What Do C1, C2, C3 and FI Mean on an Electrical Report?

If you have recently received an Electrical Installation Condition Report, you may have noticed codes such as C1, C2, C3 or FI listed alongside observations about your property’s electrics.

These codes explain how serious an electrical issue is and whether action is needed to make the installation safe.

For landlords, homeowners and property managers, understanding these classifications is important when deciding what work needs to be carried out and whether the electrical installation has received a satisfactory or unsatisfactory assessment.

Here, our qualified electricians explain what each EICR code means and what you should do if any are recorded on your report.

What Is an EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report, commonly known as an EICR, is an inspection and assessment of the condition of a property’s fixed electrical installation.

During the inspection, an electrician checks and tests parts of the installation, which may include:

- The consumer unit or fuse board.

- Electrical circuits and protective devices.

- Sockets, switches and light fittings.

- Earthing and bonding arrangements.

- Signs of damage, deterioration or overheating.

- Whether protective devices are operating correctly.

- Visible defects that could present an electrical safety risk.

If an issue is identified, the electrician will usually record an observation and assign a classification code reflecting the level of risk.

The main classification codes are C1, C2, C3 and FI.

What Does C1 Mean on an EICR?

A C1 classification means danger is present and there is an immediate risk of injury.

This is the most serious classification that can appear on an electrical report.

A C1 observation indicates that someone could potentially receive an electric shock, suffer burns or be exposed to another immediate electrical danger.

Examples may include:

- Accessible live electrical conductors.

- Severe damage exposing live parts within an accessory.

- A badly damaged consumer unit with accessible live components.

- Electrical equipment showing signs of dangerous overheating.

- An unsafe connection that presents an immediate risk of contact with live parts.

Where an immediate danger is identified, the affected equipment or circuit should be made safe without delay. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve isolating the circuit, disconnecting damaged equipment or carrying out an immediate temporary repair.

An EICR containing a C1 observation will be classified as unsatisfactory.

What Does C2 Mean on an EICR?

A C2 classification means potentially dangerous, with urgent remedial action required.

A C2 observation may not present the same immediate danger as a C1, but it indicates a defect that could become dangerous or increase the risk of electric shock or fire.

Examples may include:

- Inadequate earthing arrangements.

- Missing or inadequate protective bonding.

- Damaged cables or accessories presenting a significant safety risk.

- Unsuitable protection for circuits where additional protection is required.

- Defective protective devices.

- Unsafe electrical connections.

- Electrical equipment installed in an unsuitable location.

The exact classification depends on the condition found, the installation arrangements and the inspecting electrician’s assessment of the risk.

An EICR containing a C2 observation will also be classified as unsatisfactory.

For landlords, remedial work should be arranged promptly to bring the installation back to a satisfactory condition.

What Does C3 Mean on an EICR?

A C3 classification means improvement recommended.

This indicates that part of the installation could be improved, but the issue does not, on its own, present a level of danger requiring the report to be classified as unsatisfactory.

Examples may include:

- Older electrical equipment that remains serviceable but does not offer the same features as newer equipment.

- Areas where the installation could benefit from improved labelling.

- Certain older installation arrangements that were acceptable when installed but could be upgraded.

- Improvements that would enhance safety, usability or reliability without being immediately necessary.

A C3 observation is a recommendation, not automatically a failed item.

An EICR can still be assessed as satisfactory where only C3 observations are recorded, provided no C1, C2 or unresolved FI observations affect the overall outcome.

However, recommended improvements can still be worthwhile, especially in rental properties, older homes and buildings with electrical installations that have not been updated for many years.

What Does FI Mean on an EICR?

FI stands for further investigation required.

This classification is used where the electrician identifies a concern that cannot be fully assessed during the initial inspection and requires further investigation to determine whether a dangerous condition exists.

Examples may include:

- Unexpected electrical test results.

- A suspected fault that cannot be fully traced during the inspection.

- Unexplained readings suggesting a possible loose connection.

- Signs of overheating where the underlying cause is unclear.

- A circuit that cannot be properly identified or assessed.

- Evidence suggesting a possible earthing or wiring fault.

Further investigation may involve additional testing, disconnecting individual circuits, tracing wiring routes or inspecting accessories to locate the cause of the issue.

An unresolved FI observation will normally mean the EICR is classified as unsatisfactory until the concern has been investigated and the installation can be properly assessed.

It is important to understand that FI does not automatically mean a complete rewire or major repair is necessary. In some cases, the issue may be traced to a loose connection, damaged accessory or isolated wiring fault.

Which EICR Codes Cause a Report to Fail?

As a general guide:

- C1: Immediate danger. The report is unsatisfactory.

- C2: Potential danger. The report is unsatisfactory.

- FI: Further investigation is required. The report is normally unsatisfactory until the issue is resolved.

- C3: Improvement recommended. This does not automatically make the report unsatisfactory.

If your report has been assessed as unsatisfactory, the next step is to review the observations and arrange the work or investigation required to address the relevant issues.

Does an Older Fuse Board Automatically Fail an EICR?

Not necessarily.

The age of a consumer unit or fuse board does not automatically mean that an electrical installation is unsafe.

An older unit may still be serviceable, depending on its condition, the protective devices installed, the characteristics of the circuits and the level of protection provided.

However, a consumer unit could contribute to an unsatisfactory report if issues are identified, such as:

- Exposed live parts.

- Unsafe alterations.

- Damaged equipment.

- Defective protective devices.

- Significant overheating.

- Inadequate protection where the circumstances create a safety risk.

- Openings that compromise the safety of the enclosure.

Every installation should be assessed individually. The important question is not simply whether the equipment is old, but whether it is safe and suitable for continued use.

What Happens After an Unsatisfactory EICR?

If an EICR is unsatisfactory, your electrician should explain the observations and provide recommendations for the work needed to address the issues.

Depending on the findings, remedial work may include:

- Replacing damaged sockets, switches or light fittings.

- Repairing or improving earthing and bonding.

- Replacing defective protective devices.

- Investigating and rectifying circuit faults.

- Making safe exposed conductors or damaged wiring.

- Upgrading a consumer unit where required.

- Carrying out additional testing to confirm that a suspected fault has been resolved.

Once the necessary remedial work and further investigation have been completed, the electrician should provide the appropriate documentation confirming the outcome.

Where an updated EICR is being issued following the remedial works, this can confirm that the installation has achieved a satisfactory assessment.

EICR Inspections and Remedial Works in Newcastle, Gateshead and Tyne & Wear

At Switch Electrical & Mechanical Services, we carry out electrical inspections, fault finding and EICR remedial works for homeowners, landlords, letting agents and property managers throughout Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, Low Fell and the surrounding areas.

As an NICEIC Approved Contractor, we provide clear explanations of our findings and practical recommendations for any work required.

If you have received an unsatisfactory EICR or need help understanding the observations on your electrical report, contact Switch Electrical & Mechanical Services to discuss your requirements.