Domestic Electrical Safety Certificate EICR 1-3 Bedroom
Original price was: £135.£99Current price is: £99.
EICR Classification Codes Explained: C1, C2, C3 & FI
EICR classification codes are the standard system electricians use to grade every finding on your Electrical Installation Condition Report. Knowing what C1, C2, C3 and FI mean helps you understand how serious each observation is and what action is required.
What are EICR classification codes?
Every observation on an EICR is assigned a code based on how dangerous the situation is. The four codes – C1, C2, C3 and FI – tell you whether immediate action is needed, whether work should be carried out within a set time, or whether an improvement is simply recommended.
C1: Danger present
A C1 code means danger exists and someone could be harmed at any moment. The inspector must make the circuit safe before leaving or disconnect the supply. Do not use the affected circuit until it has been repaired.
- Exposed live conductors
- Damaged or overheated switchgear
- Burned or cracked sockets and switches
- Signs of a fire risk that is present now
If a C1 is recorded, remedial work must be completed before the installation is considered safe. Do not use the affected circuit.
C2: Potentially dangerous
A C2 code means a defect is potentially dangerous and could become a real hazard under fault conditions. Examples include missing earth connections, undersized or overloaded cables, inadequate earthing and bonding, and damaged insulation. Keeping up with electrical safety checks helps prevent these issues. UK landlords should follow the electrical safety standards in the private rented sector set by the government.
Book Your Property Safety Certificate Online
Next-day inspection slots available across London and Home Counties. Fast 24-hour digital PDF certificate delivery by accredited Gas Safe, NICEIC and IFE registered engineers.
Domestic Electrical Safety Certificate EICR 4 Bedrooms
Original price was: £165.£120Current price is: £120.
Commercial Electrical Certificate EICR 1 Consumer Unit Up to 12 Circuits
Original price was: £199.£149Current price is: £149.
Domestic Electrical Safety Certificate EICR 5 Bedrooms
Original price was: £210.£150Current price is: £150.
What do the codes mean for your report?
C3: Improvement recommended
A C3 code means improvement is recommended to bring the installation up to current standards, but the defect is not dangerous. C3 observations alone do not make the report unsatisfactory.
FI: Further investigation required
An FI code means the inspector could not fully confirm the condition of part of the installation and further investigation is needed before a final judgment can be made.
Overall result and timescales
If any C1 or C2 codes are recorded, the overall result is unsatisfactory. C1 requires immediate action, C2 normally within 28 days, and any FI must be investigated before the report can be finalised.
What makes a report satisfactory?
A report is satisfactory where no C1, C2 or FI codes are present. C3 codes do not prevent a satisfactory result.
Why choose Smart Property Checks?
Smart Property Checks uses qualified, experienced electricians who explain every code in plain English. You will understand exactly what your EICR means and what to do next, with clear guidance on C1, C2, C3 and FI findings. Contact our team to arrange your inspection.
The booking process
- Select the appropriate EICR service or request a quote.
- Provide accurate information about your property.
- Agree a suitable appointment.
- Prepare access to rooms, sockets and the consumer unit.
- The qualified professional completes the inspection and testing.
- You receive your report and information about any observations.
- Arrange remedial work where required.
Common Questions
What do C1, C2, C3 and FI mean?
C1 means danger present, C2 means potentially dangerous, C3 means improvement recommended and FI means further investigation required. Together they are the EICR classification codes used to grade observations on your report.
Is a C1 code an emergency?
Yes. A C1 means danger exists and the inspector must make the circuit safe before leaving. You should not use the affected circuit until it has been repaired.
Does a C2 code fail the EICR?
Yes. Any C1 or C2 code makes the overall result unsatisfactory, and remedial work is normally required within 28 days.
Does a C3 mean the EICR has failed?
No. A C3 observation alone does not make the report unsatisfactory; it is a recommendation for improvement.
What does FI mean on an EICR?
FI means further investigation required. It is used where the inspector cannot confirm the condition of part of the installation and additional checks are needed.
Do I need to fix C1 and C2 codes?
Yes, and as soon as possible. C1 requires immediate action and C2 work is normally required within 28 days. Use a qualified electrician.
Will the electricity be switched off?
Some interruption is normally required so that testing can be completed safely. Ask the inspector about expected disruption before the appointment.
Can I use my electrics during the inspection?
Most testing is completed quickly, but circuits being tested are usually switched off for a short time for safety.
What should I do after receiving the report?
Read the observations and the recommended next-inspection date. If the report contains C1, C2 or FI codes, speak to a qualified electrician and arrange the required work promptly.
Book your EICR with Smart Property Checks
An EICR helps you understand the condition of your property’s electrical installation and identify problems before they cause further risk or expense.
Whether you own one home, manage a rental portfolio or look after commercial premises, Smart Property Checks can help you arrange the right electrical inspection.
Related Blogs
EICR Unsatisfactory Report: 2026 C1, C2 Remedial Times & Landlord Rules
Home Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented…
EICR Certificate: Cost, Frequency and Landlord Rules
Home An EICR certificate, or Electrical Installation Condition Report, confirms…
EICR Classification Codes Explained: C1, C2, C3 & FI
Home EICR classification codes are the standard system electricians use…