What Are Classification Codes And Why Are They Important?

What are Classification codes and why are they important?

Learn about all the classification codes. Need help? Get in touch

What are Classification codes and why are they important?

Every electrical installation deteriorates with use and time. Therefore, if the safety of the users is not to be put at risk, it is important that every installation is periodically inspected and tested by a certified individual and given an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).

The results of the inspection and testing are detailed clearly in the report. Any observed damage, deterioration, defects, dangerous conditions and non-compliances that may give rise to danger should be recorded and appropriately classified for potential further action, using the appropriate Classification Code.

Each one has a certain meaning:

Code C1 (Danger present)

This code is used to indicate that immediate action is required, and the installation poses an immediate danger.

Action should be taken without delay to solve the observed deficiency in the installation or take appropriate action (such as turning off and isolating the effective areas). The person inspecting the installation should not wait for the full report to be issued before issuing this advice.

Some membership bodies make available ‘dangerous condition notification’ forms to enable inspectors to record and notify the person ordering the report of any dangerous conditions discovered.

Examples:

• Exposed live parts that are accessible to touch.
• Conductive parts that have become live as a result of a fault.

Code C2 (potentially dangerous)

Installations will be given this code if an observed deficiency isn’t considered to be immediately dangerous, but it could become a serious issue if a fault occurs in the installation or connected equipment.

Whilst individuals may not be in immediate danger, action should be taken as a matter of urgency to remove the source of the potential danger.

Examples:

• An absence of a reliable and effective means of earthing for the installation.
• An absence of main protective bonding

Code C3 (Improvement Recommended)

This code indicates that while an installation may not be an immediate or potential danger, improvements to the equipment would significantly improve the safety of the electrical installation.

Examples:

• An absence of ‘Safety Electrical Connection - Do Not Remove’ notice
• A bare protective conductor of an insulated and sheathed cable not sleeved with insulation, colour coded to indicate its function

Code FI

A ‘Further Investigation’ code can be given to an installation if an apparent deficiency could not be fully identified due to the extent of limitation of the original inspection.

A Code FI can only be given if a deficiency could warrant the award of classification code C1 or C2. The code should not be given if an installation is expected to lead, at worst, to the award of C3 classification.

The assessment will be deemed as ‘unsatisfactory’ if an observation cannot be attributed to a classification code.

Once all faults have been noted and rectified, the Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) or Minor Works Certificate (MW) should be kept together with the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to prove all faults have been rectified.

Classification codes are vitally important to all electrical reports as they allow the person inspecting the installation to give a clear course of action to the person who had requested the check. Without these classifications, people could be put in danger due to lack of action.

If you want to find out more about classification codes or want your electrical installation inspected to ensure it is compliant, get in touch with us today on 01133 971361 or email us at [email protected].

If you want to learn more about what we do to make sure you’re compliant in all of your electrical areas, visit our website at www.voltacompliance.com