EICR Codes Explained

What are EICR codes?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a key way to ensure the electrics at your Bristol area home, rental property or business are safe. When the electrician carries out their inspection, they will note any observations they make on the EICR report itself and assign each one a code. Codes C1, C2 and FI all need to be dealt with within a specified timeframe before your EICR is considered satisfactory.

The EICR Codes you may see are:

• Code C1
• Code C2
• Code C3
• Code FI

Let’s take a deeper look at what each of these EICR codes mean, and what your next steps are.

EICR Code C1 Explained

A Code C1 noted on your EICR report indicates an electrical danger is present and is considered a high risk to anyone who comes into contact with the affected area. As such, this is classified as needing immediate remedial action, often requiring work before the electrician leaves. Your electrician will explain on the EICR report exactly what needs to be done to rectify the issue.

Examples of faults which would be classified as C1 include a socket that is short-circuiting, or exposed electrical wires.

EICR Code C2 Explained

EICR Code C2 is a less severe defect that is considered potentially dangerous rather than immediately posing a risk to life. It is something which could become dangerous if not dealt with swiftly and requires urgent remedial action. Until this issue has been resolved your EICR will be considered unsatisfactory. 

Examples of a C2 code fault include lack of earthing and bonding, and visible corrosion.

EICR Code C3 Explained

C3 coded areas are those which do not present immediate danger. They highlight areas which could be improved upon at your Bristol property. They can be considered as recommendations, but it is worth noting that they often serve as an early warning for an area that will present an issue in the future.

Examples of a C3 EICR code include minor wear and tear of switches and sockets, older wiring which is still safe but that doesn’t meet modern standards.

EICR Code FI Explained

EICR code FI simply means that further investigation is required. The electrician will have noticed an area that requires more in depth testing to assess and they are unable to classify it without those tests being carried out. These must be investigated swiftly.

Examples of areas that may be coded FI include; unusual readings that require monitoring over a longer period, and suspected faults behind walls or within conduit.

EICR Electrician Bristol

We hope that this blog has answered all your questions about the EICR codes you see on your report. 

Our experienced, fully qualified electricians in Bristol will be happy to answer any further questions your may have. Just reach out to us and we will get back to you.