What does a Code 1 on my EICR certificate mean and how urgent is it – Advice from Electriman, North London Electricians

Finding a Code 1 on your EICR can be alarming, but understanding what it means helps you act quickly and safely.

What a Code 1 actually means

A C1 code stands for Danger Present. The inspector has found a fault or defect in your electrical installation that could cause electric shock, burns or fire right now, without anything else needing to go wrong first. It is the highest severity code used on an EICR in the UK.

Examples of things that get a C1 include exposed live conductors that can be touched, cables that have had the insulation burned away or severely damaged, an earthing conductor that is completely missing on a circuit where it is essential for safety, or a consumer unit that poses an immediate fire risk due to severe overheating.

What you should do right now

Do not use the affected circuit or appliance if the electrician has told you which one is involved.

Contact a qualified electrician as soon as possible, the same day if you can.

If the inspector isolated the circuit or installation before leaving, do not switch it back on until the work is done.

If you are a tenant, your landlord is legally obliged to arrange repairs within 28 days under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations 2020, but a C1 should be treated as far more urgent than that.

Can you stay in the property?

In many cases yes, especially if the dangerous circuit has already been isolated. However, if the C1 relate

Need a qualified electrician in North London?

Electriman covers Mill Hill, Barnet, Finchley, Edgware, Enfield, Watford and surrounding areas. All work is Part P certified and fully insured.