07576 584901Testmasterinfo@gmail.com 24/7 online enquiries About Services Areas ReviewsOur WorkSocialContact07576 584901Request a Free Quote Home/Blog/EICR testingEICR testing # EICR testing codes explained: C1, C2, C3 and FI By Test Master UK14 October 20263 min read Service illustration: eicr testingThe observation codes in an EICR testing report help communicate the significance of findings. They are not a price list or instructions for a non-electrician to repair the installation. Start with the overall result, read each observation and ask the inspector to explain the safety action and urgency for your particular property. ## C1 and C2 identify safety concerns C1 means danger is present and there is a risk of injury; immediate remedial action is required. The situation should be made safe through an appropriate competent response. Do not wait for a routine appointment simply because an administrative deadline is further away. C2 means potentially dangerous and urgent remedial action is required. An installation with C1 or C2 observations is unsatisfactory. Ask for a clear description of the affected location and the recommended action, so the person arranging work understands exactly what needs addressing. ## C3 and FI: check the reporting edition C3 means improvement is recommended. A C3 observation alone does not make an EICR testing outcome unsatisfactory. It can still be useful for planning future work, and other duties or property-specific requirements may need consideration. FI concerns further investigation. The IET explains that BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 changed FI to 'further investigation is advised' and clarified that FI alone does not make the outcome unsatisfactory. Earlier reporting guidance treated FI differently. Check the edition stated on your report and ask the inspector to explain the finding, its urgency and any obligations that apply to your property. Do not infer the safety of an installation from a code in isolation. ## Read limitations and descriptions too A code without the written observation loses important context. Keep the description, location, any limitations and the inspector's recommendation together. Where wording is unclear, ask before commissioning work so the contractor is pricing the actual issue rather than a vague 'failed certificate'. For covered private rentals in England, required remedial work or investigation must follow the timetable in the regulations and report. Use the residential EICR testing service for a rental installation or commercial EICR testing for business premises. ## Close the report with evidence Keep written confirmation of remedial completion or investigation with the original report. A payment receipt is not the same as technical evidence that an observation has been resolved. Agree the documents required with the competent person and, for rented properties, follow the guidance on supplying confirmation to tenants and the local authority. - C1: danger present, immediate action. - C2: potentially dangerous, urgent action. - C3: improvement recommended. - FI: check the report's edition and the inspector's explanation. - Retain the original findings and completion evidence together. ## Sources and further reading - GOV.UK: Electrical safety standards in rented homes - IET: Further investigation and EICR classification changes in 2026General guidance for premises in England, checked on 5 November 2026. Requirements depend on your property, systems and applicable conditions. Follow competent advice, current official guidance and your local authority's requirements. ## In this guide - C1 and C2 identify safety concerns - C3 and FI: check the reporting edition - Read limitations and descriptions too - Close the report with evidence ## Need testing for your premises? Greenford-based electrical and fire safety services across London. Get a free quote 07576 584901 ## Related guides All guides EICR testing · 2 min read ## An unsatisfactory EICR testing report: what to do next Turn an unsatisfactory EICR testing result into a clear action plan, prioritise danger and keep the right evidence of investigation or remedial work. 4 October 2026 EICR testing · 2 min read ## How often do landlords need EICR testing in England? Understand the five-year maximum for relevant rented-home electrical inspections in England, earlier report dates and how to manage remedial evidence. 15 October 2026 Electrical and fire safety compliance testing for businesses, property managers and landlords across London and Greenford. Read our Google reviewsLeave us a review ## Services - PAT Testing - Commercial EICR Testing - Residential EICR Testing - Emergency Lighting Testing - Fire Alarm Testing - Fire Extinguisher Servicing - Fire Door Inspection - Fire Risk Assessments - Remedial Works for Fire Compliance ## Service Areas - Greenford - Central London - All London Boroughs - West London - North London - South London - East London - Ealing - Uxbridge - Slough - Watford ## Contact - 07576 584901 - Testmasterinfo@gmail.com - Postal address669 Greenford Road, UB6 8QL - LinkedInOpening hours: 24/7 online enquiries © 2026 Test Master Ltd. All rights reserved. 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