Electrical Condition Report Code Examples

Electrical Condition Report Code Examples: Understanding EICR Codes for UK Property Compliance

If you’re a landlord, property manager, letting agent, or business owner in the UK, you’re likely aware of the legal obligation to keep your properties electrically safe. One of the most important tools for ensuring electrical safety and compliance is the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). But what do the codes on an EICR actually mean, and how should you respond to them? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain the EICR coding system, provide real-world electrical condition report code examples, and outline your responsibilities under UK law.

What is an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)?

An EICR is a formal document produced by a qualified electrician or approved contractor after an inspection of a property’s electrical installations. The report assesses the safety and condition of the wiring, sockets, switches, consumer unit (fuse box), and other fixed electrical parts.

EICRs are a legal requirement for all rented properties in England, Scotland, and Wales, and are strongly recommended for commercial premises and owner-occupied homes. The report identifies any damage, deterioration, defects, or non-compliance with current electrical standards (BS 7671).

Why Are EICR Codes Important?

The EICR uses a standard coding system to classify the severity of any issues found. These codes help property owners and managers understand:

– Which issues require urgent action
– Which are safety risks
– Which are merely recommendations for improvement

Failing to act on dangerous EICR codes can result in legal penalties, invalidate insurance, and—most importantly—put lives at risk.

The EICR Codes Explained

As of the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671), the following codes are used in EICRs:

– Code C1: Danger Present
– Code C2: Potentially Dangerous
– Code C3: Improvement Recommended
– FI: Further Investigation Required

Let’s look at each code in detail, with practical electrical condition report code examples.

Code C1: Danger Present

Meaning: There is an immediate risk of injury or fire. The installation is unsafe to use.

Action Required: Immediate remedial action. The electrician will often make safe on the spot.

Examples:
– Exposed live wires due to damaged sockets or switches
– Live parts accessible due to missing covers
– Overheated or melted wiring insulation
– Broken or cracked consumer unit with exposed conductors

Real-World Scenario:
A tenant reports a burning smell from a socket. The EICR finds scorched wiring and exposed live parts. This is coded C1. The electrician isolates the circuit immediately and recommends urgent replacement.

Code C2: Potentially Dangerous

Meaning: There is a risk of danger under fault conditions. The installation is not immediately dangerous but could become so.

Action Required: Urgent remedial action is needed, but the installation may still be used with caution until fixed.

Examples:
– No earthing or bonding to gas or water pipes
– Incorrect fuse ratings that could allow cables to overheat
– Outdated consumer unit without RCD protection in bathrooms
– Sockets too close to sinks without RCD protection

Real-World Scenario:
A landlord’s EICR finds the property’s kitchen sockets are within 30cm of the sink and lack RCD protection. This is coded C2. The landlord must arrange for RCDs to be installed as soon as possible.

Code C3: Improvement Recommended

Meaning: The installation does not comply with current regulations, but it is not unsafe.

Action Required: No immediate action is required, but improvements are advised to enhance safety.

Examples:
– Consumer unit made of plastic (modern standards require non-combustible)
– Lack of labelling on the consumer unit
– No mains-powered smoke alarms in the property
– No RCD protection on all circuits (if not required by regulations at the time of installation)

Real-World Scenario:
A property’s consumer unit is plastic rather than metal. This is a C3 code. The installation is safe, but the landlord is advised to upgrade to a metal unit at the next opportunity.

FI: Further Investigation Required

Meaning: The inspector cannot determine if the installation is safe and further investigation is needed.

Action Required: Investigation must be carried out as soon as possible to confirm safety.

Examples:
– Circuits with unidentified cables or connections
– Inaccessible areas where wiring cannot be checked
– Signs of previous DIY electrical work with unknown safety

Real-World Scenario:
An EICR finds a junction box hidden behind a wall, with no access for inspection. This is marked as FI. The landlord needs to arrange for the box to be made accessible and properly checked.

How EICR Codes Affect Landlords and Property Managers

Legal Requirements:
– Since July 2020, all private landlords in England must have a valid EICR for every rental property at least every 5 years, or more frequently if recommended in the report.
– All C1 and C2 faults, and any FI items, must be rectified within 28 days (or sooner if specified).
– A copy of the EICR and proof of remedial works must be provided to tenants and, if requested, to the local authority.

Non-compliance can result in fines of up to £30,000.

Electrical Condition Report Code Examples: Summary Table

| Code | Severity | Typical Examples | Action Needed |
||–|–|-|
| C1 | Immediate danger | Exposed live wires, burnt sockets | Make safe urgently |
| C2 | Potentially dangerous | No earthing, wrong fuses, sockets near water | Fix as soon as possible |
| C3 | Improvement recommended | Plastic consumer unit, lack of labelling | Upgrade when possible|
| FI | Further investigation needed| Inaccessible wiring, unknown DIY work | Investigate urgently |

How Eco Approach Ltd Can Help

At [Eco Approach Ltd](https://ecoapproach.co.uk), we understand the complexities of electrical compliance for UK property managers, landlords, and businesses. Our nationwide network of qualified engineers delivers consistent, reliable EICRs and remedial works, ensuring you meet your legal obligations and keep your tenants safe.

Why Choose Eco Approach for Your EICR Needs?
– Single, reliable compliance partner: We manage all your safety inspections and certifications, including gas, fire, and EPCs.
– Qualified, vetted engineers: All our assessors are NICEIC or equivalent registered.
– Clear, actionable reports: We explain EICR codes in plain English and guide you through any remedial actions.
– Ongoing compliance management: We remind you when inspections are due and handle all documentation.

Whether you manage a single property or a large portfolio, Eco Approach simplifies compliance, reduces risk, and protects your reputation.

Frequently Asked Questions on EICR Codes

Q: What happens if my EICR shows a C1 or C2 code?
A: You must arrange for qualified remedial work immediately (C1) or as soon as possible (C2). The property cannot be legally let with unresolved C1 or C2 issues.

Q: Can I ignore C3 codes?
A: C3 codes are recommendations, not legal requirements. However, upgrading as advised improves safety and future-proofs your property.

Q: How soon must I fix FI codes?
A: FI (Further Investigation) must be resolved as quickly as possible, as the installation’s safety cannot be confirmed until checked.

Conclusion

Understanding electrical condition report code examples is essential for anyone responsible for property safety in the UK. Acting quickly on C1, C2, and FI codes is not just a legal duty—it could save lives. For hassle-free EICR inspections and ongoing compliance support, trust Eco Approach Ltd as your property safety partner.

Ready to book your EICR or want advice on your report?
Contact Eco Approach Ltd today for expert help with electrical safety and compliance across the UK.

Eco Approach Ltd – The UK’s trusted partner for property compliance, safety, and peace of mind.