If your Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) has been marked “unsatisfactory” due to C1 or C2 faults, immediate action is essential. These codes indicate serious electrical issues that pose a risk to safety and legal compliance. This guide explains what these codes mean, how to address them efficiently, and what steps are required for a compliant retest.

Understanding C1 and C2 Fault Codes

• C1 (Danger present): Indicates an immediate risk of injury or fire. Repairs must be carried out without delay and circuits may need to be isolated immediately.
• C2 (Potentially dangerous): Indicates a serious fault that could lead to danger. Urgent remedial action is required to correct issues such as exposed wiring, loose connections, or inadequate earthing.

Any presence of C1 or C2 in an EICR renders the report unsatisfactory, requiring action before the installation can be deemed safe.

Step‑by‑Step Guide to Fix C1/C2 Faults

1. Engage a Qualified Electrician Immediately

Only a competent, registered electrician should rectify C1 or C2 faults. Ensure accreditation and insurance are in place.

2. Prioritise Remedial Works

• For C1 faults, the electrician should isolate the affected circuit and complete emergency repairs or safe replacements immediately.
• For C2 faults, arrange repairs as a matter of urgency, typically within days, not weeks.

Common C2 issues include poor earthing/bonding, worn insulation, loose terminations, or inappropriate IP-rated fittings.

3. Investigate FI (Further Investigation) Codes

If the electrician flags FI code observations, investigations must proceed promptly. These indicate concealed or uncertain electrical issues that may conceal deeper risks.

4. Secure an Electrical Safety Certificate

Following repairs, the electrician must issue a Minor Works (MW) Certificate or full Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) to document compliant remedial action.

5. Arrange a Follow‑up EICR or Partial Inspection

A full or partial retest is required to verify fault resolution. For C1 issues, retesting may include confirmation of circuit integrity.
Ensure the updated EICR is marked satisfactory before reinstating tenants or workers.

Expected Timeframes

• C1 faults: address immediately; isolation may be required prior to leaving site 
• C2 faults: resolve and certify within 28 days, or sooner if deemed necessary
• FI investigations: conduct as soon as possible; resolution determines subsequent scheduling for repairs

Why Timely Remedial Action Matters

• Legal compliance: An unsatisfactory EICR signifies non-compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. Landlords and duty‑holders are legally required to rectify C1/C2 defects promptly.
• Health and safety: Immediate and urgent faults can result in severe harm, including electric shock or fire.
• Insurance and risk: Insurance coverage may be voided if fault codes are not addressed promptly.
• Operational continuity: Quick resolution avoids prolonged downtime and ensures uninterrupted use of electrical infrastructure.

Proactive Measures to Prevent Faults

• Schedule EICRs every five years, or more frequently in high-risk properties.
• Verify that all remedial work is documented with formal certification.
• Keep digital records of EICR reports, MW/EIC certificates, and test schedules.
• Conduct periodic compliance reviews with your electrician to address FI or C3 recommendations to prevent escalation.

Summary Table

Conclusion

If your EICR has failed due to C1 or C2 observations, swift remedial action by a qualified electrician is essential. Ensure remedial certification is obtained and a follow-up EICR or partial test is conducted to secure a satisfactory rating. Prompt resolution safeguards legal compliance, tenant safety, and operational resilience.

Contact Property Checks for EICR Assistance

Property Checks offers rapid diagnostics and repair services for all EICR fault codes, carried out by Level 4+ qualified electricians. We provide transparent pricing, certification, and follow-up testing to ensure your electrical installation is declared safe and compliant.

To resolve C1 or C2 faults efficiently, request a free, no-obligation quote today.