An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) lists observations about your electrical installation and gives each one a code. The codes decide whether the report is satisfactory overall, and what you need to do next.
The four codes
- C1: Danger present. There is a risk of injury now. Immediate action is needed, and the electrician will usually make it safe before leaving, for example by isolating a circuit.
- C2: Potentially dangerous. Not dangerous right now, but it could become so if a fault occurs. Urgent remedial action is required.
- C3: Improvement recommended. The installation does not meet the current edition of BS 7671 but is not considered unsafe. No action is legally required.
- FI: Further investigation required without delay. The electrician could not reach a conclusion during the inspection and needs to investigate further.
Satisfactory or unsatisfactory?
If the report contains any C1, C2 or FI observations, the overall outcome is unsatisfactory. If it contains only C3 observations, or none, it is satisfactory.
What landlords must do
In England, if the report requires remedial work or further investigation, landlords must complete it within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so, and then give written confirmation to the tenant and the local authority within 28 days of the work being completed. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own requirements, so check the rules for your nation.
Common C2 observations
- No RCD protection for socket outlets that may be used for equipment outdoors, or for cables concealed in walls where required.
- Damaged accessories exposing live parts.
- Missing or inadequate main protective bonding.
- Overheating at terminals.
- Combustible consumer unit enclosures in some situations.
Common C3 observations
- Older but serviceable consumer units without surge protection.
- Lack of RCD protection on some lighting circuits.
- Labelling missing or out of date.
Getting the report closed out
Ask for a fixed price for each coded item, carry out the works, and keep the electrical installation certificate or minor works certificate as evidence. That paper trail is what tenants, councils and insurers will ask for.
This guide is general information about UK fire safety law and standards, not legal advice for a specific building. If you are unsure what applies to yours, ask us or a qualified adviser.