What do the EICR codes C1, C2, and C3 mean?

C1 means danger is present and immediate action is needed. C2 means the defect is potentially dangerous and urgent action is required. C3 means improvement is recommended but not strictly required. FI means further investigation is needed to determine the severity.

Do I have to fix everything on a failed EICR?

C1 and C2 defects must be addressed as they represent danger or potential danger. C3 recommendations are advisory and not mandatory, though they are worth considering. If you are a landlord, you are legally required to remedy C1 and C2 defects within 28 days.

How often should I have an EICR?

Homeowners should have an EICR every 10 years, or when buying a property. Landlords are legally required to have an EICR every 5 years (or before new tenancies) under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.

Can I use a different electrician for the remedial work?

Yes. You are not obliged to use the same electrician who carried out the inspection. Getting a second quote for remedial work is perfectly reasonable. Make sure the electrician is registered with a competent person scheme.

Caution

Updated 30 August 2026

Failed EICR — What Happens Next?

Your Electrical Installation Condition Report has come back with unsatisfactory results.

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What's happening?

An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a formal inspection of your property's electrical installation by a qualified electrician. When an EICR is graded as 'Unsatisfactory', it means the inspector found one or more defects that pose a danger or potential danger. Defects are coded C1 (danger present — immediate action required), C2 (potentially dangerous — urgent remedial action required), or C3 (improvement recommended but not mandatory). A C1 or C2 makes the report unsatisfactory.

What usually causes it?

Lack of RCD protection on circuits that now require it under current regulations
Deteriorated wiring insulation (common in properties over 25 years old)
Missing or inadequate earthing and bonding
Outdated consumer unit without modern protective devices
Unauthorized or non-compliant DIY electrical work

Is it dangerous?

A failed EICR means your installation has defects that could cause electric shock or fire. C1 defects are an immediate danger and should be addressed straight away. C2 defects are potentially dangerous and should be remedied urgently. While C3 observations are recommendations rather than requirements, they highlight areas where the installation falls short of current standards.

Can I fix it myself?

EICR remedial work should be carried out and tested by a competent electrician. In England, a new circuit or consumer unit replacement is notifiable; other repairs and upgrades are not automatically notifiable. The electrician should provide the test record or certificate appropriate to the remedial work.

When should you call an electrician?

You should already have an electrician engaged, as the EICR was carried out by one. If the electrician who did the inspection does not do remedial work, or you want a second opinion, contact another qualified electrician. Provide them with a copy of the EICR so they can see exactly what defects were found and the coding.

What will the electrician actually do?

Review the EICR and explain all defects and their coding in plain language
Provide a quote for remedial work to address all C1 and C2 defects
Carry out the remedial work, which may include upgrading the consumer unit, adding RCD protection, improving earthing and bonding, and replacing damaged wiring
Re-test all circuits affected by the remedial work
Issue an updated EICR or Electrical Installation Certificate confirming the work is satisfactory
Notify Building Control if the work is notifiable under Part P