Every problem found during an EICR is given a code. C1 means danger present, C2 means potentially dangerous, C3 means improvement recommended, and FI means further investigation is needed. Any C1, C2 or FI makes the report unsatisfactory.
C1: danger present
A C1 is a risk of injury right now, such as exposed live parts someone could touch. It needs immediate action. The electrician should make it safe before leaving, usually by isolating the circuit or the faulty item, and will tell you straight away.
Examples: a broken socket with live parts showing, a missing cover on the consumer unit, or bare live conductors in a ceiling rose.
C2: potentially dangerous
A C2 isn’t an immediate danger, but it could become one, for example if there’s a second fault. It needs fixing urgently.
Examples: no earthing to a circuit, missing main protective bonding to the gas or water pipes, signs of overheating, or sockets that could supply equipment outdoors without RCD protection.
C3: improvement recommended
A C3 means the installation doesn’t meet the current wiring regulations but isn’t considered unsafe. You don’t have to act on a C3, and C3s alone don’t make a report unsatisfactory.
Examples: an older consumer unit that is still working safely, or a lack of RCD protection on circuits where the risk is lower. Our guide to RCD protection explains why this is often the first upgrade people make.
FI: further investigation
FI means the electrician found something that needs looking into further but couldn’t be fully checked during the inspection, for example a circuit that can’t be traced or a test result that doesn’t add up. It makes the report unsatisfactory until the investigation is done.
Which codes make a report unsatisfactory?
| Code | Meaning | Report result | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Danger present | Unsatisfactory | Immediately |
| C2 | Potentially dangerous | Unsatisfactory | Urgently |
| FI | Further investigation | Unsatisfactory | Without delay |
| C3 | Improvement recommended | Doesn’t affect the result | Optional |
What do landlords have to do?
If a rental property’s report is unsatisfactory, the landlord must have the C1, C2 and FI items put right within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so. Written confirmation that the work is done must go to the tenant and the council within 28 days of finishing it. Read what to do before a new tenant moves in and who pays for remedial work.
What should homeowners do?
There’s no legal deadline for an owner-occupied home, but C1s and C2s are safety problems and should be fixed promptly. C3s can wait until you’re having other work done.
Can I get a second opinion on a code?
Yes. Codes are based on guidance, but there is some judgement involved. If you’re unsure why something was coded, ask the electrician to explain it. A good report should make the reason clear.
When we inspect, every observation is explained in plain English, and any remedial work is quoted separately. It only goes ahead if you agree. See remedial work after an EICR.
Book an EICR
Check your total price on our EICR page, call 0161 400 1855 or 07493 508 439, or send us an enquiry. We work Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm, across Manchester and the surrounding areas (see the areas we cover). Your report is emailed within one working day of your payment clearing.
