Getting an EICR report back and seeing a code you do not recognise next to a finding is a common moment of confusion. An EICR does not simply pass or fail. Instead, anything an electrician finds during the inspection is recorded against a specific classification code, and what that code is determines how urgently it needs sorting out. Here is what each one actually means.
The Classification Codes, in Order of Seriousness
C1: Danger Present
This is the most serious classification. It means there is a risk of injury right now, for example exposed live parts that could be touched, or a fault that presents an immediate fire or shock risk. When a competent electrician identifies a C1 during an inspection, standard practice is to make the installation safe on the spot, before leaving the property, even if that means isolating a circuit temporarily until proper repairs can be scheduled.
C2: Potentially Dangerous
A C2 means a defect that does not present an immediate danger but could become one, often because a safety feature that should be in place is missing or not working correctly. A common example is a circuit with no RCD (residual current device) protection, which would normally cut power very quickly in the event of a fault. The circuit might work perfectly well day to day, but without that protection, a fault elsewhere could go undetected. C2 items need urgent attention but do not usually require work on the same visit.
C3: Improvement Recommended
A C3 is the least serious code. It flags something that does not meet current wiring regulations but was often acceptable under older standards at the time it was installed, and does not present a safety risk in itself. A report with only C3 observations can still be issued as satisfactory. Many C3 findings relate to things like a consumer unit that is not in a metal enclosure, which was standard practice years ago but is no longer recommended under current guidance.
FI: Further Investigation
Occasionally an inspector cannot fully assess something without additional intrusive work, for example if a cable run is concealed in a way that cannot be tested without opening up a wall. This is flagged as FI, and further investigation is needed before it can be properly classified.
How Codes Affect the Overall Result
The report itself is marked either satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Any C1 or C2 code makes the report unsatisfactory until the relevant work is completed and the installation is retested. A report with only C3 or FI observations, and no C1 or C2, can be issued as satisfactory, though it is still worth addressing C3 items over time rather than letting them accumulate.
What Landlords Specifically Need to Do
If you are a landlord and your EICR comes back with a C1 or C2, the regulations require the relevant work to be carried out within 28 days, or sooner if the report specifies a shorter period. You then need to provide written confirmation of the completed work to both your tenant and the local authority if requested. We cover the full set of legal obligations, including deadlines and penalties, in our guide to EICR requirements for landlords.
When a Repeated C2 Points to a Bigger Job
Occasionally, an installation comes back with multiple C2 findings across several circuits, or the same category of fault keeps appearing on successive inspections. When that happens, it is often a sign that the underlying wiring has reached the end of its useful life, and patching individual faults one at a time is not the most cost-effective route. In that situation, it is worth discussing whether a partial or full rewire makes more sense than repeated remedial visits. Our guide on full rewire versus partial rewire covers how to weigh that decision.
Getting the Work Done
Whatever code your report comes back with, the priority is getting an accurate, honest assessment from someone who explains clearly what was found and why. Our team carries out EICR inspections across Tunbridge Wells and Kent, and where the scope allows, we can complete C1 and C2 remedial work on the same visit so your certificate can be issued without unnecessary delay. Find out more about the full inspection process on our EICR and electrical testing page, or get in touch for a free quote.