EICR Faults: How to Decide What Needs Attention First
Start with the code, then look at the detail
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is not a simple pass or fail checklist. If the report records observations, the code helps you understand their urgency, while the description explains what was found and where. Both matter: a code without its location or supporting detail is not enough to plan the work.
The main decision is whether there is an immediate safety concern, a potentially dangerous condition that needs corrective action, an improvement to consider, or an issue that needs more investigation before its cause is clear.
C1: treat it as an immediate danger
A C1 observation means danger is present. It needs immediate attention to make the situation safe. Do not use an affected item or circuit if the electrician has advised you to stop, and do not remove covers or attempt a repair yourself. Ask what has been switched off or made safe, what remains affected and what needs to happen next.
The important point is to get a clear explanation of the risk and the immediate action taken. A report should help you understand the finding, not leave you guessing whether the affected part of the installation can still be used.
C2: arrange corrective work
C2 means the condition is potentially dangerous. It is not a reason to dismiss the finding simply because there is no obvious sign of a problem during everyday use. Electrical faults can be hidden, and things may seem to work normally even when a safety feature is not working properly or a connection is wearing out.
Ask the electrician to explain the possible consequence and what work would address the cause. For example, a fault could involve a socket or switch, wiring, or a safety device. The right remedy depends on what is found, so a code alone cannot tell you whether a small repair or more extensive work is needed.
C3: understand the improvement
C3 identifies an improvement recommended by the inspector. It is different from a C1 or C2 safety observation, so it should not automatically be treated as an emergency. Still, it is worth understanding why the improvement has been suggested and what it changes about the installation.
Ask whether the recommendation relates to a particular circuit or to a wider feature, such as the level of protection provided. That context helps you make an informed decision about future electrical work, rather than treating every observation as equally urgent or overlooking a useful upgrade.
FI: find out what is not yet known
An FI code means further investigation is needed. It does not give you a confirmed explanation of the underlying problem. The next step is to establish what checks are required, what parts of the installation may be affected and whether anything should be avoided until the investigation is complete.
Do not assume an FI observation is harmless because the report does not yet name a definite fault. Equally, do not guess at a repair based on the limited description. The investigation should produce clearer information for deciding what work, if any, is appropriate.
Decide the scope before agreeing to work
Once you understand the urgency, ask for each observation to be linked to its location and the proposed remedy. If a report lists several issues, it can help to group them by circuit or area. That makes it easier to see whether the recommendations concern separate faults or whether one underlying issue may explain more than one observation.
A coded finding does not, by itself, mean the whole property needs rewiring or a new consumer unit. The electrician needs to assess the condition and extent of the issue before recommending the scope of work. Ask what has to be corrected for safety, what is an improvement, and what evidence will show that the work has dealt with the reported problem.
After remedial work, keep the paperwork together with the EICR. Ask whether follow-up testing or an updated report is appropriate, and make sure the records identify the work completed and any observations that remain. This gives you a clearer picture of the installation when you arrange future electrical work or testing.
For homes and businesses in New Mills, Stockport and the surrounding area, our Electrical Testing & Certification service can help you understand what an EICR is intended to show. Here at DONAGHUE ELECTRICAL SOLUTIONS LTD, we are NAPIT registered and TrustMark registered. If your report has raised concerns, contact us to discuss the findings and the next step for your installation.
