Introduction
Electrical safety is a core part of responsible property ownership — especially for landlords and homeowners in London. After an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) inspection, many people find the report confusing, filled with technical codes like C1, C2, C3, or FI.
Understanding what these EICR codes mean — and what actions they require — is essential for ensuring your property remains safe, compliant, and legally protected.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to read an EICR report, what each EICR code stands for, and what to do next if your property fails its inspection.
What Is an EICR Report and Why It Matters
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a detailed inspection carried out by a qualified electrician to assess the safety and condition of a property’s electrical installation.
The report identifies any potential hazards, defects, or areas that don’t comply with BS 7671 Wiring Regulations — the UK standard for electrical safety.
Landlords and homeowners in London must have a valid EICR report to demonstrate compliance with the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.
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For landlords, an EICR certificate is legally required every 5 years or at the start of a new tenancy.
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For homeowners, it’s recommended every 10 years or after major electrical works.
If the report highlights issues, remedial work must be completed promptly to restore safety and compliance.
Understanding EICR Codes: C1, C2, C3, and FI Explained
The heart of any EICR report lies in its codes — they indicate the severity of any electrical issues found. Let’s break them down clearly:
C1 – Danger Present (Immediate Risk)
This is the most serious classification.
A C1 code means there’s a direct danger to life or property — something that poses an immediate electrical hazard.
Examples include:
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Exposed live wires
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Broken sockets with live parts accessible
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Severe insulation damage
What to do:
If a C1 fault is identified, the electrician must make the system safe immediately, even before leaving the property. You’ll need urgent remedial work to bring the installation back to compliance.
C2 – Potentially Dangerous (Urgent Action Required)
A C2 means the issue isn’t immediately life-threatening but could become dangerous under certain conditions.
Examples include:
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Missing earthing or bonding
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Damaged cables
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Inadequate circuit protection
What to do:
You must arrange for repairs as soon as possible.
The installation will fail the EICR until the C2 issues are corrected and retested.
👉 Book remedial works with our certified electricians here to fix C2 issues efficiently.
C3 – Improvement Recommended
A C3 code isn’t a failure — your system is still considered satisfactory. However, improvements are advised to align with the latest safety standards.
Examples include:
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Old wiring that still works but doesn’t meet modern standards
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Lack of RCD protection on certain circuits
What to do:
Consider scheduling upgrades during future maintenance. It’s an opportunity to enhance safety and reduce long-term risk.
FI – Further Investigation Required
If a fault can’t be fully identified during inspection, the electrician will assign an FI code.
Examples include:
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Intermittent tripping circuits
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Signs of overheating or arcing not fully traceable on-site
What to do:
You’ll need a follow-up investigation to find and resolve the underlying problem. FI items mean your EICR is unsatisfactory until the investigation and repairs are completed.
How to Read Your EICR Report Layout
An EICR report can seem complex at first glance, but understanding its structure makes it much easier to interpret:
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Client & Property Details: Lists who requested the inspection and where it was carried out.
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Extent & Limitations: Describes what parts of the electrical system were inspected.
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Observations and Recommendations: Each issue found is listed here with its EICR code (C1, C2, C3, FI).
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Summary of Results: States whether the installation is “Satisfactory” or “Unsatisfactory.”
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Engineer’s Signature and Date: Confirms the report’s validity.
👉 If your report says “Unsatisfactory”, it means one or more C1, C2, or FI issues were recorded — and remedial work is required before the system can be considered safe.
You can view an EICR report example to understand how results are typically presented.
What to Do If Your EICR Has C1 or C2 Codes
If your EICR report includes C1 or C2 issues, you’ll need to act quickly:
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C1 – The electrician will make it safe immediately, but full repairs must follow.
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C2 – Schedule remedial work as soon as possible to eliminate potential dangers.
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Re-Test Required – After repairs, a follow-up inspection verifies compliance.
At Landlord Certification, our team provides EICR remedial works in London — handling everything from rewiring to RCD installation.
🔗 Learn more about our EICR remedial services
Typical Costs and Timelines for EICR Remedial Work
While every property is different, here’s what you can generally expect:
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Minor repairs (e.g. loose connections): £60–£120
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Fuse box upgrade: £300–£600
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Rewiring sections: £500+ depending on scope
Turnaround time is typically 24–72 hours after inspection, ensuring you stay compliant without delay.
👉 Check exact pricing on our EICR cost page.
Landlord Responsibilities After an EICR
Landlords in London have specific legal obligations:
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Obtain a valid EICR every 5 years or between tenancies.
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Provide tenants and local authorities with copies within 28 days.
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Complete all remedial works within 21 days of receiving an unsatisfactory report.
Maintaining proper EICR documentation helps protect against fines and ensures continued property safety.
When to Call a Certified Electrician
It’s crucial to hire certified EICR engineers to ensure compliance with BS7671 standards.
DIY fixes or uncertified electricians can invalidate reports and insurance.
Our certified team covers all of London and M25 areas, offering:
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Full EICR testing and certification
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Remedial works and follow-ups
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Landlord compliance solutions
👉 Book your EICR inspection today and ensure your electrical system is safe, compliant, and ready for certification.
Conclusion
Reading an EICR report doesn’t have to be confusing. Once you understand what each code — C1, C2, C3, and FI — means, you can take clear, confident steps toward compliance and safety.
Whether you’re a landlord in London managing multiple properties or a homeowner ensuring long-term safety, acting promptly on your report ensures both peace of mind and legal protection.
Landlord Certification makes the process simple — from inspection to certification and remedial work.
Get in touch today to secure your EICR report and protect your property with confidence.
