EICR Failures: What are C1, C2, and C3 Codes?

The Compliance Hook

If your EICR has come back with C1, C2, or C3 codes, you have a legal duty to act. Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords must ensure the electrical installation is safe. Fail to remedy C1 or C2 defects and you risk fines of up to £30,000 and invalidated insurance. Understanding what these codes mean is the first step to compliance.

Clear Definitions

• C1 - Danger present
  Immediate risk of injury. The installation should not be used until the defect is rectified. Examples: exposed live parts, missing earth on a circuit. Action: remediate before re-letting.
• C2 - Potentially dangerous
  A defect that could cause harm under certain conditions. Must be remedied promptly. Examples: inadequate earthing, overloaded circuits. Action: fix within 28 days (often sooner).
• C3 - Improvement recommended
  Does not meet current standards but does not present immediate danger. Not a fail for compliance purposes, but worth addressing for safety and future-proofing. Examples: missing RCD on older circuits, minor deviations. Action: plan upgrade when convenient.

The Hassle-Free Solution

Thanet Electrical handles the full cycle: we carry out the EICR, provide a clear written report, quote for any remedial work, and deliver your digital certificate by email. We liaise with tenants for access when needed and can combine multiple properties into a single visit to keep costs down. You get peace of mind - and paperwork in order.