If you have had an Electrical Installation Condition Report carried out and the result came back with codes such as C1, C2, C3 or FI, it can be difficult to know what actually needs doing next.
For landlords, the report matters because rented properties in England need electrical installations checked by a qualified person at least every five years. For homeowners, an EICR is often used before buying, selling, renovating or checking an older installation for peace of mind.
This guide explains the main EICR codes in plain English for properties in Hastings, St Leonards-on-Sea and Bexhill.
What is an EICR code?
During an EICR, the electrician inspects and tests the fixed electrical installation. That includes areas such as the consumer unit, earthing and bonding, circuits, sockets, switches, protective devices and signs of damage, overheating or unsafe alterations.
Where an issue is found, it is given a classification code. The code tells you how serious the issue is and whether the overall report is likely to be satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
C1: danger present
A C1 means there is danger present and immediate action is required. This is the most serious type of EICR observation.
Examples might include exposed live parts or damage that creates an immediate risk of electric shock, burn or fire. A C1 issue should not be left as it is.
C2: potentially dangerous
A C2 means the installation is potentially dangerous and urgent remedial work is needed.
This may not mean someone is in immediate danger at the exact moment of inspection, but the defect is serious enough that it could become dangerous under fault conditions or normal use.
For landlords, C1 or C2 items will normally make the report unsatisfactory and need to be dealt with properly.
C3: improvement recommended
A C3 is different. It means improvement is recommended, but the issue is not considered immediately dangerous or potentially dangerous at the time of inspection.
A C3 does not usually make an EICR unsatisfactory on its own. However, it can still be sensible to plan improvements, especially if the installation is older or if other work is already being carried out.
FI: further investigation required
FI means further investigation is required. This is used when the inspector cannot confirm whether something is safe without more investigation.
An FI code should not be ignored. It means there is not enough information to give the installation a clean bill of health in that area.
What happens if your EICR is unsatisfactory?
If your EICR is unsatisfactory, the next step is to go through the observations and decide what remedial work is required. The priority should be safety first:
- C1 issues should be made safe immediately.
- C2 issues should be repaired urgently.
- FI items should be investigated without delay.
- C3 recommendations can be planned sensibly.
Once the required remedial work is completed, you should receive suitable certification or written confirmation for the work carried out.
EICR remedial work in Hastings, St Leonards and Bexhill
DSG Electrical Services carries out EICRs and remedial electrical work for homeowners and landlords across Hastings, St Leonards-on-Sea, Bexhill and the surrounding East Sussex area.
If you have an EICR report and are unsure what the codes mean, Darren can review the observations, explain the priorities clearly and advise what needs doing next.
For straightforward advice or to book an EICR, visit the EICR Hastings page or contact DSG Electrical Services directly.
