EICR Codes Explained: C1, C2, C3 and FI, and What They Mean for Your Business
- C1 means danger is present: immediate action, often made safe on the spot.
- C2 means potentially dangerous: urgent remedial action required.
- C3 means improvement recommended: not dangerous, does not fail the report.
- FI means further investigation required without delay, and it does fail the report until resolved.
An EICR can run to many pages of observations, and the thing that matters on every one is a two-character code. The codes tell you how serious each finding is and, together, whether the installation is satisfactory or not. Here is what each means, what it looks like in a commercial building, and how fast you need to act.
The four codes at a glance
| Code | Meaning | Effect on verdict | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Danger present. Risk of injury. | Unsatisfactory | Immediate |
| C2 | Potentially dangerous. | Unsatisfactory | Urgent |
| FI | Further investigation required. | Unsatisfactory | Without delay |
| C3 | Improvement recommended. | Satisfactory | Plan |
C1: danger present
A C1 means the inspector found something that could cause injury right now: exposed live conductors, a damaged accessory with live parts accessible, an incorrectly connected board. Inspectors will normally make a C1 safe immediately, with your agreement, and record what they did. It must be properly repaired before the installation can be satisfactory.
C2: potentially dangerous
A C2 is not an immediate hazard but could become one: missing or inadequate earthing or bonding, no RCD protection where required, signs of overheating at a connection, overloaded circuits. In commercial premises, C2s are the most common reason for an unsatisfactory verdict, and they need urgent remedial work. Our guide to unsatisfactory reports covers the process.
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C3: improvement recommended
A C3 is an observation that the installation does not meet the current standard but is not dangerous: often because the regulations have changed since it was installed. Older boards without RCDs on some circuits, outdated labelling, and minor non-compliances commonly attract C3s. They do not fail the report. Sensible duty holders plan them into maintenance rather than ignoring them.
FI: further investigation
An FI means the inspector found something they could not resolve within the inspection, such as an unexpected test result or a circuit they could not identify, and it needs investigating without delay. Until it is resolved the report is unsatisfactory. Treat an FI as seriously as a C2 until proven otherwise.
How the verdict is reached
Any C1, C2 or FI makes the overall assessment unsatisfactory. Only C3s, or no observations at all, allow a satisfactory verdict. Once C1, C2 and FI items are remedied and certified, the installation can be confirmed satisfactory. Our guide to EICRs covers what else the report contains.
Sources & further reading
- IET: BS 7671 Wiring Regulations — the standard that defines the inspection and coding
- HSE: Electrical safety at work — the duty the codes relate to
External links open in a new tab. ComSurv is a matching service, not a firm of surveyors, and is not affiliated with these organisations. This article is general information, not legal, surveying or valuation advice; take advice on your specific situation.
