EICR Unsatisfactory – What to Do Next

An Electrician Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a routine inspection to make sure every component of your electrical installation is safe, compliant and fully functional. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. If problems are identified with your installation, your EICR could come back as unsatisfactory.

In this post, we’ll discuss the best course of action following an unsatisfactory EICR.

What is an EICR and why is it necessary?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a formal document produced following an assessment of your electrical installations. It’s essential for identifying risks, ensuring compliance with electrical safety regulations and providing an overall evaluation of the safety of your systems. Regular ECIRs are crucial for maintaining workplace safety, particularly in high-risk environments or businesses reliant on complex electrical systems.

By law, commercial properties are often required to have periodic EICRs to ensure electrical systems are safe and don’t pose hazards to employees, customers or the general public. With routine inspections, businesses can also avoid costly repairs by catching problems early.

A satisfactory EICR is not only proof of compliance with BS 7671 standards but also essential for insurance purposes. Insurers often require evidence of safety checks in case of any claim related to electrical faults.

What does unsatisfactory mean for EICR?

First and foremost, it’s recommended that you don’t use your electrical system until an unsatisfactory EICR has been resolved.

EICRs should only be carried out by professionals who are qualified and competent. If such a person deems your installation to be unsatisfactory, it means that they’re not satisfied that it’s safe enough to use.

One of the big benefits of regular EICR inspections is that they ensure compliance with BS 7671 standards and, in turn, provide peace of mind that everything is working safely. If you continue to use your electrical installation after an unsatisfactory EICR, you’ll be going in the opposite direction to both – deliberate non-compliance and no peace of mind whatsoever.

Why is my EICR unsatisfactory?

The next step after an unsatisfactory EICR is to find out why. The reasons are split down into four coded categories, which are listed on your EICR certificate or report.

The codes used in an EICR report are more than just markers of faults, they help assess the urgency and risk level associated with each problem:

• C1 – This means that danger is present, posing a risk to anyone using the installation, with immediate action required. C1 is considered an imminent danger and could mean exposed live wires or faulty equipment that could cause a shock or fire.
• C2 – Your installation is potentially dangerous and could lead to a shock risk, meaning that urgent action is needed. While the issue may not pose an immediate risk, a C2 fault could still lead to accidents or harm if not addressed promptly. Common examples of this include deteriorated wiring or inadequate bonding in electrical installations, which could contribute to fires or electrocutions.
• C3 – Improvements are recommended to remedy issues which could develop over time. These are less urgent, but should not be ignored as they could lead to further deterioration if left unattended. For example, inadequate labelling or wiring that doesn’t meet the latest standards could become problematic over time.
• FI – Further investigation codes signify areas where more detailed checks are needed to determine the scope or seriousness of the problem. These could reveal underlying issues that weren’t apparent during the initial inspection.

C1 and C2 faults, along with FI codes, will always make an EICR unsatisfactory, while C3 issues alone will not. Understanding the implications of each code helps in planning necessary repairs and preventative maintenance, which is critical for workplace safety and uninterrupted operations.

Arranging remedial work

Unless it’s down to FI codes, you’ll need to arrange remedial work to turn your EICR from unsatisfactory to satisfactory. C1 codes should be fixed immediately before the installation is used at all, while C2 codes should at least have remedial work arranged as soon as possible.

In most cases, the property owner, landlord or employer must ensure that electrical installations are safe. If you’re a landlord or property manager, you’re responsible for organising any remedial work and making sure your electrical installations meet legal standards. Failure to do so could lead to penalties, fines or even prosecution if an accident occurs as a result of unresolved issues.

If you also have C3 codes on your EICR, it’s up to you whether you have them fixed. They won’t affect the satisfactory/unsatisfactory verdict for now, but they could develop into a C2 or C1 problem by the time your next EICR comes around. Remember, prevention is better than cure, and small issues are always easier, quicker and cheaper to repair than big ones.

Choosing the right electrician for remedial work

When it comes to addressing issues highlighted in an unsatisfactory EICR, selecting the right electrician is essential. Only a qualified and certified electrician should carry out these remedial works, as they have the expertise to bring installations back into compliance with BS 7671 standards.

Look for an electrician with experience in commercial installations, as they will have a better understanding of the specific requirements for business premises. Professional electricians can also guide you on any additional upgrades that might prevent future problems, potentially saving on future repair costs.

At Volta Compliance, we have a team of fully trained and accredited electricians who are experienced in both EICR inspections and necessary repairs to restore your installation to a safe and compliant state.

Preventative measures for a satisfactory EICR

Obtaining a satisfactory EICR doesn’t just come down to inspections. Taking preventative measures can also make a big difference. For instance, carrying out regular checks on your electrical system, especially in areas with heavy use, can help you catch problems early on. Consider conducting periodic inspections of sockets, switches and circuit breakers to make sure everything is in working order.

Investing in high-quality equipment and installations can also reduce the likelihood of faults. Low-cost electrical components may save money initially but could lead to more problems down the line. Having a competent electrician assess your system regularly and provide advice on any upgrades or modifications is a proactive way to prevent future issues.

EICR services you can trust

An unsatisfactory EICR can come as a shock. But it’s still a far better alternative compared to the physical shock that can come from a faulty electrical installation. At Volta Compliance, we provide EICR inspections and reports for businesses across Yorkshire.

With our comprehensive service, you’ll have a team on hand to make quick repairs, if necessary, or schedule in bigger jobs as soon as possible. We’ll also provide automatic reminders when your next EICR is due, so there’s one less thing on your list.

Contact us today on 0113 436 0402 or email info@voltacompliance.com to find out more.