How to Read an EICR Report (UK 2025 Guide) – Simple Breakdown for Homeowners

How to Read an EICR Report (UK 2025 Guide) – Simple Breakdown for Homeowners

📄 How to Read an EICR Report (UK 2025 Guide) – Simple Explanation for Homeowners & Landlords

Received your Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) and not sure what any of it means? You’re not alone — EICR reports are written in electrical language, full of terms like C1, C2, C3, FI, Zs, IR and diagrams most people have never seen before.

This guide explains how to read an EICR in plain, simple English, so you know exactly:

  • what each part of the report means
  • whether your property passed or failed
  • what the codes actually mean
  • which findings matter (and which don’t)
  • what to do next

📚 Contents

📄 What an EICR Report Includes

A standard EICR document is usually 4–8 pages long and includes:

  • Installation details (address, supply type, earthing)
  • Overall outcome (Satisfactory / Unsatisfactory)
  • List of observations with codes (C1, C2, C3, FI)
  • Test results for each circuit
  • Limitations (areas the electrician couldn’t access)
  • Next inspection due date

Let’s break each section down so it makes sense.

📘 Page 1 – Installation Details & Supply Description

This page contains basic information such as:

  • your address
  • date of inspection
  • inspector’s details
  • earthing type (TN-C-S, TN-S, TT)
  • number of circuits
  • consumer unit details

You don’t need to understand every technical term here — it’s mainly for the electrician’s record.

The most important part of Page 1 is:

“Outcome of the inspection: Satisfactory / Unsatisfactory”

If it says Unsatisfactory, it means there are C1, C2, or FI issues. (Explained later in this guide.)

📙 Page 2 – Observations & Codes

This is the page most homeowners look at first, because it lists everything that’s wrong in the property.

Each issue will have:

  • a short description
  • a regulation reference
  • a code (C1, C2, C3, FI)

For example:

“No RCD protection on socket circuits – C2”

“Bonding undersized – C3”

“Loose connection in consumer unit – C1”

To understand what each code means, see the codes section below.

📗 Page 3 – Test Results & Measurements

This page lists the technical test readings carried out on each circuit, including:

  • Zs (earth loop impedance)
  • IR (insulation resistance)
  • R1 + R2 (continuity)
  • Polarity checks
  • RCD test times

You do not need to calculate anything — electricians use these readings to determine safety.

A few quick notes:

  • “>999 MΩ” IR readings are good (high insulation resistance)
  • Low Zs readings are good (better fault protection)
  • RCD trip times should be fast

📑 Summary – Satisfactory vs Unsatisfactory

At the end of the report, the electrician will choose one of these outcomes:

✔ Satisfactory

No dangerous issues (only C3 or no issues).

✘ Unsatisfactory

Means the property has at least one of:

  • C1 (Danger present)
  • C2 (Potentially dangerous)
  • FI (Further investigation needed)

For a full breakdown, read: EICR Codes Explained (C1, C2, C3, FI) .

🔤 What C1, C2, C3 & FI Mean (Simple Explanation)

EICR CODES

🔴 C1 – Immediate Danger

Unsafe right now. Must be made safe immediately.

🟠 C2 – Potentially Dangerous

Not dangerous yet, but could become dangerous. Needs fixing soon.

🟡 C3 – Improvement Recommended

Safe, but not up to modern standards. Optional upgrade.

🔵 FI – Further Investigation

Something couldn’t be checked properly. Inspection needed before the report can become satisfactory.

Full guide here: Understanding EICR Codes .

🧾 Common Notes & What They Actually Mean

Here are examples of wording often found in EICR reports and what they really mean:

“No RCD protection on socket circuits”

Modern safety device missing → usually a C2.

“Main bonding undersized”

Cable connected to gas/water pipe is too small → usually C3.

“Signs of overheating”

Potential fire risk → often a C1 or C2.

“Consumer unit outdated”

Old fuse box → usually a C3 unless unsafe condition detected.

“Unable to verify continuity”

This is FI (further investigation needed).

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my EICR has passed?

If the report says Satisfactory on the front page, you've passed.

What does ‘Unsatisfactory’ actually mean?

You have C1, C2, or FI issues that must be resolved.

Can I sell a house with an Unsatisfactory EICR?

Yes, but buyers may negotiate price or request repairs.

Why is the report so long?

Because each circuit and test must be documented by law (BS 7671).

Do I need to understand the technical readings?

No — the outcome and codes are what matter.

Who keeps the EICR?

Both you and (if renting) the tenant and local authority if required.

Understanding how to read your EICR helps you make informed decisions about electrical safety, repairs, and property compliance in 2025.

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