How to Interpret Your EICR: Understanding the Codes and Recommendations

If you’ve just received an EICR and feel unsure what to do next, you’re not alone. Many homeowners, landlords and business owners find the report confusing at first glance. The codes, the technical language, the long list of observations… It’s a lot to take in.

This guide will help you make sense of your EICR, explain what the codes mean and give clear advice on what to do next. Whether you’re managing a single property or multiple sites, understanding your EICR is key to keeping people safe and staying compliant.

What Is an EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report, or EICR, is a formal inspection of the fixed wiring in a property. It checks whether the electrical system is safe, fit for purpose and in line with current regulations.

You might need an EICR:
– As part of legal landlord obligations
– For business premises under health and safety laws
– When buying or selling a property
– As proof for insurance providers
– To check the condition of an older installation.

The inspection covers consumer units, circuits, sockets, switches, lighting and any fixed electrical equipment. Once complete, you’ll receive a written EICR outlining any defects and giving the installation an overall grade of either “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory.”

Why Your EICR Matters

An EICR isn’t just a formality. It identifies electrical issues that could pose a risk to people or property. Failing to act on an unsatisfactory EICR can put tenants, staff or visitors in danger – and leave you exposed legally or financially if something goes wrong.

Understanding the findings and acting on them promptly helps keep your installation safe and your responsibilities covered.

Understanding the EICR Codes

Every EICR includes observations rated using a coding system. These codes indicate the severity of the issue and the type of response required. Here’s a breakdown of what each one means.

C1 – Danger Present, Immediate Action Required

This is the most serious code. A C1 means there is an immediate risk of electric shock, fire or serious injury. The inspector will usually take steps to make the fault safe before leaving the property.

Examples of a C1 Code:
– Exposed live wires
– Broken socket with accessible conductors
– Overheated cables showing signs of burning
– Faulty connections that could cause a fire.

What To Do:
Repairs must be carried out immediately. If the fault cannot be fixed on the spot, the affected circuit should be isolated. Contact an electrician as soon as possible – ideally on the same day. If you received a C1 on your EICR, DGEC can help make the installation safe quickly.

C2 – Potentially Dangerous, Urgent Remedial Action Needed

A C2 doesn’t indicate immediate danger, but it highlights a fault that could become dangerous if not addressed. The installation is not compliant, and the report will be marked “unsatisfactory.”

Examples of a C2 Code:
– No RCD protection on circuits where it’s now required
– Signs of damage to cables or accessories
– Poor earthing or bonding
– Incorrect fuse ratings.

What To Do:
While it might not be an emergency, a C2 should be treated seriously. Book remedial work as soon as possible to address the fault. The installation won’t be classed as safe until these issues are fixed.

C3 – Improvement Recommended

A C3 means the installation is safe, but improvements could be made to bring it in line with current standards. It’s the only code that does not automatically make the report unsatisfactory.

Examples of a C3 Code:
– Older consumer unit still functioning but not up to the latest spec
– Slightly damaged fittings with no exposed conductors
– Outdated labelling or missing notices.

What To Do:
You don’t need to act on a C3 right away, but it’s worth keeping these items on your radar. In some cases, addressing a C3 can improve safety or prevent future faults. If you’re unsure, DGEC can talk you through which recommendations are worth acting on now.

FI – Further Investigation Required

This code is used when the inspector spots a concern but cannot confirm the full extent without more testing. It flags a potential issue that needs follow-up before the report can be fully assessed.

Examples of an FI Code:
– Unexpected readings during testing.
– Circuits that couldn’t be fully inspected due to access issues.
– Signs of overloading not confirmed by test results.

What To Do:
Arrange for further investigation as soon as possible. The EICR is incomplete without it, and unresolved FI items could hide serious faults. DGEC can return to the site to carry out the extra checks needed.

How Many EICR Codes Are Too Many?

Even one C1 or C2 is enough to render the EICR unsatisfactory. A property with multiple C3s might still pass, but a long list of recommendations could point to an ageing or poorly maintained installation.

The number of codes is less important than the nature of the issues. If you’ve received an EICR with several codes, we recommend speaking with a qualified contractor to understand the wider condition of your system.

What Happens After an Unsatisfactory EICR?

If your EICR is marked unsatisfactory, you’ll need to take remedial action to bring the installation up to standard. Once the faults are fixed, your electrician can issue written confirmation, sometimes called a Minor Works Certificate or Electrical Installation Certificate, depending on the work done.

You don’t need a full re-test unless significant changes have been made, but you do need evidence that the problems highlighted in the EICR have been resolved.

At DGEC, we offer both the initial testing and any necessary repairs. That means you deal with one contractor from start to finish, saving time and reducing hassle.

Don’t Ignore Your EICR

An EICR is a tool, not a formality to file away. It tells you how safe your electrical system is, and whether changes are needed to protect the people using it.

For landlords and business owners, failing to act can breach legal obligations. Even for homeowners, it’s not something to ignore. Many fires and accidents start from faults that an EICR would have picked up and prevented.

Why Choose DGEC?

At Daniel Gardner Electrical Contractors, we’re fully NICEIC approved and experienced in conducting thorough, practical EICRs across Fife. We explain your results in plain language, advise on what really matters and carry out repairs where needed.

Our team works with:
– Private homeowners
– Landlords and letting agents
– Property managers
– Commercial clients.

Whether you’ve received an EICR already or are booking your first one, we’re here to help from start to finish.

Need help with your EICR?

Contact DGEC for support in understanding your report or arranging remedial work.
We’ll explain the codes, fix the faults and make sure your installation is safe.