Why observation codes matter
Observation codes tell the customer how serious each defect is and what they need to do about it. They also decide the overall assessment on the Electrical Installation Condition Report.
C1 — Danger present
Danger is present and there is a risk of injury. Immediate remedial action is required. Typical practice is to make the situation safe on the spot, for example by isolating the circuit, and to tell the person responsible for the installation straight away.
C2 — Potentially dangerous
The defect is not an immediate danger but could become one, for example if a fault occurred. Urgent remedial action is required.
C3 — Improvement recommended
The installation does not meet the current edition of BS 7671, but it is not considered dangerous. Improvement is recommended. C3 observations on their own do not make a report unsatisfactory.
FI — Further investigation required
Something could not be fully verified during the inspection and needs investigating without delay, because it may reveal a C1 or C2 defect.
How codes affect the overall assessment
- any C1, C2 or FI: the overall assessment is unsatisfactory
- only C3, or no observations: the overall assessment can be satisfactory
Writing observations customers understand
Say where the defect is, what it is and why it matters, in plain words. Link it to the relevant circuit and attach a photo where it helps. Guidance such as the Electrical Safety First Best Practice Guide 4 can help with consistent coding.
Recording observations in AiCert°
In the AiCert° EICR app you pick the code, link the observation to a circuit and add photos. The overall assessment updates automatically from the codes you enter, and you can review it before signing.