In 2026, typical UK market rates for EICR Observation Codes Explained range within £60 - £95 to £450 - £680, influenced by geographic location (London +25%, North -10%), property age, and statutory certification under British Standards BS 7671 and Part P / Gas Safe compliance.
- • Code C1 (Danger Present): Immediate risk of injury or fire (e.g. exposed live conductors). Must be made safe immediately.
- • Code C2 (Potentially Dangerous): Urgent remedial work required. Failure to resolve causes an automatic EICR FAIL.
- • Code C3 (Improvement Recommended): Does not cause an EICR failure; represents modern safety best practice (e.g. lack of surge protection SPD).
- • Code FI (Further Investigation): Electrician could not fully verify a circuit; causes an automatic 'Unsatisfactory' verdict until inspected.
- • UK landlords face a mandatory 28-day statutory deadline to execute C1 and C2 remedial works or face council fines up to £30,000.
When an electrician conducts an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), any safety deficiencies are classified under standardized UK observation codes: Code C1 (Danger Present), Code C2 (Potentially Dangerous), Code C3 (Improvement Recommended), and Code FI (Further Investigation Required). If an EICR records even a single C1, C2, or FI observation, the overall report is legally classified as 'UNSATISFACTORY'. In 2026, landlords have a strict 28-day statutory deadline to complete remedial works to rectify all C1 and C2 faults.
📊 2026 Average Price Matrix by Specification
| Property Type / Project Scope | Estimated Cost (2026) | Expected Duration | Circuits / Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor C1 / C2 Fix (Replace Broken Socket/Switch) | £60 - £95 | 1 Hour | Single Accessory |
| Earthing & Bonding Upgrade (Main Gas/Water) | £180 - £320 | 2 - 3 Hours | 10mm Earthing Conductors |
| RCD / RCBO Circuit Protection Addition | £220 - £450 | 2 - 4 Hours | Socket & Shower Circuits |
| Full Consumer Unit Upgrade to 18th Edition Metal Board | £450 - £680 | Half Day | 10-12 Circuits with SPD |
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Code C1: Danger Present (Immediate Action Required)
A Code C1 indicates that person(s) or property are in immediate danger of electric shock, burns, or fire. The inspecting electrician has a professional obligation to make the installation safe before leaving the site—either by isolating the affected circuit at the consumer unit or replacing the damaged accessory.
Common Code C1 Examples in UK Properties:
- Exposed live copper conductors accessible without tools (e.g., smashed socket faceplate or cracked junction box).
- Missing consumer unit blanking plates allowing children or occupants to touch live busbars.
- Reverse polarity on a socket outlet where the live and neutral conductors are swapped.
- Severe water ingress directly dripping into energized fuse boards.
Code C2: Potentially Dangerous (Urgent Remedial Required)
A Code C2 indicates that although no immediate live danger exists during normal operation, a single secondary fault (such as an appliance insulation failure or voltage spike) could lead to fatal electric shock or fire.
Common Code C2 Examples:
- Absence of 30mA RCD protection on socket outlets likely to supply portable outdoor equipment.
- Missing or disconnected main protective bonding conductors to incoming metal gas and water pipes.
- Earth fault loop impedance (Zs) values exceeding maximum permitted limits under BS 7671 (meaning circuit breakers will fail to disconnect during a short-circuit).
- Cables undersized for their protective fuse rating (risk of cable overheating and catching fire inside walls).
Code C3: Improvement Recommended (Safe to Pass)
A Code C3 indicates a safety deviation from current 18th Edition (BS 7671:2018+A3:2024) regulations, but one that does not present an immediate or potential hazard. Code C3 observations do NOT cause an EICR to fail. A property with five C3 observations can still receive an official 'SATISFACTORY' certificate.
Common Code C3 Examples:
- Lack of Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) in consumer units installed before 2018.
- Plastic consumer units located in domestic premises (current regulations require non-combustible metal enclosures, but existing plastic boards are classed C3 unless damaged).
- Absence of modern circuit identification and RCD quarterly test warning labels.
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🏛️ Statutory Regulations & Authoritative UK Sources
The statutory figures and safety standards cited in this guide adhere strictly to the following British legislative frameworks:
- ↗ GOV.UK: Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector
- ↗ Joint Industry Board (JIB): 2026 National Operative Wage Agreement
- ↗ NICEIC: Competent Person Scheme & Certification Standards
- ↗ Gas Safe Register: Building Regulations 30-Day Notification
- ↗ Health & Safety Executive (HSE): Work at Height Regulations 2005
- ↗ Ofgem: Boiler Upgrade Scheme (£7,500 Heat Pump Grant)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long do I have to fix an EICR C1 or C2 fault?
Under UK law, private landlords must carry out remedial work for all C1 and C2 faults within 28 days of the initial inspection (or sooner if specified by the electrician in the report). Once completed, the electrician issues a written confirmation certificate to prove compliance.
Does a Code C3 fault fail an EICR?
No. Code C3 is strictly an advisory recommendation for safety improvement. An EICR report with only C3 observations will receive a 'Satisfactory' result and complies with landlord legal requirements.
Do I have to use the same electrician for remedial works?
No. You are completely free to obtain competitive quotes from any NICEIC, NAPIT, or qualified registered electrician to complete the remedial repairs. Once the repairs are completed, they provide a Minor Works Certificate or Electrical Installation Certificate.