Everything You Need To Know About EICR Codes & Certificates

EICR Classification Codes Definitions

EICR codes are assigned by electricians during the inspection process to indicate the condition of the electrical system and highlight any concerns. Inspected items may be assigned a ‘Pass’, ‘N/A’, or one of 4 classification codes:

Code C1 ‘Danger present’

This code indicates that there is a risk of injury, and immediate remedial action is required to remove the danger. It represents a situation where the safety of those using the installation is at risk.

If a C1 classification is identified, the electrician should immediately act to rectify the situation before finishing the rest of the report. 

Examples of common C1 observations: 

• Exposed Live Parts: Live electrical components that are accessible without the need for tools or equipment, whether due to an improper previous installation or damage.
• Inadequate Water or Moisture Protection: Situations where electrical components are at risk of water ingress. This is particularly prevalent in bathrooms and kitchens. 
• No Earthing or Bonding: Critical safety components such as main bonding or supplementary bonding missing entirely from essential services like gas or water pipes, which could lead to a potential electric shock.
• Overloaded Circuitry: Evidence of overheating or burnt-out components due to circuit overload.
• Unsafe Modifications: DIY or unprofessional alterations to the electrical installation that compromise safety, such as homemade junction boxes or splices not enclosed in a proper junction box.

Code C2 ‘Potentially dangerous’

This code is used when a potential danger has been identified that, while not posing an immediate threat, could become a real danger in the future. Urgent remedial action is required to prevent it from becoming a danger.

Property owners or managers should be notified to take action against any items falling under C2.

Examples of common C2 observations: 

• No or Inadequate Circuit Protection: Lacking proper circuit breakers or fuses that do not match the wiring specifications or loads.

• No RCD (Residual Current Device) Protection: Circuits that should be protected by an RCD, especially those supplying outdoor equipment or bathrooms, that currently are not.

• Incorrect Cable Selection and Installation: Using cables that are not suitable for the conditions or loads.

• Insufficient Earthing or Bonding: Although present, the earthing or bonding might not comply fully with the latest safety standards or might be showing signs of wear or corrosion.

• Old or Worn Equipment: Equipment like consumer units (fuse boxes) or isolators that are outdated or showing signs of wear and might not operate correctly under fault conditions.

• Non-Compliant Electrical Installations: Installations that do not comply with current electrical standards.

Code C3 ‘Improvement recommended’

This code suggests that while the installation generally complies with the safety standards, improvements would enhance safety. This code does not imply immediate or potential danger but highlights areas that could be bettered.

Examples of common C3 observations: 

• Lack of Circuit Labeling: This can create confusion, especially for customers.

• Outdated but Functional Equipment: These components might still meet minimum safety requirements, but they could do with being replaced. 

• Minor Wear and Tear: Not major enough to pose an immediate risk, but should be replaced. 

• Switches and Sockets Mounted in Inappropriate Locations: For example, sockets that are placed too low in areas prone to dampness or water splashes.

Code FI ‘Further investigation required’

This code indicates that an issue has been identified which could not be fully diagnosed during the initial inspection and requires further investigation without delay.

Examples of common FI observations: 

• Unidentified Tripping

• Fluctuating Voltage Levels

• Signs of Overheating With No Apparent Cause

A step-by-step guide to filling out an EICR form

Step 1. Contact details

Enter in your details, your customer’s details, and the property address here. If you’re using FieldRocket to create your EICR, this step is done automatically.

Step 2. Purpose of the report

The purpose of the report can simply be due to your customer’s request. There may be some more specific information such as 5-yearly condition reporting, checking for compliance with the latest BS 7671 regulations, or a potential threat has been noted by the customer.

Step 4. Supply characteristics and earthing arrangements

This part of the report is to verify whether the electrical supply characteristics are suitable for the building, and that the earthing and bonding arrangements adhere to safety standards. Simply record your observations in the relevant fields.

Step 6. Schedule of items tested

This is the lengthiest part of the report. Simply enter Pass, N/A or Classification Code C1, C2, C3 or FI, as applicable throughout all the different items. 

In an EICR, remember that you are looking for all kinds of gradual degradation of electrical circuitry. There may be expected wear and tear, but also corrosion, damage, and even modifications which don’t fit regulations.

Codes for the type of wiring can be found on the certificate itself. If you create your EICR with FieldRocket or use our template PDF, you’ll find it on page 8 beneath the Schedule Of Test Results.