EICR Codes Explained: What C1, C2, C3 and FI Mean
Got an EICR back with C1, C2, C3 or FI on it and not sure what it actually means? The codes are the inspector’s way of saying how serious each thing they found is. This guide explains each one in plain terms, which ones make a report unsatisfactory, and what usually happens next.
If you need an EICR or work on the items in one, send a short message and a photo to start.
What the codes on an EICR are for
An Electrical Installation Condition Report records the condition of the wiring that is already in a property. The inspector inspects and tests the installation and writes up anything that needs attention as an observation. Each observation is given a code.
The code tells you how urgent an item is, not how big the job to put it right will be. Two items with the same code can need very different work. An EICR is also different from the certificate you get after new work; the electrical certificates guide explains the difference.
The four codes
The wording below is from Electrical Safety First’s Best Practice Guide 4 on classification codes.
C1: Danger present. Risk of injury. Immediate remedial action required. Something is dangerous now. The guide says the person who ordered the report should be told straight away, and in writing, not left to find it in the report.
C2: Potentially dangerous. Urgent remedial action required. Not an immediate danger, but potentially dangerous, so it should be put right urgently.
C3: Improvement recommended. Not something that needs urgent action, but an improvement worth considering.
FI: Further investigation is advised. The inspector found a possible issue they could not fully determine during the inspection, so they could not give it a code yet. It should be investigated as soon as possible.
Satisfactory or unsatisfactory?
Any C1 or C2 on the report means the overall condition must be recorded as unsatisfactory. Where only C3s are recorded, the overall result can be satisfactory.
An FI means something needs looking into before the right code can be given, so it is worth having it investigated rather than leaving it. Which code an item gets is the inspector’s judgement, based on what they found on the day.
What happened after an EICR on AJS jobs
Six AJS jobs reviewed on Checkatrade involved an EICR and the work that followed it. The work was different each time: a new fuse board on some, smaller fixes or light replacements on others. Every review here is copied word for word. You can read the full list on Checkatrade and Google, or see reviews by job type.
An EICR, then a new fuse board
“Alex provided an excellent level of service. He was professional, friendly and helped explain things in a simple manner. The job was split over a couple of sessions, firstly with an EICR being completed and then two subsequent follow on sessions scheduled to address some recommended actions, including the installation of a new fuse board and a number of other small jobs being addressed. At all times, the work was completed to a very high standard and I would happily recommend the company and will be reusing in the future.”
Checkatrade review, EICR and follow-on work, RH2
A check, then the remedial work
“Great communication and punctual for both the initial check and the remedial work. Was able to get appointment quicker following another person’s cancellation which was really helpful. Light replacements all completed to high standard.”
Checkatrade review, EICR checks, remedials and spotlight replacements, CR5
Remedial work after a report
“I contacted Alex regarding some remedial electrical work that was required to be completed following an EICR report. Alex provided a quote promptly and communicated/replied to me promptly. The work was completed in less time than what was anticipated. I don't know much myself about electricals etc but so far no issues and everything is working fine :) The final EICR report was sent to me on time within a few days following completion of the work. Have recommended him already to others within my network.”
Checkatrade review, electrical remedial work following an EICR, RH1
The work explained first
“Very polite professional and tidy explained what needed to be done and carried out the work to a high standard , would definately use again if needed”
Checkatrade review, electric report and any work needed, CR3
A replacement fuse board
“Great guy. Punctual and informative. Turned up on time and completed the job. Picked up materials also and met tbe quoted price. Also came back to update a light for me the following week which was needed to get the electrical certificates I required. Would certainly use again”
Checkatrade review, EICR and replacement fuseboard, SM2
Common questions
What should happen if there is a C1?
The inspector should tell you straight away, and in writing, that immediate action is needed. Ask what has been done to make it safe and what putting it right involves.
Can a report with C3s still be satisfactory?
Yes. Where only C3s are recorded, the overall result can be satisfactory. A C3 is a recommended improvement.
Is every C2 the same job?
No. The code shows how urgent an item is, not what the repair is. On the AJS jobs above, the work after an EICR ranged from light replacements to a new consumer unit.
What does FI mean for my report?
The inspector found something they could not fully check during the inspection, so they could not give it a code yet. It should be investigated as soon as possible so the right code can be given.
What should i send?
Say what you need, for example an EICR or work on items already on a report, and send a photo if you can. Alex will tell you what he needs to see.
Need an EICR or work on a report?
Say what you need and roughly where you are. You can send a message and a photo on WhatsApp, or call. For anything else that is not working, fault finding and repairs explains how a cause is found, and what to expect covers each step from first message to paperwork.