EICR Codes Explained: C1, C2, C3 and FI (UK Landlord and Electrician Guide)

Quick answer: UK Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) use four codes to report findings: C1 (Danger present, immediate remedial action required), C2 (Potentially dangerous, urgent remedial action required), C3 (Improvement recommended — not a fail), and FI (Further investigation required). An EICR is reported as satisfactory only if there are no C1, C2, or FI items. UK landlords must remedy C1 and C2 codes within 28 days of receipt and provide written confirmation. C3 codes are recommendations only.

The 4 EICR codes — what they each mean

C1 — Danger present

• Active danger: risk of injury exists right now
• Example: exposed live conductors, missing earth, fault on a heated towel rail
• Inspector may disconnect the affected circuit immediately
• Installation cannot be considered safe until remedied
• UK landlord must remedy within 28 days (or sooner if the electrician specifies)

C2 — Potentially dangerous

• A condition that could become dangerous under fault or load
• Example: missing RCD protection, damaged insulation on a cable in a low-traffic area, undersized earth wires
• Urgent remediation required
• UK landlord must remedy within 28 days
• Installation may continue to be used in the interim, but the risk is documented

C3 — Improvement recommended

• Not a fail — installation is safe, but could be improved
• Example: lack of additional bonding in older bathrooms, fuse box still containing rewireable fuses, older switching arrangements
• No legal requirement to remedy
• EICR can still be reported as 'satisfactory' with C3 codes
• Recommended at next major work or rewire

FI — Further investigation required

• The inspector couldn't fully assess a part of the installation (e.g., concealed cables, inaccessible bonding)
• EICR is incomplete until investigation is done
• Equivalent to a 'fail' in terms of producing a usable certificate
• Must be resolved before the EICR can be reported as satisfactory

Pass or fail — when is an EICR satisfactory?

An EICR is reported as satisfactory if there are:

• Zero C1 items
• Zero C2 items
• Zero FI items
• C3 codes are permitted

If any C1, C2, or FI is recorded, the EICR is unsatisfactory. The installation must be remedied (or further investigated) and a follow-up EICR issued.

UK landlord legal duties

Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020:

• Private rented properties must have an EICR at least every 5 years
• EICR must be reported as satisfactory
• Any C1, C2, or FI items must be remedied within 28 days of receiving the report (or sooner if the inspector specifies)
• Within 28 days of completion, landlord must provide written confirmation to tenant and local authority
• Failure to comply: fines up to £30,000 per breach

The 28-day rule explained

Once an EICR is issued with C1 or C2 codes:

1. Day 0: Landlord receives the EICR
2. Day 28 maximum: All C1 and C2 work must be complete
3. Day 28 + 28 maximum: Written confirmation of completion sent to tenant and council

For C1 codes specifically, the inspector may require shorter timeframes (24 hours, 7 days) — follow what the report specifies.

What the EICR report should contain

• Property address
• Date of inspection
• Electrician name and registration body (NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA)
• Installation details (origin, age, modifications)
• Schedule of items inspected
• Each item rated with C1, C2, C3 or FI codes (or no code if compliant)
• Summary statement: satisfactory or unsatisfactory
• Next inspection recommended date (max 5 years)

Common C1 findings

• Live exposed conductors at sockets or switches
• Lack of earthing on heated towel rails or radiators
• Damaged consumer unit with charred contacts
• Lack of RCD on circuits supplying sockets in bathrooms or kitchens
• Fault current detected during testing

Common C2 findings

• Missing supplementary bonding in older bathrooms
• Older rewireable fuse board (CU) without modern protection
• Cable damage in concealed areas
• Inadequate earth electrode resistance
• Some sockets in damp areas without RCD protection

Common C3 findings (improvements, not failures)

• Older type CU (consumer unit) still working but not to latest standard
• Lack of arc fault detection (AFDD) — recommended but not required
• Some older switches and sockets
• Minor cosmetic damage that doesn't affect safety

FAQs

Can I get a refund if my EICR fails?

You typically pay for the EICR regardless of outcome. The cost is for the inspection, not a guarantee of pass.

What if my electrician disagrees with the original EICR?

You can commission a second EICR from a different registered electrician. If the second contradicts the first, get a third (or check via the registering body for arbitration).

Are C3 codes worth fixing voluntarily?

Often yes — many C3s become C2 in 5-10 years as standards tighten. Fixing now prevents bigger remediation bills later.

What if my tenant refuses access for an EICR?

Document the refusal in writing. Tenant has 24-hour notice obligation under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. Repeated refusal can support possession action; meanwhile keep evidence of attempts.

Related guides

• EICR: UK landlord guide (overview)
• Electrical records UK landlords must keep
• Electrical Minor Works Certificate: when needed
• Consumer unit replacement certificates
• Part P Building Regulations

Last reviewed 2026-05-19 by Jamie Dawson, Editor.