EICR Classification Codes

<h2>The classification codes</h2>

<h3>C1 — Danger present</h3>
<p>Requires IMMEDIATE action. The observed condition poses an immediate risk of injury. The installation or affected circuit should be taken out of service immediately and the client informed. Examples:</p>
<ul>
<li>Exposed live conductors or terminals</li>
<li>No earthing on a TT system</li>
<li>Live parts accessible to touch</li>
<li>Severe overheating damage</li>
</ul>

<h3>C2 — Potentially dangerous</h3>
<p>Requires URGENT remedial action. Not an immediate danger but could become dangerous. Client must be informed in writing. Examples:</p>
<ul>
<li>Reversed polarity at accessories</li>
<li>No main protective bonding</li>
<li>Absence of RCD where required</li>
<li>Overloaded circuits</li>
<li>Inadequate earthing arrangements</li>
</ul>

<h3>C3 — Improvement recommended</h3>
<p>Not dangerous but would benefit from updating. Does NOT make the overall result UNSATISFACTORY on its own. Examples:</p>
<ul>
<li>Older wiring systems in good condition (rubber insulation, obsolete colours)</li>
<li>No RCD on socket circuits where regulations have since changed</li>
<li>Consumer unit without RCD where not previously required</li>
</ul>

<h3>FI — Further investigation</h3>
<p>The inspector cannot determine whether a danger exists without further investigation. Makes the result UNSATISFACTORY. Examples:</p>
<ul>
<li>Suspected concealed damage</li>
<li>High Zs that cannot be explained</li>
<li>Low IR that cannot be traced to a specific fault</li>
</ul>

<h2>Overall result</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>SATISFACTORY</strong> — no C1, C2 or FI observations</li>
<li><strong>UNSATISFACTORY</strong> — one or more C1, C2 or FI observations present</li>
</ul>

<h2>Key exam points</h2>
<ul>
<li>C1 = immediate danger. C2 = urgent action. C3 = improvement. FI = investigate.</li>
<li>C3 alone = SATISFACTORY result</li>
<li>Any C1, C2 or FI = UNSATISFACTORY</li>
<li>Client must be informed in writing of any C1 or C2</li>
<li>Inspector must not leave a C1 situation without making it safe or ensuring the client does</li>
</ul>