A failed EICR means your electrical installation has been graded with one or more C1 (danger present) or C2 (potentially dangerous) codes, requiring remedial work before the certificate can be satisfactory. The most common causes are missing RCD protection, high earth fault loop impedance, and deteriorated wiring. You must instruct a Part P registered electrician to complete all remedial work promptly. Do not ignore a failed report — C1 codes indicate an immediate risk to life.
🏠Homeowner view
What a Failed EICR Means for You
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a formal inspection of your home's wiring, consumer unit, sockets, and earthing. When an electrician issues an Unsatisfactory result, it means faults were found that need fixing before your installation can be signed off as safe.
Understanding the Fault Codes
Your EICR will list faults using a coding system:
C1 – Danger Present: An immediate risk of injury or death. The electrician may disconnect the affected circuit on the spot. This must be fixed immediately.
C2 – Potentially Dangerous: Not an immediate threat but likely to become one. Must be rectified urgently, typically within 28 days for rental properties.
C3 – Improvement Recommended: Not a failure on its own, but best practice to address. Your overall report can still be Satisfactory with C3 codes only.
FI – Further Investigation Required: A fault suspected but not confirmed without further intrusive investigation.
Common Reasons for a Failed EICR
No RCD (Residual Current Device) protection on socket circuits or bathroom circuits
Consumer unit (fuse box) is old, damaged, or made from combustible plastic
High earth fault loop impedance — meaning faults won't disconnect quickly enough
Poor or missing earthing and bonding connections
Damaged, scorched, or deteriorated cables and accessories
No smoke detection or detection not meeting current guidance
DIY wiring that doesn't meet current regulations
What You Should Do
1. Read the report carefully — your electrician must explain every code to you
2. Do not attempt to fix C1 or C2 faults yourself unless you are Part P registered
3. Get at least two quotes for the remedial work from registered electricians
4. Ask for a completion certificate (Minor Works or full Electrical Installation Certificate) once work is done
5. Request a new EICR if significant work was carried out — this closes out the failed report
Landlords: Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, you are legally required to carry out and evidence remedial work within 28 days (or sooner if specified on the report).