Why does an EICR fail?
A report is marked unsatisfactory when it contains at least one C1 (danger present), C2 (potentially dangerous) or FI (further investigation) observation. The most common reasons we see in London rentals and homes are:
- No RCD protection on socket circuits or circuits in bathrooms.
- Missing or undersized main protective bonding to gas and water pipes.
- Damaged sockets, switches or light fittings, and exposed live parts.
- Poor insulation resistance results, often from damp or ageing cables.
- Overheating or loose connections in the consumer unit.
- Circuits that cannot be identified or traced, recorded as FI.
- Unsuitable accessories in bathrooms or outdoors.
Understanding the codes on your report
Danger present
Risk of injury now – for example exposed live parts. Unsatisfactory. The inspector should make it safe before leaving where possible.
Potentially dangerous
Could become dangerous under a fault – for example no RCD protection for sockets that may supply outdoor equipment, or a missing main bonding conductor. Unsatisfactory.
Improvement recommended
Not dangerous, but would improve safety – for example a plastic consumer unit in an older installation. A C3 alone does not fail the report.
Further investigation
The inspector found something that needs investigating before it can be classified, such as an unidentified circuit or unexpected test result. Treated as requiring action.
Your 28-day action plan
- Deal with C1 immediately. The inspector should have made the danger safe before leaving – for example by isolating a circuit. If not, arrange urgent repair.
- Read every observation, not just the summary page. Each item has a code, a location and a description.
- Get an itemised remedial quote that maps each proposed fix to the observation number on the report.
- Book the work within 28 days of the inspection date (or sooner if the report specifies) – this is the legal deadline for landlords in England.
- Get written confirmation or an Electrical Installation Certificate / Minor Works Certificate for the work done.
- Send the confirmation to your tenants and the local authority within 28 days of completion, and keep it with the original EICR.
Can I get a second opinion on a failed EICR?
Yes. You are free to use a different electrician for remedial work, and it is reasonable to ask for clarification if an observation seems unclear or the coding seems inconsistent with the description. A good contractor will only quote for work needed to address the safety issues recorded, and will separate optional upgrades (such as C3 recommendations) from compulsory items.
If you believe an inspector has over-coded items or used a failed report to sell unnecessary work, you can raise it with the electrician's registration body (for example NICEIC or NAPIT).
How much do EICR remedials cost?
| Typical remedial item | Typical cost range (inc. certificate) |
|---|---|
| Replace damaged socket, switch or fitting | £60–£120 per item |
| Fit missing main protective bonding | £120–£250 |
| Add RCD protection to an existing board (where suitable) | £150–£400 |
| Replace consumer unit with RCBO / SPD board | £550–£900 |
| Further investigation of a circuit (FI) | £80–£200 depending on time |
Prices are indicative for standard London domestic properties and exclude VAT. Your exact quote depends on the observations on your report.
Upload your failed EICR for a fast quote
Send us the full report (all pages) and we will return an itemised remedial quote within 48 hours, complete the work with an NICEIC Approved engineer and issue the paperwork you need for tenants and the council. Upload your failed EICR now or see EICR remedial works.
Failed EICR? Get an itemised remedial quote in 48 hours
Upload the full report and our NICEIC Approved engineers will price every C1, C2 and FI item, complete the work and issue the confirmation your tenants and council need.
See your EICR priceUpload a failed EICRFrequently asked questions
How long do I have to fix a failed EICR?
Landlords in England must complete remedial or further investigative work within 28 days of the inspection, or within any shorter period specified in the report. C1 dangers should be made safe immediately.
Do I need a new EICR after remedial work?
No. You need written confirmation or certificates from a qualified person showing the work has been completed. Keep these with the original EICR – together they demonstrate compliance.
Can I still let my property with an unsatisfactory EICR?
The property can remain let, but you are in breach of the regulations if the required remedial work is not completed within the deadline. You must not ignore C1 or C2 observations.
Does a C3 make the EICR fail?
No. C3 is a recommendation for improvement. A report containing only C3 observations is satisfactory.
Related EICR guides
Sources
- GOV.UK: Electrical safety standards in the private and social rented sectors – guidance
- The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020
- Electrical Safety First: Guide to Electrical Installation Condition Reports
This guide summarises current requirements and common inspection practice. It does not replace legal advice, the findings of your report or current legislation.