An EICR is a key feature in keeping your property electrically safe.
If during your EICR inspection problems are found, then you may receive an unsatisfactory result. So, what happens next if your EICR is unsatisfactory? Allied Electrical Services are experienced providers of EICRs to homeowners, landlords and business owners across Bristol. In this blog we will explain what an unsatisfactory EICR result means for you and what you need to do next.
What is an EICR?
An EICR is the routine inspection and testing of the fixed electrical installation at your Bristol property. Carried out by a competent, registered electrician at regular intervals, an EICR makes sure your electrics are safe for use. If the electrician who carries out the inspection finds any faults, then your EICR result will be recorded as unsatisfactory.
Why is my EICR Unsatisfactory?
When an electrician carries out an EICR at your Bristol property, they will note any observations and assign them a code. There are 4 codes that may be recorded on your EICR report. These will tell you why your EICR is unsatisfactory and which area of your Bristol property is electrically unsafe.
The EICR codes are:
- C1 – This means that danger is present and immediate action required.
- C2 – Your installation is potentially dangerous and there is a risk of electrical shock occurring. Urgent action is needed to rectify the issue.
- C3 – Improvements are recommended but are not essential at this time.
- FI – Further investigation is required.
C1 and C2 faults, along with FI codes, will give an unsatisfactory EICR result. C3 issues alone will not make your EICR unsatisfactory. The electrician who carries out your EICR will discuss each of the observations they have made about your property and explain what you need to do to rectify the issues.
What does an unsatisfactory EICR mean?
Quite simply an unsatisfactory EICR means that your electrician has found an electrical issue that makes the electrical system at your Bristol property unsafe. The severity of the issue, and level of risk of either electrical shock or fire, will denote how swiftly the problem must be rectified. To gain a satisfactory EICR result, remedial works must be completed in the timeframe stipulated by your electrician. The most severe and dangerous faults (C1 codes) must be rectified immediately whilst less dangerous faults (C2) must be fixed within 28 days. After the work remedial work is completed, the electrician will provide you with written confirmation. If you are a landlord, you must give this to your tenants as well as your local authority within 28 days of the remedial work being carried out.
Will I need another EICR?
Once the remedial works have been carried out by your electrician your EICR result will be considered to be satisfactory. There is no need to have another EICR until your next scheduled inspection is due.
If your Bristol property is due an EICR inspection, or if you have any questions about EICRs, our experienced electricians at Allied Electrical Services are here to help. We have 25 years of experience in assisting customers in Bristol with electrical services from inspection and testing to fault funding and repairs. Fully qualified and NICEIC registered, we are the local electrician you can depend on to keep you and your property electrically safe. Contact us today.
