What does a failed EICR mean and how do I fix it – Advice from Electriman, North London Electricians

## What a Failed EICR Means for You

An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a formal inspection of your home's wiring, consumer unit, sockets, and earthing. When an electrician issues an **Unsatisfactory** result, it means faults were found that need fixing before your installation can be signed off as safe.

### Understanding the Fault Codes

Your EICR will list faults using a coding system:

- **C1 – Danger Present:** An immediate risk of injury or death. The electrician may disconnect the affected circuit on the spot. This must be fixed immediately.

- **C2 – Potentially Dangerous:** Not an immediate threat but likely to become one. Must be rectified urgently, typically within 28 days for rental properties.

- **C3 – Improvement Recommended:** Not a failure on its own, but best practice to address. Your overall report can still be Satisfactory with C3 codes only.

- **FI – Further Investigation Required:** A fault suspected but not confirmed without further intrusive investigation.

### Common Reasons for a Failed EICR

- No RCD (Residual Current Device) protection on socket circuits or bathroom circuits

- Consumer unit (fuse box) is old, damaged, or made from combustible plastic

- High earth fault loop impedance — meaning faults won't disconnect quickly enough

- Poor or missing earthing and bonding connections

- Damaged, scorched, or deteriorated cables and accessories

- No smoke detection or detection not meet

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.