Why Your EICR Might Fail (and How to Fix It)
⚠️ Why Your EICR Might Fail (and How to Fix It)
If your Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) came back as unsatisfactory, don’t panic — it doesn’t always mean a full rewire.
At Shiny Spark Electrical, we help customers across Southampton, Portsmouth, Chichester, and Bournemouth fix common EICR issues quickly, safely, and affordably.
Here’s what a failed EICR means, why it happens, and how to put it right.
🧾 What Does “Unsatisfactory” Mean?
An EICR checks the safety of your fixed wiring, sockets, lighting and fuse board against the BS 7671 Wiring Regulations.
If any of your circuits or equipment present a risk of electric shock or fire, your report will be marked as unsatisfactory — meaning your system isn’t safe for continued use.
This happens when the electrician records a C1 or C2 fault, or sometimes an FI (Further Investigation) code.
| Code | What It Means | Action |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Immediate danger (e.g., exposed live parts) | Must be made safe immediately |
| C2 | Potential danger (e.g., no RCD protection) | Should be repaired as soon as possible |
| FI | Further investigation required | Retest or open up circuit for confirmation |
| C3 | Improvement recommended | Optional – not cause for failure |
🔍 Top 5 Reasons an EICR Fails
1️⃣ Lack of RCD Protection
Older consumer units often lack RCDs (Residual Current Devices), which protect against electric shock.
Modern regulations require them on most circuits — especially sockets, bathrooms, and outdoor supplies.
🛠 Fix: Upgrade or replace the consumer unit.
2️⃣ Old or Damaged Wiring
Cables over 25 years old can have brittle insulation or loose terminations, especially in lofts or under floors.
🛠 Fix: Replace affected circuits or rewire specific areas.
3️⃣ Poor Earthing or Bonding
Missing or undersized earth bonding to gas and water pipes is a common fail.
Without proper earthing, a fault could make metalwork live.
🛠 Fix: Install or upgrade main bonding cables to current standards.
4️⃣ DIY Electrical Work
Uncertified or poorly joined cables, hidden junction boxes, or missing grommets can all trigger a fail.
🛠 Fix: Identify and correct non-compliant or unsafe connections.
5️⃣ Outdated Consumer Unit
If your fuse board still uses rewireable fuses, it’s not compliant with modern safety standards.
🛠 Fix: Replace it with an RCBO or RCD-equipped consumer unit for full protection.
💷 Typical Costs to Fix Common Issues
| Issue | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Replace old fuse board with RCD unit | £300 – £500 | Brings system up to 18th Edition standards |
| Upgrade earthing & bonding | £100 – £180 | Simple but essential for safety |
| Replace damaged sockets or fittings | £50 – £100 | Depends on number of points |
| Minor circuit repairs or re-termination | £80 – £150 | Quick fix for localized issues |
| Full re-test (after remedials) | £85 | Within 6 months of original inspection |
Prices are typical for South Coast homes. Actual costs depend on access and circuit count.
🧰 What to Do After a Failed EICR
- Review the report – note which circuits failed (C1, C2 or FI).
- Contact a qualified electrician – avoid DIY repairs.
- Get a clear quote – only repair what’s required.
- Arrange a re-test – once faults are corrected.
- Receive your “Satisfactory” certificate – for insurance or legal compliance.
At Shiny Spark Electrical, we handle both the repairs and re-testing, often on the same visit.
📍 Why Choose Us
✅ Local electricians covering Hampshire & West Sussex
✅ Certified 18th Edition & 2391 testers
✅ Same-day quotes and fast repairs
✅ Clear communication and no unnecessary upselling
Whether your report failed for one fault or many, we’ll get you compliant quickly and honestly.
🕒 Book Your Remedial Inspection or Re-Test
Don’t delay — unresolved C1 or C2 faults can invalidate insurance and pose a safety risk.
👉 Book your EICR remedial visit with Shiny Spark Electrical today and let our qualified team help you achieve a “Satisfactory” certificate.
💡 Key Takeaways
- “Unsatisfactory” doesn’t always mean expensive repairs.
- Most issues are minor (RCDs, bonding, sockets).
- Always use a qualified electrician to carry out remedial work.
- Re-test once faults are corrected for compliance peace of mind.
If you've received C1, C2 or FI items, our EICR codes explained guide breaks down each classification.
Remedial work and re-testing costs are covered in our UK EICR cost guide.
Learn how often inspections are required in the EICR frequency guide.