Helpful video reference. Gary at GSH Electrical's training session "CONDITION CODES – EICR – WHAT THEY MEAN – HOW TO DETERMINE THE CORRECT CODE TO USE" covers how electricians assign codes under BS 7671. GSH Electrical is a UK electrical training channel run by lecturers at Tresham College. The video is aimed at electricians but the code definitions are the same ones that appear on your report.
1. What is an EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a formal inspection of the fixed wiring in a property. A qualified electrician works through the consumer unit, the circuits, and a sample of the accessories and fittings, comparing what they find against the current UK wiring regulations (BS 7671). Anything that falls short of the standard gets a classification code. The combination of codes in the report determines whether the overall result is satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
Landlords in England have been legally required to have a valid EICR for rental properties since 2020. Homeowners often need one when remortgaging or selling.
2. C1 — Danger present: immediate action required
C1 is the most serious code. It means danger is present — something on the installation poses an immediate risk of injury to anyone using it. This might be exposed live conductors, a missing earth, or a circuit with no overload protection at all.
A C1 observation always makes the report unsatisfactory. Remedial work must be carried out before the property is used, and a minor works certificate or a new EICR is issued once the work is done. If an electrician raises a C1, it is not a scare tactic. It means fix it now, not next month.
3. C2 — Potentially dangerous: urgent remedial work needed
C2 means the item is potentially dangerous — not causing immediate injury right now, but in a condition where a fault or reasonable foreseeable event could lead to one. Missing RCD protection on socket circuits, an overloaded consumer unit, or a circuit with inadequate earthing are typical C2 observations.
Like C1, a C2 code makes the report unsatisfactory. The difference is urgency: C2 requires prompt remedial action rather than immediate shutdown. In rental properties, landlords have 28 days to get C2 issues fixed unless the electrician specifies a shorter period.
4. C3 — Improvement recommended: not a fail
C3 means improvement recommended. There is nothing dangerous, either present or potential, but the item does not meet current best practice. Examples include old-style fuse wire consumer units that have not been upgraded, socket outlets installed without surge protection, or single-pole switched circuits that would benefit from an upgrade.
A C3 alone does not make the report unsatisfactory. A property with only C3 codes will receive a satisfactory result overall. The electrician is flagging what could be improved, not what is wrong. You are not obliged to act on a C3 — though for rental properties, many landlords do address them proactively.
5. FI — Further investigation required
FI stands for Further Investigation. The electrician found something that needs more assessment before they can assign a C1, C2 or C3. This sometimes happens when a circuit could not be fully tested, a concealed area could not be inspected, or evidence of a fault exists but the source has not been traced.
An FI observation makes the report unsatisfactory. It is not the same as finding a fault — but it means the picture is incomplete. Once the further investigation is done, the item gets reclassified as C1, C2 or C3, and the appropriate remedial action (if any) follows.
6. Satisfactory or unsatisfactory: which codes determine the outcome?
A satisfactory EICR means no C1, C2 or FI observations were recorded. C3 codes can appear on a satisfactory report. An unsatisfactory report means at least one C1, C2 or FI was found.
Landlords must provide their tenants with a copy of the report within 28 days of the inspection. Where the result is unsatisfactory, remedial work must be completed within 28 days (or sooner if the electrician specifies) and evidence of the completed work sent to the tenant and the local authority if requested.
7. What to do when you receive a coded report
Read the observations column carefully. C1 and C2 items are listed with a description of where the fault is and what BS 7671 clause it relates to. Get quotes for the remedial work and make sure the electrician who completes it issues a Minor Electrical Works certificate or an updated schedule of inspections.
Once the work is done, the original EICR remains valid for its original expiry date — you do not need a full new report unless the electrician advises one. Keep all paperwork together: the EICR, any certificates for remedial work, and the previous EICR if you have it.
When to call us
If you have received an EICR with C1 or C2 observations and need the remedial work done, Richard can visit, quote and carry out the work with a Minor Works certificate on completion. He covers Sandwich, Deal, Dover, Ramsgate and the surrounding east Kent area.
Need an EICR or remedial work in east Kent?
Richard carries out EICR inspections and remedial electrical work across Sandwich, Deal, Dover and east Kent, with certificates issued on the same day.
Contact Richard