If your EICR has come back as unsatisfactory, the first thing to know is that it does not automatically mean the whole property needs rewiring.
An unsatisfactory Electrical Installation Condition Report means one or more items need action before the installation can be considered satisfactory for continued use. Some issues are urgent. Others may be improvements, repairs or further investigation.
This guide explains what happens next for homeowners, landlords and letting agents in Hastings, St Leonards-on-Sea, Bexhill and the surrounding East Sussex area.
What does a failed EICR mean?
An EICR checks the condition of the fixed electrical installation. That includes items such as the consumer unit, earthing, bonding, wiring, sockets, lighting circuits and protective devices.
The report uses observation codes to explain what has been found. The main codes are:
- C1 — danger present
- C2 — potentially dangerous
- FI — further investigation required without delay
- C3 — improvement recommended
A report will usually be unsatisfactory if it contains C1, C2 or FI observations.
C1: danger present
A C1 observation means there is immediate danger. The electrician should make the situation safe where possible before leaving the property.
For landlords and homeowners, this is the highest priority. It may involve isolating a faulty part of the installation, replacing damaged equipment or carrying out urgent remedial work.
C2: potentially dangerous
A C2 observation means the issue is not necessarily causing immediate danger at that moment, but it could become dangerous under fault conditions or continued use.
Common examples can include damaged accessories, poor connections, inadequate protection, exposed conductive parts or issues with earthing and bonding.
C2 items should be dealt with properly. They are not just advisory notes.
FI: further investigation required
FI means the electrician has found something that cannot be fully assessed without more investigation.
This might happen where test results are abnormal, access is limited, faults are intermittent or there are signs that something hidden may be wrong.
FI observations should not be ignored. The point is to identify the cause before deciding on the correct remedial work.
C3: improvement recommended
A C3 observation is advisory. It means the installation could be improved, but the item alone does not normally make the EICR unsatisfactory.
That said, C3 items are still useful. They can help you plan future upgrades, especially if the property has an older consumer unit, limited RCD protection or accessories showing signs of age.
What should landlords do after an unsatisfactory EICR?
For rented homes in England, landlords must follow the relevant electrical safety regulations. In practical terms, that means arranging qualified remedial work or further investigation within the timescale stated on the report.
Where the regulations apply, 28 days is the key outer limit unless the report specifies a shorter timescale.
Once remedial work is completed, the landlord should receive written confirmation. This should be kept with the EICR and supplied where required.
What should homeowners do?
Homeowners are not usually under the same rental-property legal timetable, but the safety risk is the same.
If your EICR has C1, C2 or FI observations, it is sensible to deal with them promptly. The report is there to highlight electrical risks before they become bigger problems.
For some homes, the remedial work may be simple. For others, it may point towards wider improvements such as a consumer unit replacement, fault finding or upgrades to older circuits.
Do you need a full rewire after a failed EICR?
Not always.
A failed EICR may only need targeted repairs. Examples include replacing damaged sockets, improving bonding, correcting consumer unit issues, repairing accessories, investigating a faulty circuit or improving circuit protection.
A full rewire is only one possible outcome. The right approach depends on the actual observations, test results and condition of the installation.
EICR remedial work in Hastings, St Leonards and Bexhill
DSG Electrical Services can help with EICR remedial work, further investigation and retesting for homes and rental properties across Hastings, St Leonards-on-Sea, Bexhill and nearby areas.
Darren will explain the observations clearly, prioritise the safety-critical items and give practical advice on the most sensible next step.
If your report has come back unsatisfactory, visit the EICR testing Hastings page or contact DSG Electrical Services to discuss the remedial work.
