If you’ve recently had an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out, you may have come across codes like C1, C2, C3, and FI. But what do they really mean for your property — and why should you care? Let’s break it down.
What are EICR Codes?
EICR codes are used by electricians to highlight issues found during an inspection, indicating the urgency and severity of any electrical concerns. Understanding these codes helps homeowners, landlords, and business owners prioritise repairs and stay compliant.
EICR Codes Explained:
⚠️ C1 — Danger Present: This is the most serious code. It means there’s an immediate risk of injury or fire. Action is required immediately — the electrician will often make the installation safe on the spot.
⚠️ C2 — Potentially Dangerous: This indicates a safety concern that isn’t an immediate threat but could become dangerous if not addressed soon. It’s strongly advised to correct these issues as quickly as possible.
⚠️ C3 — Improvement Recommended: This is not a fail but suggests areas where safety could be improved. These aren’t urgent, but addressing them shows good maintenance and future-proofs your property.
✅ FI — Further Investigation Required: Sometimes, an electrician needs to take a closer look to fully understand an issue. An FI code means more testing is required before conclusions can be made.
Why EICR Codes Matter
- Landlords are legally required to maintain safe properties — understanding and addressing these codes is crucial for compliance.
- Homeowners benefit from peace of mind, knowing their electrical systems are safe.
- Businesses reduce risk and liability by ensuring their premises meet safety standards.
What is an EICR?
An EICR, or Electrical Installation Condition Report, is a formal document that assesses the safety and condition of an electrical installation in a building. It’s essentially a safety inspection of the electrical wiring, sockets, and other electrical components. EICRs are used to identify any potential hazards and provide recommendations for improvements.
Key aspects of an EICR:
- Recommendations:The report may include recommendations for repairs, upgrades, or improvements to ensure the electrical system is safe and compliant with regulations.
- Purpose:EICRs are used to demonstrate the safety of a building’s electrical installation, particularly for landlords, homeowners, and businesses.
- Mandatory for some buildings:EICRs are mandatory for some types of buildings, such as rental properties, HMOs, and certain commercial buildings.
- Not mandatory for all buildings:While EICRs are not always legally required for all buildings, they are strongly recommended as a means of ensuring electrical safety.
- Homebuyers Test or Landlord Safety Test:EICRs are sometimes referred to as the “Homebuyers Test” or “Landlord Safety Test”.
- Assessment:A qualified electrician inspects and tests the electrical system, looking for issues like damage, wear and tear, and potential hazards.
- Documentation:The EICR report documents the findings of the inspection, including any identified defects and their severity.
