Failed EICR: What an Unsatisfactory Report Means and What to Do Next
An "unsatisfactory" EICR means the inspector found at least one defect that needs action before the installation can be considered safe for continued use. It is common, especially in older properties, and it is usually fixed quickly. What matters is understanding exactly what was found and acting within the deadline.
What the codes mean
- C1 — Danger present. Immediate risk of injury, such as exposed live parts. The inspector should make it safe before leaving, often by isolating the circuit.
- C2 — Potentially dangerous. Not an immediate danger, but would become one under a fault. Common examples are missing RCD protection for sockets and inadequate earthing or bonding.
- FI — Further investigation required. Something could not be fully assessed during the inspection, for example an untraceable circuit.
- C3 — Improvement recommended. Not a fail. Worth planning, but there is no legal obligation to act.
Any C1, C2 or FI makes the overall report unsatisfactory. Our article on the most common EICR faults gives real examples.
The landlord deadline
Landlords in England must complete remedial work or further investigation within 28 days of the inspection, or sooner if the report specifies a shorter period. Within 28 days of completing the work, they must give written confirmation to the tenant and to the local authority, along with the original report. Councils can serve remedial notices and impose substantial financial penalties for failing to comply.
Getting a fair remedial quotation
- Ask for the quotation to be itemised against each observation number on the report.
- Separate what is required (C1, C2, FI) from what is optional (C3).
- You do not have to use the company that carried out the inspection. Any competent, registered electrician can complete the work.
- If an observation looks wrong, ask the inspector to explain the regulation it relates to.
At Polarity Electrics every remedial quotation is itemised and kept separate from the inspection price, so you can compare it or take it elsewhere.
Proving the work is done
You do not normally need a whole new EICR. The electrician who carries out the remedial work issues an Electrical Installation Certificate or a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate for each repair. Keep these with the original report as your evidence of compliance.
Need a second opinion or remedial work?
Send us the report and we will provide an itemised remedial quotation. Contact us → or see EICR testing near you.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if my EICR fails?
The report lists each C1, C2 or FI observation. Landlords must complete the remedial work within 28 days, or sooner if specified, and confirm completion in writing to the tenant and local authority.
Do I need a new EICR after remedial work?
Usually not. The electrician issues an Electrical Installation Certificate or Minor Works Certificate for each repair, which you keep with the original report.
Does a C3 code fail an EICR?
No. C3 is an improvement recommendation and does not make a report unsatisfactory.
Do I have to use the same electrician for repairs?
No. Any competent, registered electrician can carry out the remedial work.