EICR Electrical Remedial Works: Code C1, C2, C3 & FI Action Rules Explained

Receiving an "Unsatisfactory" outcome on an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) can be daunting for commercial business owners, landlords, and facilities managers. An unsatisfactory report indicates that electrical defects or non-compliances have been identified within the building's fixed wiring, requiring formal electrical remedial works to bring the property back to a safe and compliant standard.

In this guide, we detail how EICR classification codes work, the mandatory timelines for completing remedial repairs under UK law, and what is required to secure a compliant Certificate of Remedial Works.

What Are EICR Classification Codes?

During an EICR inspection, qualified test engineers evaluate fixed electrical installations against BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations). Any identified observation or defect is assigned one of four standard observation codes:

Observation Code	Definition & Threat Level	EICR Outcome	Legal Action Required
Code C1	Danger Present: Risk of injury. Immediate action required.	Unsatisfactory	Immediate isolation or repair on site.
Code C2	Potentially Dangerous: Urgent remedial action required.	Unsatisfactory	Must be rectified within statutory deadlines.
Code FI	Further Investigation Required: Potential hazard hidden.	Unsatisfactory	Detailed testing required without delay.
Code C3	Improvement Recommended: Non-compliant with current standard.	Satisfactory	Optional upgrade; no mandatory deadline.

Understanding C1, C2, and FI Defects

Code C1: Danger Present

A C1 defect means real and immediate danger exists for persons using the installation—such as accessible live conductors, exposed wiring, or damaged main switches.

Immediate Duty: The inspecting engineer is required to isolate the dangerous circuit or component immediately on site (with the permission of the duty holder) or issue an immediate Danger Notification.

Code C2: Potentially Dangerous

C2 items represent serious hazards that may not present an immediate shock risk under normal conditions, but could become dangerous upon a single fault. Examples include missing earth bonding, damaged socket outlets, or inadequate RCD protection.

EICR Impact: Any single C1 or C2 observation on a report automatically results in an overall Unsatisfactory grade.

Code FI: Further Investigation

An FI code is assigned when an engineer identifies a potential hazard that cannot be fully verified without further invasive testing or trace work (such as unlabelled circuit distribution boards or inaccessible hidden sub-mains).

EICR Impact: Because safety cannot be guaranteed, FI codes render the report Unsatisfactory until investigated and resolved.

Statutory Timelines for Remedial Works

Under UK regulations—including the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the Landlord and Tenant Act (Commercial and Residential Duty Holder Rules)—rectification must be addressed promptly:

• Commercial & Industrial Sites: C1 items must be addressed immediately; C2 and FI items should be rectified within 28 days (or sooner if specified in the inspector’s summary).
• Private Rented Sector (PRS): Landlords must complete all C1, C2, and FI remedial repairs within 28 days of the inspection date (or shorter if specified by the engineer) and supply written confirmation to tenants and local authorities.

Post-Repair Certification: The Proof of Compliance

Once all C1, C2, and FI items are repaired by a qualified electrician, you do not need to re-pay for a brand-new full EICR inspection.

Instead, the electrician issuing the repairs provides formal Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificates (MEIWC) or an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) covering the specific remedial work. When combined with your initial EICR, these certificates provide full legal proof of compliance for local councils, insurers, and Health & Safety Executive (HSE) auditors.