EICR Codes Explained – A Guide to Electrical Installation Condition Report Codes

11th October 2018

The purpose of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is to determine, so far as is reasonably practicable, whether an electrical installation is in a satisfactory condition for continued service. An EICR provides an assessment of the condition of the electrical installation at the time it was inspected and tested, taking into account the stated extent of the installation and the limitations of the inspection and testing.

The report identifies any damage, deterioration, defects and/or conditions found by the inspector which may give rise to danger, together with any items for which improvement is recommended.

Classification code C1 (Danger present)

The safety of those using the installation is at risk and immediate remedial action is required.

The person responsible for the maintenance of the installation is advised to take action without delay to remedy the observed deficiency in the installation, or to take other appropriate action (such as switching off and isolating the affected part(s) of the installation) to remove the danger. The contractor issuing the report will be able to provide further advice.

Classification code C2 (Potentially dangerous)

Whilst those using the installation may not be at immediate risk, urgent remedial action is required to remove potential danger.

The contractor issuing the report will be able to provide further advice.

Classification code C3 (Improvement recommended)

The inspection and/or testing has revealed a non-compliance with the current safety standard which, whilst not presenting immediate or potential danger, would result in a significant safety improvement if remedied.

Careful consideration should be given to the safety benefits of improving these aspects of the installation. The contractor issuing the report will be able to provide further advice.

Code FI (Further investigation required without delay)

Further investigation is required which is likely to reveal danger or potential danger that, due to the agreed extent or limitations of the inspection and/or testing, could not be fully identified at the time.

It would not be appropriate for the inspector to indicate that the installation is in a satisfactory condition if there is reasonable doubt as to whether danger or potential danger exists.

Consequently, where the inspector has indicated ‘Further investigation required without delay’ (FI) the overall assessment of the installation (Section E) should have been marked as ‘Unsatisfactory’. If the inspector has indicated that an observation requires further investigation without delay, the person ordering the report is advised to arrange for the contractor issuing the report (or another skilled person or persons competent in such work) to undertake further examination of that aspect of the installation as a matter of urgency to determine whether danger or potential danger exists.

Read more about Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR).