Introduction
Receiving an ‘Unsatisfactory EICR’ or ‘Failed EICR‘ can be worrying.
Many people immediately assume the worst.
“Does this mean my house is dangerous?”
“Do I have to rewire everything?”
“Can I still live in the property?”
“Will I need to spend thousands of pounds?”
The good news is that, in many cases, the answer is no.
An EICR isn’t designed to catch people out. It’s designed to assess the condition of your electrical installation and identify anything that may present a risk now or in the future.
At MKW Electrical Contractors, one of the first things we tell customers is this:
A failed EICR isn’t the end of the story, it’s the beginning of making your property safer.
What Does It Mean If an EICR Fails?
A property receives an Unsatisfactory EICR when one or more observations are identified that require action before the installation can be considered safe.
These observations are categorised using industry-standard coding.
The most common are:
C1 – Danger Present
A C1 observation means there is an immediate risk of injury.
The issue requires urgent attention and should be made safe immediately.
C2 – Potentially Dangerous
A C2 observation identifies something that could become dangerous if left unresolved.
Although the installation may still be functioning, remedial work is required before the report can be considered satisfactory.
FI – Further Investigation Required
Sometimes an electrician cannot safely confirm the condition of part of the installation during the inspection.
Rather than guessing, they’ll recommend further investigation to identify the underlying issue.
C3 – Improvement Recommended
This is where many people become confused.
A C3 does not fail an EICR.
It simply highlights an area where the installation could be improved to meet current standards.
Think of it as advice rather than a safety defect.
Learn more about EICR grades: CLICK HERE
A Real-Life Example
Imagine you’ve recently purchased a house.
The survey recommends an EICR, so you arrange an inspection.
The report comes back as Unsatisfactory.
Immediately you start imagining the worst.
But when the electrician explains the report, the findings are:
- No RCD protection on socket circuits
- A damaged outdoor socket
- Missing labels in the consumer unit
None of these mean the house is unsafe to occupy immediately.
They simply mean improvements are needed to bring the installation up to a safe standard.
This is why understanding the report is just as important as receiving it.
What Happens Next?
Once the inspection is complete, your electrician should clearly explain the findings.
At MKW Electrical Contractors, we believe technical reports should be easy to understand.
That’s why every customer receives an Electrical Health Report alongside their official EICR certificate.
Rather than simply listing fault codes, we explain:
- What each observation means
- Why it’s important
- Whether it requires urgent attention
- The best way to rectify it
- Which improvements can wait
Our aim is to remove the jargon and help you make informed decisions.
Do I Need All the Work Doing Straight Away?
Not necessarily.
It depends entirely on the observations.
Urgent safety issues should always be addressed promptly.
Other improvements can often be planned over time.
A good electrician won’t simply recommend replacing everything.
They’ll prioritise the work based on risk and explain the reasoning behind each recommendation.
Will I Need Another EICR?
Usually, yes.
Once the recommended remedial work has been completed, the affected circuits should be retested.
You’ll then receive certification confirming the work carried out, and where appropriate, a satisfactory outcome for the installation.
For landlords, this is particularly important, as current regulations require any identified safety issues to be rectified within the required timescales.
How Much Does Remedial Work Cost?
This is one of the most common questions we hear.
The honest answer is:
It varies.
Some reports identify only minor issues that can be resolved quickly.
Others may require more extensive upgrades.
The important thing is that a professional electrician will provide a clear quotation explaining:
- What needs to be done
- Why it’s required
- The recommended order of works
- Any optional improvements
Transparency is key.
Why Choose MKW Electrical Contractors?
Receiving an EICR shouldn’t leave you confused.
Our approach is different.
We don’t just hand over a certificate—we help you understand it.
Every inspection is backed by:
- A NICEIC EICR Certificate
- Our easy-to-understand Electrical Health Report
- Clear photographs where appropriate
- Honest recommendations
- Transparent quotations for any remedial work
- Professional advice with no unnecessary upselling
Our aim is simple:
To help you make informed decisions about the safety of your property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still live in my house if it fails an EICR?
In many cases, yes. It depends on the nature of the observations. Your electrician will explain if any issues require immediate action.
Does a C3 fail an EICR?
No.
A C3 is an improvement recommendation only and does not result in an unsatisfactory report.
How quickly should remedial work be completed?
This depends on the severity of the observations. C1 issues should be made safe immediately, while C2 observations should be addressed as soon as reasonably practicable.
Will I receive another certificate?
Yes.
Once remedial work has been completed, you’ll receive the appropriate electrical certification confirming the work carried out.
Should I ignore a failed EICR?
No.
Even if the installation appears to be working normally, the report has identified issues that require attention to maintain electrical safety.
Failed Your EICR? We’re Here to Help.
An unsatisfactory EICR doesn’t have to be stressful.
Our experienced NICEIC-approved electricians will explain your report in plain English, prioritise any necessary remedial work and help you return your installation to a safe and compliant condition.
Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord or business owner, we’ll provide honest advice, professional workmanship and complete peace of mind.
Contact MKW Electrical Contractors today to discuss your EICR or arrange remedial works.