EICR Codes Explained (C1, C2, C3 & FI) – What Your Report Really Means
⚡ EICR Codes Explained (C1, C2, C3 & FI) – What Your Report Really Means
If you’ve received an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) and found codes like C1, C2, C3, or FI, it can be confusing — especially if your report says “Unsatisfactory”.
This guide explains every EICR code clearly, in plain English, with real examples and what they mean for electrical safety, compliance, and future maintenance.
📚 Contents
- 🧾 What Is an EICR?
- 🔍 EICR Codes Summary (C1, C2, C3, FI)
- 🔴 C1 – Danger Present
- 🟠 C2 – Potentially Dangerous
- 🟡 C3 – Improvement Recommended
- 🔵 FI – Further Investigation Required
- ⚠️ What Happens If Your EICR Is Unsatisfactory?
- 🧰 Common Examples of Code Findings
- 💡 Quick Recap
🧾 What Is an EICR?
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a detailed inspection and testing of your electrical installation. It checks the condition of your:
- Wiring and cable systems
- Consumer unit / fuse board
- Socket outlets and switches
- Lighting circuits
- Earthing and bonding arrangements
- Protective devices (MCBs, RCDs, RCBOs)
The report is graded using EICR codes to indicate electrical safety, compliance with BS 7671, and any risk of electric shock or fire.
🧩 EICR Codes Explained Clearly
Here is the official meaning of each EICR code:
| Code | Meaning | Action Needed |
|---|---|---|
| C1 – Danger Present | Serious immediate risk of electric shock or fire. Examples: exposed live parts, severe overheating. | Immediate action required. Must be made safe straight away. |
| C2 – Potentially Dangerous | Could become hazardous if a fault occurs. Examples: missing RCD protection, damaged cables, poor earthing. | Urgent remedial work recommended. |
| C3 – Improvement Recommended | Not unsafe but doesn’t meet current standards. Example: older consumer unit, missing labels, outdated bonding. | Optional upgrade to improve safety. |
| FI – Further Investigation Required | Something possibly unsafe requires deeper testing. Example: concealed junction box, intermittent tripping fault. | Must investigate before issuing a “Satisfactory” report. |
🔴 C1 – Danger Present
A C1 code means the electrician has identified an immediate risk of serious harm. The installation is unsafe for continued use.
Common C1 examples:
- Exposed live conductors
- Burnt or melted cables
- Severely damaged sockets or switches
- Live parts accessible without tools
This automatically makes the EICR “Unsatisfactory”.
🟠 C2 – Potentially Dangerous
A C2 code means the electrical system could become dangerous under fault conditions.
Common C2 examples:
- No RCD protection on sockets or circuits
- Poor or inadequate earthing
- Damaged insulation or wiring
- Loose connections that could overheat
C2 also results in an “Unsatisfactory” EICR.
🟡 C3 – Improvement Recommended
A C3 code means the item isn’t unsafe but does not meet the current safety standards.
Common C3 examples:
- Older consumer units without modern MCBs/RCBOs
- Inadequate labelling
- Outdated bonding to gas or water pipes
- Old-style switches or sockets
A C3 does NOT fail your EICR.
🔵 FI – Further Investigation Required
An FI indicates something suspicious or unclear that may hide a safety issue.
Common FI examples:
- Circuits that trip intermittently
- Concealed or inaccessible junction boxes
- Possible borrowed neutrals
- Unconfirmed circuits or abandoned wiring
An FI code fails the EICR until investigated.
⚠️ What Happens If Your EICR Is Unsatisfactory?
Your EICR will be marked Unsatisfactory if it contains:
- Any C1 item
- Any C2 item
- Any FI item
Once remedial work is completed, a partial re-test or updated EICR can be issued to achieve a Satisfactory rating.
🧰 Common Examples of Faults Found During EICRs
- No RCD protection on socket or lighting circuits
- Loose terminations causing overheating
- Damaged or chewed twin-and-earth cable
- Outdated fuse boards with rewireable fuses
- Incorrect polarity on sockets or lighting points
- Undersized earthing or bonding
These issues vary from minor improvements to major safety hazards.
💡 Quick Recap
C1: Danger present → immediate action
C2: Potentially dangerous → urgent remedial work
C3: Improvement recommended → optional upgrade
FI: Further investigation → must be checked before pass
Understanding your EICR codes helps you make informed decisions about electrical safety, compliance, and future upgrades.
If you're unsure when inspections are due, our EICR frequency guide explains the recommended intervals.
For pricing and re-test information, see our EICR cost guide.
Common problems that trigger C1, C2 and FI codes are covered in why EICRs fail.