Tradefox Tools
EICR codes. C1, C2, C3 and FI, explained.
See what each code on an Electrical Installation Condition Report means, work out the right code for an observation, and check what a report means for you.
EICR code helper
What the codes mean
C1
Danger present
Risk of injury right now. Immediate action is needed.
What to do. The inspector should tell the person responsible straight away and make it safe before leaving, for example by isolating the circuit or fixing the fault.
C2
Potentially dangerous
Not dangerous this minute, but it would become dangerous if a fault or a foreseeable event happened. Urgent action is needed.
What to do. Book the repair as soon as possible. For a rented home in England, within 28 days or sooner if the report says so.
FI
Further investigation advised
The inspector found a possible issue but couldn’t give it a code within the agreed extent of the inspection. Investigation is advised. On its own, an FI doesn’t make the report unsatisfactory.
What to do. Arrange for it to be investigated. The result will then get its own code, or no code if there’s no problem. Landlords in England must have it done within 28 days.
C3
Improvement recommended
Doesn’t meet the current edition of BS 7671 but isn’t dangerous. Often older work that met the rules when it was installed.
What to do. No action is needed for the report to be satisfactory. Consider it when you next have work done.
Any C1 or C2 makes the overall report unsatisfactory. A report with only C3s, FIs or no codes is satisfactory.
Work out a code
For one observation, answer in order and stop at the first yes.
Could someone get a shock or burn, or is there a fire risk, right now? For example, live parts they can touch, or burning that is still happening.
Would it become dangerous if a fault or a foreseeable event happened? For example, a device that wouldn't disconnect in time, missing bonding or damaged insulation.
Is there a possible issue you can't code within the agreed extent of the inspection? For example, scorching under a floor that can't be lifted.
Does it fall short of the current edition of BS 7671, even though it isn't dangerous?
Common observations
The code most inspectors would give. The inspector's judgement on site always decides.
- Live parts can be touched, for example a broken socket, switch or missing coverMake safe before leaving.C1
- Signs of burning, arcing or overheating that is still happeningIf the damage is old and the cause has been put right, C2 may fit better.C1
- No means of earthing for the installationC1
- Gaps or missing blanks in the consumer unit where live parts can be touched with a fingerGaps too small to touch live parts are usually C2.C1
- Cracked or damaged accessory with no live parts exposedC2
- Main protective bonding missing to incoming gas or water pipesC2
- Earth fault loop impedance too high for the protective device to disconnect in timeC2
- Sockets without RCD protection that could supply equipment used outdoorsC2
- Lighting circuit with no protective conductor (earth) and metal fittings or switchesWith only plastic (Class II) fittings and accessories, usually C3.C2
- Cable sheath stops short of the enclosure, leaving basic insulation exposedC2
- Insulation resistance below the minimumCode it. Finding the cause is fault-finding, not inspection.C2
- Signs of a problem you can’t reach within the agreed extent, such as scorching under a floor that can’t be liftedIf an area simply wasn’t inspected by agreement, record it as a limitation instead.FI
- Circuit not identified at the consumer unitUsually C3 (C2 if it’s unsafe). Tracing it is remedial work.C3
- Other sockets without RCD protection, installed before it was requiredC3
- No circuit chart or labelling at the consumer unitC3
- Plastic consumer unit installed before 2016, in good conditionThe IET generally advises C3 for a combustible enclosure; under an unlined wooden staircase it advises C2.C3
- Old red and black cable colours in good conditionOld colours aren’t a defect on their own.No code
- Rewireable fuses in good conditionThe fuses aren’t a defect on their own. Any missing RCD protection is coded separately.No code
No matches. Try another word.
Check a report
Count the codes on your EICR to see the outcome and what to do next.
Common questions
What is an EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report records the condition of an existing installation after it has been inspected and tested against BS 7671. It lists observations with a code and gives an overall result: satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
Is a C3 a fail?
No. A C3 is a recommendation. A report with only C3s is satisfactory, although the improvements are worth making when you next have work done.
What happens after an FI?
FI means further investigation is advised. The inspector found a possible issue but couldn't give it a code within the agreed extent of the inspection. On its own, an FI doesn't make the report unsatisfactory. Once it has been investigated, it gets its own code, or no code if there turns out to be no problem. Landlords in England should still have every FI investigated within 28 days.
How often does a rented home need an EICR?
In England, landlords must have the installation inspected and tested at least every five years, or sooner if the last report says so, and give a copy to their tenants. The rules were extended to the social rented sector in 2025.
Can an old installation be satisfactory?
Yes. An EICR checks whether an installation is safe to keep using, not whether it meets today's rules for new work. Older wiring in good condition can be satisfactory.
Sources
- GOV.UK: electrical safety standards in the private and social rented sectors (November 2025).
- The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.
- Code meanings follow the classification on the BS 7671 model condition report. Typical codes and all wording are written by Tradefox.
A guide for learners, landlords and homeowners. Coding is the inspector's professional judgement on site. Related: Part P checker and electrical calculators.