Understanding EICR Codes: What You Need to Know

March 19, 2025

Not all codes indicate a fail...

Understanding EICR Codes: What You Need to Know

If you’ve recently had an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out, you may have come across codes like C1, C2, C3, and FI. But what do they really mean for your property — and why should you care? Let’s break it down.

What are EICR Codes?

EICR codes are used by electricians to highlight issues found during an inspection, indicating the urgency and severity of any electrical concerns. Understanding these codes helps homeowners, landlords, and business owners prioritize repairs and stay compliant.

EICR Codes Explained:

⚠️ C1 — Danger Present: This is the most serious code. It means there’s an immediate risk of injury or fire. Action is required immediately — the electrician will often make the installation safe on the spot.

⚠️ C2 — Potentially Dangerous: This indicates a safety concern that isn’t an immediate threat but could become dangerous if not addressed soon. It’s strongly advised to correct these issues as quickly as possible.

⚠️ C3 — Improvement Recommended: This is not a fail but suggests areas where safety could be improved. These aren’t urgent, but addressing them shows good maintenance and future-proofs your property.

✅ FI — Further Investigation Required: Sometimes, an electrician needs to take a closer look to fully understand an issue. An FI code means more testing is required before conclusions can be made.

Why EICR Codes Matter

Landlords are legally required to maintain safe properties — understanding and addressing these codes is crucial for compliance.
Homeowners benefit from peace of mind, knowing their electrical systems are safe.
Businesses reduce risk and liability by ensuring their premises meet safety standards.

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Do New Electrical Appliances Really Need PAT Testing?

September 9, 2025

Introduction We’ve been hearing this question more and more from customers lately: “Do brand-new appliances still need PAT testing?” It’s a fair question. After all, new equipment usually arrives sealed, with manufacturer labels and testing certificates. But when it comes to safety, compliance, and peace of mind, the answer is a little more nuanced. What the Law Actually Says There is no strict legal requirement that says every appliance must be PAT tested. The law simply requires that employers and duty holders keep electrical equipment safe and properly maintained. That means the responsibility is on you to ensure equipment is safe to use, whether it’s new or not. The law doesn’t prescribe how you do it, but PAT testing is one of the most reliable methods. New Equipment: What Best Practice Looks Like Industry guidance generally states that brand-new equipment does not usually need a full PAT test . A thorough visual inspection is often enough. Why? Because new appliances are supplied as safe. But… there are a few important caveats. Why Some Organisations Still Choose to PAT Test New Appliances Even new items can develop issues before they reach you: Transit damage : knocks, drops, or rough handling. Storage conditions : damp, dust, or stacking problems. Manufacturing faults : rare, but possible. For most offices or low-risk workplaces, a visual check may be sufficient. But in higher-risk environments, like healthcare, construction, or manufacturing, many duty holders choose to test new equipment anyway. It’s about risk, peace of mind, and protecting people. A Risk-Based Approach That Works Low-risk settings (offices, shops, classrooms): Carry out a visual inspection, log the equipment, and move it into service. High-risk or critical settings (workshops, hospitals, factories): Consider a full PAT test even for new appliances, to establish a safe baseline and prevent costly downtime or accidents. Documentation and Competence Matter Whether you perform a visual inspection or a full PAT test, keep a record. This creates a clear audit trail and shows that you’ve taken reasonable steps to ensure safety. It’s also important that the person carrying out the inspection or test is competent, trained, knowledgeable, and confident in spotting issues. Conclusion: What’s the Smartest Strategy? In most cases, new appliances don’t require PAT testing, just a solid visual check as part of your risk management process. But remember: if the equipment is critical, the environment is high-risk, or there’s any sign of damage, a PAT test is a small investment in safety and peace of mind.