When we complete an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) inspection, we issue a summary which uses four main observation codes.
The codes give an indication as to whether the inspection was classed as ‘satisfactory’ or ‘unsatisfactory’ and they’re as follows:
C1 – Danger present
This code indicates that there’s a risk of injury and that immediate remedial action is required. The highest-priority code available to an EICR inspector, C1 is used where there is an immediate risk of electric shock or an electrical fire so that the business owner or landlord knows that the problem needs to be remedied as a matter of urgency. This code would be applied, for example, if live electrical parts were found to be exposed, or light switches and/or plug sockets were found to be defective. A C1 code issue will need to be repaired or the offending item will need to be isolated and removed from use.
C2 – Potentially dangerous
This code shows that an issue is not as urgent and dangerous as a C1 problem, but that it could become hazardous in the future. While less serious than C1s, C2 issues should nevertheless be resolved quickly to avoid accidents. Typical examples of a C2 issue include an RCD that fails to trip when tested and a lack of earthing in an electrical installation.
C3 – Improvement recommended
A C3 infringement would typically be an incidence where part of the wiring installation fails to meet regulations, but in doing so doesn’t represent a clear and immediate danger. In that sense, improving the wiring installation would be of benefit, but isn’t essential. A poorly located plug socket that could potentially cause damage to a flex or the plug itself would be an example of a C3 issue. In essence, C3 issues are ones which we would recommend fixing for your peace of mind.
FI – Further investigation required without delay
An FI issue is one that needs further investigation. In other words, an issue has been identified, but it needs to be looked at in more detail to assess how severe it is and what action might be required.
If your EICR inspection returns some C1, C2 and/or FI codes then it will be deemed unsatisfactory and the issues will need to be resolved. This is especially important if you’re looking to rent your property, as a new tenant cannot move in with any outstanding C1, C2 and/or FI issues. A new tenant can occupy a premises which has unresolved C3 issues, but it’s nevertheless advisable to have them corrected before the tenancy begins as they can develop into more serious problems.
At MS Electrical we specialise in EICRs and fixed wire testing in Cambridge for businesses and landlords. Please contact us for advice or to request a no-obligation quotation.