An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is not simply a list of faults. Each safety-related observation should be given a classification that tells the reader how seriously it needs to be treated. The four labels most homeowners see are C1, C2, C3 and FI.
Short version: C1 means danger is present. C2 means potentially dangerous. C3 is an improvement recommendation. FI means the inspector has identified a potential issue that needs further investigation before a final classification can be given.
C1 — danger present
A C1 identifies an immediate risk of injury. The inspector should tell the person responsible straight away and, where it is safe and authorised, may take action to remove or isolate the immediate danger. A report containing a C1 is unsatisfactory.
This is not a code to leave until the next planned maintenance visit. The report should describe the actual dangerous condition rather than relying on the code alone.
C2 — potentially dangerous
A C2 means the condition is not necessarily causing harm at that moment, but it could give rise to danger. Urgent remedial action is required. A report containing a C2 is also unsatisfactory.
The observation should explain the reason for the classification. “Not to the latest standard” is not, by itself, enough to prove that something is potentially dangerous.
C3 — improvement recommended
A C3 records a worthwhile safety improvement where the inspector has not identified immediate or potential danger. A C3 does not, by itself, make an EICR unsatisfactory.
Homeowners can still choose to carry out C3 work, particularly during refurbishment or when access is already available, but it should not be presented as though it has the same urgency as C1 or C2.
FI — further investigation advised
FI is used when inspection or testing has identified a potential issue but the inspector cannot determine the correct final classification within the agreed extent or limitations of the EICR. Further investigation may require additional time, dismantling, access or fault-finding.
BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 changed the FI wording and report outcome. Under the Amendment 4 model form, FI is advisory and does not by itself produce an unsatisfactory outcome. Older reports and forms may show the previous approach, so the edition and form used matter when an older report is being interpreted.
Why the written observation matters
A code without a clear description is not very useful. The observation should identify the location and nature of the concern so the client and any electrician pricing the work can understand what was found.
- Read the overall satisfactory or unsatisfactory outcome on the report.
- Check which observations are C1 or C2 and therefore require urgent action.
- Read the description and location, not only the code.
- Check the extent and limitations: an EICR only reports on what was included and accessible.
- Ask for clarification if the wording does not explain why a classification was chosen.
Does an EICR mean everything must meet the newest regulations?
No. An existing installation is assessed for safety and continued use. A difference from the latest edition of BS 7671 does not automatically mean the installation is unsafe or that a complete upgrade is required. The classification should reflect the safety significance of the actual condition found.
Need an EICR explained clearly?
Inspect Electrical provides homeowner EICRs with a digital report and can explain which findings are urgent, advisory or require a separate investigation.
View the Homeowner EICR serviceSources and further guidance
This article provides general information, not a diagnosis of a particular installation. Electrical work and testing should be carried out by a suitably competent person.