Short answer: C1 means “danger present — risk of injury, act immediately”. C2 means “potentially dangerous — urgent remedial work required”. C3 means “improvement recommended” and does not fail the report. FI means “further investigation required” and does fail it. An EICR is only satisfactory if it contains no C1, C2 or FI codes.
Those four codes decide whether your EICR passes or fails — and in 2026 the stakes for London landlords are higher than ever: councils can now fine up to £40,000 for electrical safety breaches (raised from £30,000, applying to incidents from 1 May 2026 under the Renters’ Rights Act changes). This guide explains each code in plain English, what it typically costs to put right, and what to do next whether you’re a landlord, buyer or seller.
EICR coding system at a glance
| Code | Meaning | Pass or fail? | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Danger present | FAIL | Make safe immediately — often on the spot during the inspection |
| C2 | Potentially dangerous | FAIL | Urgent remedial work, then certificate of completion |
| C3 | Improvement recommended | PASS | Optional — improves safety but not required |
| FI | Further investigation required | FAIL | Investigate the specific item to determine the true code |
C1: Danger present — what it actually means
A C1 is something that could cause injury or death right now. Examples we find regularly in London properties:
- Bare live conductors exposed (damaged cable with copper visible)
- Broken socket or switch faceplate exposing live terminals
- Missing covers on the consumer unit or a junction box
- Earthing conductor disconnected at the main earth terminal
An electrician finding a C1 should make it safe before leaving — usually by isolating that circuit — and will tell you in writing. A C1 automatically makes the report unsatisfactory until fixed.
C2: Potentially dangerous — the most common reason EICRs fail
A C2 is not dangerous at this instant, but foreseeably could be. The C2s we see most across North and East London’s older housing stock:
- No RCD protection on socket circuits (very common on older fuse boards — often fixed by a fuse board replacement)
- Deteriorated rubber or fabric-insulated wiring
- Undersized or missing main bonding to gas and water pipes
- Signs of thermal damage (scorching) at the consumer unit
- Bathroom electrics without supplementary protection
One or more C2s = unsatisfactory report. For a rented property, the landlord must complete remedial work within 28 days (or sooner if the report says so) and obtain written confirmation.
C3: Improvement recommended — does NOT fail the report
C3 items are departures from the current wiring regulations (BS 7671) that were acceptable when installed. Classic examples: no RCD on lighting circuits, old-style plastic consumer unit in a cupboard, absence of supplementary bonding where modern rules would want it. A report with only C3s is satisfactory — you are not obliged to act, though some C3 fixes are cheap wins for safety.
FI: Further investigation — the underrated fail code
FI means the inspector found something they could not fully assess — for example an inaccessible junction box or an unidentified circuit. An FI makes the report unsatisfactory until the investigation is done, because the hidden item could be a C1 or C2. Don’t ignore an FI hoping it goes away; it blocks a satisfactory certificate just like a C2.
What C1 and C2 fixes typically cost in London (2026)
All prices labour-only, materials itemised separately. Our minimum charge is £108 (£90 + VAT).
| Typical remedial | Labour-only guide price |
|---|---|
| Replace damaged socket/switch faceplate (C1/C2) | from £108 (minimum charge) |
| Re-terminate / secure exposed wiring | from £108 |
| Main bonding to gas & water | from £150 |
| Add RCD protection / replace fuse board | from £550 |
| Partial or full rewire (worst case) | see our rewire cost guide |
For the report itself, see our EICR cost guide — from £140 for a one-bed flat, labour only.
What to do next — landlord, buyer or seller
1. Landlord renting in London
Unsatisfactory report? You have 28 days to complete C1/C2/FI remedials and get written confirmation for your tenants and, if asked, the council. With fines now up to £40,000 per breach, this is not the certificate to sit on. We carry out EICRs and remedials across Hackney, Islington and all of North and East London, usually within 48 hours.
2. Buying a property
If a survey or seller’s EICR shows C1/C2 findings, you can ask the seller to remedy before exchange or negotiate the price down by the cost of the works. Get an itemised quote first so you’re negotiating with real numbers.
3. Selling a property
You’re not legally required to fix anything — but a clean EICR removes the buyer’s strongest renegotiation lever. More in our guide: do you need an EICR to sell your house?
Frequently asked questions
Does a C3 mean my EICR has failed?
No. C3 is advisory only. A report with only C3 observations is satisfactory and valid.
How long do I have to fix a C2 on a rental EICR?
28 days from the inspection, or less if the report specifies. You must then obtain written confirmation the work is done.
Can a C2 be downgraded or disputed?
Codes involve professional judgement. A second opinion from a NICEIC-approved contractor is legitimate — but reputable firms code to the industry guidance (Electrical Safety First’s Best Practice Guide 4), not to win the remedial work.
What does FI cost to resolve?
Usually a short revisit — from £108 labour-only — unless the investigation uncovers a genuine C1/C2 fault.
Get your EICR or remedials sorted
F & A Electrical is a NICEIC-approved contractor based in Tottenham N15, rated 9.32/10 from 242 reviews. EICRs from £140, remedials priced labour-only, certificates issued same day the installation passes. Call 07407 627 542 or see our coverage areas.
Got C1s or C2s on your report? See exactly what putting them right costs in our EICR remedial work price guide.
Got a C2 on your report? Our guide to the 15 most common C2 faults explains why each one is coded C2 and what it costs to fix, labour-only from £108.