What Causes an EICR to Be Unsatisfactory?
If you have received an unsatisfactory Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), you may be wondering what caused the failure.
An EICR is marked unsatisfactory when certain types of defects are identified during inspection and testing.
If you need a professional EICR in Altrincham, we provide detailed reporting and clear explanations of all observations.
What Makes an EICR Unsatisfactory?
An EICR will be classified as unsatisfactory if it contains:
- One or more C1 (Danger Present) observations
- One or more C2 (Potentially Dangerous) observations
- An unresolved FI (Further Investigation Required)
C3 observations alone do not cause a report to fail.
Common Reasons for a Failed EICR
1. Lack of RCD Protection
Modern regulations require RCD protection for many circuits. If this protection is missing where required, a C2 observation may be recorded.
2. Inadequate Earthing or Bonding
Poor earthing or missing main bonding conductors can prevent protective devices from operating correctly during a fault.
3. Damaged or Deteriorated Wiring
Cracked insulation, overheated cables or obsolete wiring types (such as rubber-insulated cable) can lead to C2 or C1 observations.
4. Unsafe Consumer Unit
Older fuse boxes without modern protection may result in recommendations for upgrade.
5. Overloaded Circuits
If testing reveals that circuits are overloaded or incorrectly protected, this can result in an unsatisfactory outcome.
6. DIY or Poor-Quality Alterations
Historic alterations that do not meet current standards are a common cause of failed inspections.
Does an Unsatisfactory EICR Mean the Property Is Dangerous?
Not necessarily.
An unsatisfactory result simply means remedial work is required to ensure compliance and safety.
The severity depends on whether the observations are coded C1, C2 or FI.
What Happens After a Failed EICR?
If C1 or C2 observations are present, remedial work must be completed within the required timeframe — particularly for rental properties.
Once corrective work is finished, written confirmation should be issued.
Can an Old Property Pass an EICR?
Yes.
Age alone does not cause a failure. The installation must simply be safe for continued use.
How Can I Avoid an Unsatisfactory Report?
If you are unsure about the condition of your electrics, arranging inspection before letting or selling can help identify issues early.
We provide professional Electrical Installation Condition Reports in Altrincham, along with clear advice on proportionate remedial work where required.