EICR Codes Explained: C1, C2, C3 & FI

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) lists everything the electrician found and gives each problem a code. The codes decide whether your report is satisfactory or unsatisfactory — and, if you’re a landlord, what you’re legally required to fix.

📊 The Four Codes at a Glance

🔴 C1 — Danger Present

A C1 means someone could be hurt now. The electrician should tell you straight away and, where they can, make it safe before they leave — for example by isolating the circuit.

Typical C1 examples:

• A missing circuit breaker in the consumer unit with no blank fitted, leaving live parts open to touch
• A badly damaged socket, switch or light fitting with live parts exposed
• Live cables with missing or damaged insulation that can be touched

🟠 C2 — Potentially Dangerous

A C2 isn’t dangerous at this moment, but it would become dangerous if a fault happened or something foreseeable went wrong. Repairs are needed urgently.

Typical C2 examples:

• No reliable earthing for the installation
• Missing main protective bonding to the incoming gas or water pipes
• No RCD protection on a socket in a bathroom, or on sockets likely to power equipment used outdoors
• Missing supplementary bonding in a bathroom or shower room where it’s required
• Cable insulation that has deteriorated and is breaking away from the conductors

🔵 FI — Further Investigation

FI means the electrician found something they couldn’t fully assess during the inspection — for example a circuit that couldn’t be traced or a result that needs more testing. It isn’t a pass or a fail on its own: once it’s investigated it either turns out fine, or gets a C1, C2 or C3 code.

Since 15 October 2026, under BS 7671 Amendment 4, an FI on its own no longer makes the report unsatisfactory — only C1 and C2 do. But for landlords the legal deadline hasn’t changed: an FI must still be investigated within 28 days (or sooner if the report says so). If the investigation finds a C1 or C2, that has to be put right too.

🟢 C3 — Improvement Recommended

A C3 isn’t a danger. It usually means part of the installation was fine under the rules when it was installed but doesn’t meet today’s standard. A report with only C3s can still be satisfactory, and the government guidance is clear that landlords don’t have to carry out C3 improvements.

Typical C3 examples:

• A plastic consumer unit under a wooden staircase or in an escape route (in most other places a plastic unit isn’t coded at all)
• No RCD on ordinary indoor sockets that aren’t likely to be used for outdoor equipment
• Cables buried less than 50 mm in walls without RCD or mechanical protection
• Circuits not labelled at the consumer unit
• No surge protection device where current regulations would call for one

⚖️ What Landlords Must Do After an Unsatisfactory EICR

Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020:

1. Give the tenant a copy of the report within 28 days of the inspection.
2. Complete all C1, C2 and FI work within 28 days, or sooner if the report gives a shorter deadline.
3. Get written confirmation from a qualified person that the work is done and the installation now meets the standard.
4. Send that confirmation, with the report, to the tenant and the local council within 28 days of the work being finished.
5. Keep a copy to give the electrician who does the next inspection.

Councils can issue financial penalties of up to £40,000 to landlords who don’t comply, and can arrange the work themselves and recover the cost.

🔍 Think a Code Is Wrong?

Coding is a professional judgement guided by industry best practice, and most electricians code consistently. If a code looks harsh — for example a C2 for something you were told was fine five years ago — ask the inspector to explain which regulation it relates to and why it’s a C2 rather than a C3. A good electrician will happily walk you through it.

🏆 How FE Maintenance Can Help

• EICR from £120 — or from £155 together with your gas safety certificate on the same day (save £30)
• Remedial work for C1, C2 and FI items carried out by us, with the written confirmation and certificates you need for your tenant and council
• Clear explanations — we go through every code with you so you know what’s required and what’s optional
• Free online client portal — every certificate stored in one place, with expiry alerts. See how it works

We cover North, West and Central London. See our electrical services or landlord packages. What an EICR costs: EICR cost in London (2026).