What Do C1, C2 & C3 Codes Mean on a Commercial EICR?
What Do C1, C2 and C3 Codes Mean on a Commercial EICR?
If your business has recently undergone a Commercial Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), you may have received a report containing codes such as C1, C2, C3 or FI.
These classifications determine whether your installation is considered satisfactory and what action, if any, is required. If you are unsure how to interpret your report, it is important to understand what each code means and how it affects your compliance.
If you require a full inspection, you can find more information about our Commercial EICR services in Altrincham.
What Is a Commercial EICR?
A Commercial EICR is a formal inspection and test of a building’s fixed electrical installation. It assesses compliance with BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) and identifies safety risks, deterioration or non-compliant installations.
During the inspection, any issues are categorised using standard observation codes.
C1 – Danger Present (Immediate Action Required)
A C1 classification means there is immediate danger. This could present a serious risk of electric shock or fire.
Examples of C1 issues in commercial premises may include:
- Exposed live conductors
- Severely damaged distribution boards
- Improper earthing creating shock risk
- Overheated or burning components
Where a C1 observation is identified, the inspecting electrician will typically make the situation safe before leaving site. The report will automatically be marked Unsatisfactory.
C2 – Potentially Dangerous (Urgent Remedial Work Required)
A C2 classification indicates a potentially dangerous condition. While there may not be immediate risk, the issue could become hazardous if left unresolved.
Common commercial C2 observations include:
- Lack of RCD protection where required
- Inadequate bonding
- Incorrect circuit protection
- Damaged but not exposed cabling
C2 issues require prompt remedial work. A report containing C2 observations will also be classified as Unsatisfactory.
C3 – Improvement Recommended
A C3 classification does not indicate immediate danger. It highlights areas where the installation does not meet current best practice but is not considered unsafe.
Examples may include:
- Older consumer units still functional but outdated
- Minor labelling issues
- Absence of surge protection where now recommended
C3 observations do not cause the report to fail. The overall result can still be marked Satisfactory.
FI – Further Investigation Required
An FI classification means the inspector has identified something that requires further examination. This could be due to limited access, suspicious readings, or incomplete documentation.
Until the investigation is completed, the report will generally be considered Unsatisfactory.
What Makes a Commercial EICR Unsatisfactory?
A commercial EICR is deemed Unsatisfactory if any of the following are present:
- C1 observations
- C2 observations
- FI observations
C3 observations alone do not result in failure.
What Should Businesses Do After Receiving the Report?
If your commercial property receives an Unsatisfactory report:
- Arrange remedial works as soon as possible
- Keep written records of corrective actions
- Obtain written confirmation once issues are resolved
Many insurers and lease agreements require evidence that C1 and C2 issues have been corrected.
If you need guidance or corrective work following an inspection, we provide professional Commercial EICRs in Altrincham along with remedial services to bring installations back to a satisfactory standard.
Need Advice on a Commercial EICR?
If you are unsure how to interpret your EICR report or need remedial works carried out, contact Altrincham Electrical Services for clear, practical advice.