EICR C2 Codes. Understanding Code Classifications

1) What does a C2 code mean on an EICR report?

A C2 code indicates that there is potential danger present. It could also indicate that without urgent action, the situation would become more dangerous resulting in a C1 code. A C2 code means that the EICR outcome will be UNSATISFACTORY and will require remedial actions in order to bring the electrical installation up to current electrical safety standards.

An EICR report can contain many Observations. Each observation is allocated a code to indicate the level of potential risks, danger, or potentially dangerous defect present. 

These different codes are as follows:

C1 - Immediate Danger Present - Immediate remedial action required

C2 - Potentially Dangerous - Urgent remedial action required

C3 - Improvement Recommended - Necessary repairs should be carried out soon

FI - Further Investigation Required - The inspector believes further investigation may lead to a C2 or C1 situation.

NOTE - The inspector has seen something which they wish to draw your attention to.

2) Common Examples of C2 Codes on an EICR

• ​Excessive Strain on conductors leading to potential danger
• No equipotential bonding conductor where one is required
• No Earthing Conductor for the electrical installation
• Consumer unit or fuse box cover is loose 
• Consumer unit or fuse box is made of combustible material AND is showing signs of thermal damage
• Fuse box or Consumer unit is not fixed adequately or has loose fixings 
• No RCD protection to socket outlets that may be used to power outside portable equipment
• RCD test button does not trip the device
• RCD fails to operate in the correct time when tested
• Rewireable Fuses (BS3036) have the incorrect gauge of fuse wire installed
• Too many cables terminate into one point AND signs of thermal damage
• Vulcanised Rubber Cabling (VIR) showing signs of decay
• Cable is not adequate to safely handle the design current
• PVC trunking is not adequately supported from premature collapse during fire
• RCD protection exceeds the 30mA threshold
• ​Light Fitting installed on external wall has insufficient IP rating for installed conditions
• No Circuit Protective Conductor (CPC, EARTH, GROUND) at metal fittings (Class 1)
• No Continuity on conductors of a ring final circuit
• Accessible socket outlet within 2.5 meters of Zone 1 in a room containing a bath or a shower
• No supplementary bonding where required and no RCD protection for circuits in a room containing a bath or a shower
• Metallic Gas, Oil or Water pipe being used as the means of earthing for an installation
• Absence of or grossly inadequate earthing at a socket outlet
• Cross sectional area of an earthing conductor fails to meet the adiabatic requirements
• Thermal damage on bonding or earthing conductors
• Bonding conductors are under 6mm cross sectional area and showing signs of thermal damage
• Incorrect Polarity on a final circuit, at a piece of equipment or electrical accessory
• Overcurrent protection oversized for cables
• Earth Fault Loop Impedance Values exceed those of the manufacturer of the OCPD or BS7671 AND where no RCD is installed for the circuit.
• ​Separate protective devices inserted into the Line and Neutral conductors such that one may operate independently of the other
• ​Poorly terminated electrical connections, conductors incorrectly inserted into terminals
• Terminations secured through cable insulation
• Unsatisfactory electrical connection where excessive numbers, sizes or types of conductors mean poor electrical connection is made
• Connections showing signs of overheating or thermal damage
• Two circuits sharing a neutral connection. "Borrowed Neutral"
• Insulation of live conductors is compromised 
• Armoured cable sheath not taken into an enclosure where mechanical damage is likely
• Missing blanks from consumer units where access to the consumer unit is possible without a key
• Mixed branded switchgear showing signs of thermal damage
• ​Mixed branded switchgear that is not adequately secured
• Mixed branded switchgear that where the enclosure or switchgear has been modified to fit
• Mixed branded switchgear where the toggles operate in a different direction to the existing
• Fire barriers have been breached where they would be required
• Fire risk from lighting equipment placed too close to surfaces or obstacles

• Single insulation of a cable is visible outside of an enclosure

   

This list of examples for C2 Codes is by no means exhaustive and there will always be other situations that could attract a C2 code.

3) Understanding EICR codes

When an electrical inspection is taking place, the electrician performs a visual inspection of the electrical installation as part of their assessment of its overall safety.

Different electricians will interpret a dangerous situation differently in some circumstances and there is often some variation in the results of a test between different inspectors. As a result, different electricians or inspectors may apply different codes to the same situation and whilst some safety issues are straightforward to identify whilst others may take more knowledge, experience, and skill to identify.

The important thing to remember is to have electrical issues dealt with quickly to improve the safety of the electrical installation.

4) How long does an EICR inspection take?

A domestic 3-bedroom property typically takes around 3-4 hours to thoroughly inspect and test. A large factory may take several days or weeks to complete.

The inspection will vary in length and will depend upon several factors such as the number of circuits to be inspected, any limitations that apply to testing, how many individual accessories are to be checked (sampling) and any operational limitations on the day of testing. 

In order to determine the condition of the electrical systems in properties, an inspection should test each circuit and inspect as many of the electrical accessories as possible. Each EICR observation should be made in accordance with the current safety standards and should ideally relate to a specific regulation number.

5) Frequently Asked Questions

5.1) Do Rental Properties need an EICR?

Rental properties should be subject to a Periodic electrical inspection regularly to ensure that they are up to the latest safety standards and present no risk of electric shocks, electrical fire, or immediate risk of injury. Urgent remedial work should be carried out where C"

5.2) Where can I buy the IET wiring regulations?

​The IET wiring regulations can be purchased directly from the IET website or online bookstores. 

5.3) ​Can one electrician do the EICR and another the repairs?

Yes, one electrician can inspect the properties electrical system and another can carry out repairs. The first electrician should issue an EICR and the second electrician should issue an appropriate electrical certificate. These two documents will form a SATISFACTORY outcome for the wiring installation assuming all relevant observations have been addressed and issues rectified. 

5.4) Are tests carried out to current regulations?

All electrical testing should be carried out and compared against the latest regulations. The safety of electrical installations will naturally deteriorate over time and simply because "it complied at the time of installation", does not mean that it is now safe for continued use.