Table of Contents
C1, C2, C3 and FI: what each code means, what makes a report unsatisfactory, and what to do next.
If you have received an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) for your business, the codes beside each finding may need a little explanation. They tell you which problems need immediate attention, which need urgent repairs and where an improvement or further investigation is advised. Understanding the difference helps you agree on the next steps with your electrician.
At a glance: what do C1, C2, C3 and FI mean?
In this guide
C1 Danger is present.
Typical response: A competent electrician must address the danger immediately and record the action taken.
Report outcome: Unsatisfactory
C2 A condition is potentially dangerous.
Typical response: Arrange urgent repairs and follow the electrician’s advice about safe use in the meantime.
Report outcome: Unsatisfactory
FI An issue could not be classified within the agreed inspection limits.
Typical response: Arrange prompt investigation so the electrician can establish the problem.
Report outcome: Does not itself make an A4 report unsatisfactory.
C3 Improvement is recommended, but the issue is not classed as immediately or potentially dangerous.
Typical response: Discuss the improvement when planning maintenance or alterations.
Report outcome: Does not itself make the report unsatisfactory.
Act straight away: A C1 finding means someone is at immediate risk of injury. For example, accessible live parts on damaged equipment may present an immediate danger. The inspector must assess the circumstances and advise on making the situation safe straight away; it should not wait for a routine repair appointment.
C2 means a condition could become dangerous if a fault or another foreseeable event occurs. It is not a minor finding. Ask the inspector to explain the risk and arrange urgent repairs, including any precautions needed while the work is organised.
FI means the inspection has identified an issue that could not be fully assessed within the agreed inspection limits. The electrician needs more information before assigning the appropriate classification. Ask what needs investigating, whether access or a shutdown is required, and how soon it should happen. Electrical Safety First recommends investigation as soon as possible.
C3 identifies an improvement that would enhance safety, without classifying the finding as immediate or potential danger. It does not make the report unsatisfactory on its own. Ask your electrician what benefit the improvement would bring and whether it can sensibly be included in planned work.
Practical point: A satisfactory overall result does not mean you should ignore an FI recommendation. Ask the electrician to explain what remains unknown and arrange the investigation.
The current IET Amendment 4 model form identifies C1 and C2 as the findings that make the overall assessment unsatisfactory. C3 and FI are recorded separately and do not themselves affect that assessment. The IET model forms and Electrical Safety First’s Best Practice Guide 4 explain this distinction.
If you are reading an older report, ask the inspector which edition and reporting guidance were used. Do not change its assessment yourself. Whatever the report’s date, immediate danger needs immediate action, potentially dangerous findings need urgent repairs, and unresolved investigation needs follow-up.
Need help turning a report into a workable action plan? Talk to Calder Electrical about commercial inspection and testing across Wakefield and the wider Yorkshire area, or call 0800 612 3001.
The codes help you decide what needs attention. They sit alongside your wider responsibility to keep the premises electrically safe:
When is the next inspection due? There is no universal five-year legal interval for every commercial property. Start with the date recommended on your report and ask your electrician whether changes in use or condition mean it should be reviewed.
Imagine a shop receives an A4 report with a C2 finding and a separate FI recommendation. The C2 makes the overall result unsatisfactory and needs urgent repair. The FI also needs investigation, so the owner asks the electrician to include both in the plan and explain whether any area must remain out of use.
An office with C3 observations only can receive a satisfactory result. The owner can discuss those improvements alongside planned maintenance. These examples illustrate how to respond to codes already assigned by an inspector; they are not a way to diagnose or classify faults yourself.
If your report is already marked unsatisfactory, read What Happens If Your EICR Is Marked Unsatisfactory? for a focused follow-up.
If your premises are older, our guide to common EICR failures in older commercial buildings explains issues worth discussing with your electrician.
An installation does not automatically become unsafe when a new edition of the wiring regulations is published. The inspector should explain the actual condition and risks behind each finding.
Ask for a clear reason for any recommendation to replace wiring or equipment. Age matters, but the assessment should consider condition and suitability for continued use.
That depends on the findings and which parts of the premises are affected. Ask the inspector whether safe use is possible and what restrictions are needed. Address C1 danger immediately; do not assume receiving the report gives you time to keep using unsafe equipment.
C3 is a recommendation for improvement, not a classification of immediate or potential danger. Record it, consider the site risk and plans, and decide when it belongs in the maintenance programme.
Use a competent electrical contractor with the knowledge, experience and equipment needed for the installation. Ask what testing and certificates will be included.
No. An EICR focuses on the fixed electrical installation. It can provide useful evidence for wider safety management, but it does not replace a fire risk assessment or other site-specific duties.
Yes, where a competent assessment supports it. Changes in use, damage or recurring faults may mean an earlier inspection is needed. Ask your electrician before relying on the previous date.
Related reading
Calder Electrical has been providing electrical services to residential, commercial and industrial properties for over 40 years, and we are specialists in all aspects of electrical installations, maintenance and inspection and testing.
All our work is fully insured, and we work to the standards set by the NICEIC. Our team carries out commercial electrical inspection and testing, including full Electrical Installation Condition Reports, along with PAT testing and a call-out service for unplanned issues.
Turn the codes into a clear action plan
If the codes on your report are unclear, we can help you understand the findings and discuss the work needed. Calder Electrical provides commercial inspection and testing across Wakefield and Yorkshire.
Arrange a conversation with Calder Electrical about your premises or an existing report.
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