not meet today's, and that is not necessarily unsafe. A plastic consumer unit or older style of cabling might attract a C3 rather than a C2.
A good electrician will explain which observations are a legal or safety priority and which are simply recommendations, so you can plan the rest into a future refurbishment.
How often you need one
Private rented homes in England need an EICR at least every five years. For homes you own and live in, guidance suggests every ten years or when a property changes hands. Businesses depend on the type of premises, and the report will recommend the right interval.
Common questions
Can I sell a house with an unsatisfactory EICR?
Yes, there is no legal bar, but buyers and their surveyors may use it in negotiations. Many sellers fix C1 and C2 items first.
Who can carry out an EICR?
A qualified and competent electrician. Using a firm registered with a scheme such as NICEIC gives you confidence in the inspector's competence.
How long is an EICR valid for?
Until the recommended next inspection date shown on the report, or sooner if the property changes significantly.
This guide is general information for properties in England and is not a substitute for an inspection by a qualified electrician.
More guides.
Landlord electrical safety rules in England
Private landlords have clear legal duties on electrical safety. Here is what the regulations require, the deadlines that apply, and how to stay on top of them.
Read the guide Home, 5 min readDo I need a new consumer unit?
Your consumer unit protects every circuit in your home. Here is how to tell whether yours is due an upgrade, and what a modern one does differently.
Read the guideAll guides
Browse every guide and our free EICR due date checker.
Tell us about the job.
A few details is plenty. We will come back to you to arrange a visit and a written quote.