What Causes an Unsatisfactory EICR and How to Fix It

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is one of the most important compliance checks for any workplace, ensuring your electrical systems remain safe, efficient, and legally compliant. When the report returns as “unsatisfactory,” it means one or more issues have been identified that could put people or property at risk.

In this guide, we’ll explain what causes an unsatisfactory EICR, what the different fault codes mean, and how to put things right so your installation meets UK electrical safety standards once again.

What an EICR Is and Why It Matters

An EICR is a formal inspection and test carried out on a building’s fixed electrical installations, such as wiring, sockets, distribution boards, and lighting circuits. It is designed to assess the condition of your system against the current BS 7671 Wiring Regulations and identify any defects that could pose safety or compliance risks.

The report highlights problems using a coding system that indicates the level of danger and the required action. If any issues are found that pose immediate or potential risk, the overall outcome of the EICR will be unsatisfactory.

Under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, duty holders are legally required to maintain electrical systems to prevent danger. An unsatisfactory EICR is not just a technical failure; it’s a sign that your installation may no longer meet those legal obligations.

Learn more about inspection schedules on our Fixed Wire Testing page.

What Causes an Unsatisfactory EICR?

There are many reasons why an EICR might come back as unsatisfactory, ranging from minor deterioration to serious safety hazards. Here are the most common causes:

1. Deterioration Due to Age

Electrical systems degrade over time. Insulation can become brittle, terminals can loosen, and older cables may no longer meet modern standards. If your installation hasn’t been tested within the recommended interval (typically every 5 years for commercial premises), age-related wear is likely to cause an unsatisfactory result.

 2. Overloaded Circuits

 Overloading occurs when too many devices draw power from a single circuit. This causes excessive heat build-up, which can lead to tripped breakers, cable damage, or even fire. It’s a frequent finding in offices that have added equipment over the years without upgrading their electrical infrastructure.

 3. Faulty or Damaged Wiring

 

Frayed cables, broken insulation, or poor connections can all create shock and fire hazards. These defects often trigger a C1 or C2 code, indicating immediate or potentially dangerous conditions.

4. Outdated Consumer Units or Distribution Boards

Old fuse boxes without Residual Current Devices (RCDs) or surge protection devices are another common reason for failure. Modern standards require RCD protection to reduce the risk of electric shock.

5. Poor or Non-Compliant Installations

Work carried out by unqualified personnel can cause serious compliance issues. Incorrect cable sizing, poor earthing, or improper bonding are all typical findings that render an EICR unsatisfactory.

6. Inadequate Earthing and Bonding

Earthing ensures that in the event of a fault, electricity flows safely to ground instead of through a person. Bonding connects metal parts like pipes and frames to prevent voltage differences. Missing or damaged earthing and bonding arrangements can lead to a C2 or FI (Further Investigation) code.

7. Physical Damage and Wear

Cracked sockets, exposed wiring, water ingress, or heat damage to fittings are all potential risks. Even small defects can downgrade the overall report if they affect safety.

8. Lack of RCD Protection

Regulation 411.3.3 of BS 7671 requires RCD protection for most circuits, especially those supplying sockets used by ordinary persons. If this protection is missing, the report will be unsatisfactory even if the rest of the system appears sound.

Understanding EICR Codes

Every fault identified in an EICR is assigned a classification code that indicates how serious it is and what action is needed.

Code	Meaning	Required Action
C1	Danger present. Immediate risk of injury.	Must be rectified immediately.
C2	Potentially dangerous condition.	Urgent remedial work required.
C3	Improvement recommended.	Does not make the report unsatisfactory, but should be addressed.
FI	Further investigation required.	Affected circuits must be checked promptly.

If your report contains any C1, C2, or FI observations, the overall outcome will be unsatisfactory. Only once these issues are resolved and verified through retesting will your installation be deemed compliant.

How to Fix an Unsatisfactory EICR

Step 1: Review the Findings

Your EICR report will list every issue alongside its code and location. Start by reviewing the C1 and C2 observations first, as these pose the highest risk. For example, exposed live parts or broken sockets must be made safe immediately.

Step 2: Engage a Qualified Electrical Contractor

All remedial work must be carried out by a competent, NICEIC-approved contractor. This ensures repairs meet the latest edition of BS 7671 and maintain certification integrity. Attempting DIY fixes or using unqualified contractors can worsen safety risks and invalidate your compliance documentation.

Step 3: Prioritise Immediate Hazards

• C1 issues require immediate isolation and repair.

• C2 issues should be scheduled for urgent correction.

• FI observations should trigger detailed investigation before the next use of the affected circuits.

Step 4: Carry Out Electrical Remedial Works

Remedial works may include replacing damaged cables, upgrading consumer units, fitting RCDs, repairing earthing systems, or improving insulation resistance. Once completed, all repairs should be tested and recorded.

Protest ES Ltd provides fully certified Electrical Remedial Repairs following unsatisfactory EICRs, ensuring your systems meet safety and legal standards.

Step 5: Obtain a Satisfactory Re-Test

After remedial work, a follow-up inspection and testing must be conducted. This verifies that all previously identified defects have been corrected and that the system now complies with BS 7671.

The contractor will issue a satisfactory EICR, restoring your legal compliance under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.

Preventing Unsatisfactory EICRs in Future

The best way to avoid failing an EICR is through regular maintenance and proactive testing.

• Keep accurate records of all previous inspections and remedial works.

• Schedule periodic testing every five years (or sooner in high-risk environments).

• Carry out interim visual inspections to identify early signs of damage.

• Use thermal imaging surveys to detect hotspots and electrical overloads before they cause faults.

• Ensure all new installations are properly certified and integrated into your maintenance plan.

Find out how preventative maintenance can protect your site by visiting our Thermal Imaging and EET/PAT Testing pages.

Legal and Insurance Implications

An unsatisfactory EICR can have serious implications beyond electrical safety.

• Legal: The responsible person may face enforcement action under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.

• Insurance: Many insurers require up-to-date EICRs for policy validity. A failed report could jeopardise cover in the event of a claim.

• Operational: Faults left unresolved increase the risk of equipment failure, downtime, or fire.

Staying proactive with testing and remedial works keeps your site safe, legally compliant, and operationally resilient.

Conclusion

An unsatisfactory EICR isn’t a disaster, but it is a clear sign that your electrical installation needs attention. The key is to act quickly, work with qualified professionals, and maintain an ongoing testing schedule.

By addressing C1, C2, and FI issues promptly and arranging re-testing once repairs are complete, you’ll restore compliance, reduce risk, and safeguard everyone on site.

To book a professional inspection or remedial repair service, contact Protest ES Ltd today.