The EICR coding system is a standardised method used in Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) across the UK to classify observations and defects found during electrical inspections. It follows guidance from BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations, currently the 18th Edition with Amendment 2:2022) and best practice resources like Electrical Safety First’s Best Practice Guide 4.
This system helps electricians clearly communicate the severity of issues, prioritise remedial work, and determine whether the installation is satisfactory overall. Each observation receives one of four main classification codes: C1, C2, C3, or FI. The presence of certain codes affects the report’s outcome—satisfactory or unsatisfactory—and influences legal compliance, insurance validity, and safety for properties in Lincolnshire and beyond.
The Four EICR Classification Codes Explained
- Code C1: Danger Present This indicates an immediate risk of injury or danger to users of the installation. The fault poses a clear and present hazard that requires urgent action—often immediate isolation or repair to prevent shock, fire, or other serious incidents. Examples include exposed live conductors, missing earthing on exposed metal parts, or reversed polarity on a socket. If a C1 code appears, the EICR is deemed unsatisfactory, and remedial work must be carried out without delay. In a commercial or domestic setting, this could lead to immediate enforcement if not addressed.
- Code C2: Potentially Dangerous A C2 highlights a condition that is not currently causing immediate danger but could become hazardous under certain circumstances, such as fault conditions or increased load. Urgent remedial action is required, though not always instantly. Common examples include lack of RCD protection for circuits in special locations (e.g., bathrooms), inadequate earthing arrangements, or overloaded circuits without proper protection. Like C1, a C2 makes the overall report unsatisfactory, emphasising the need for prompt fixes to maintain compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and avoid future risks.
- Code C3: Improvement Recommended This code applies to items that do not present immediate or potential danger but fall short of current BS 7671 standards and could be improved for better safety or efficiency. No urgent action is needed, and the installation can still be considered satisfactory overall if no C1, C2, or FI codes are present. Typical C3 observations include older installations without modern RCD protection on all circuits (where not mandatory at the time of original installation) or minor non-compliances that don’t compromise safety. These are advisory, helping property owners plan future upgrades.
- Code FI: Further Investigation Required FI is used when the inspector identifies something that needs more detailed checking before a definitive classification can be assigned. It might indicate incomplete access during testing or ambiguous findings that require follow-up. An FI code renders the EICR unsatisfactory until resolved, as unresolved issues could hide underlying dangers.
The overall EICR outcome is unsatisfactory if any C1, C2, or FI codes are recorded, meaning the installation does not fully comply with current safety standards and requires attention. A report with only C3 (or no codes) is satisfactory.
Why the Coding System Matters for Lincolnshire Properties
In Lincolnshire, where properties range from historic homes in Woodhall Spa and Sleaford to commercial units in Boston, Lincoln, or agricultural buildings near Spalding and Grimsby, understanding these codes is vital. Regular EICRs help identify issues early, reduce fire risks, ensure employee/customer safety, and meet insurance or regulatory demands.
Qualified inspectors, like those at Matson Electrical Services, apply these codes based on engineering judgement and current guidance. Their NICEIC and NAPIT-approved team ensures accurate reporting, with clear explanations of any findings.
For more details on professional EICR services, explore the dedicated EICR – Electrical Installation Condition Report page. Matson Electrical also handles related work such as consumer unit replacements to resolve C1 or C2 issues efficiently.
If you’re a homeowner, landlord, or business owner in Lincolnshire, don’t overlook the importance of these codes—they directly impact safety and compliance. Matson Electrical, with their 4.8-star rating from 55 Google reviews, CHAS and Trust Mark certifications, delivers thorough, minimally disruptive inspections tailored to local needs.
Contact Matson Electrical today for expert advice on your EICR in Lincolnshire – call 07342 039 023 or visit our contact page. Book your professional inspection now and ensure your electrical system meets the highest standards. Learn more about our full range of electrical services.
