Help Center
< All Topics
Print

What happens if you fail an EICR inspection?

What If I fail an EICR inspection?

Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) are crucial for the safety and compliance of electrical installations in the UK. These are done by qualified electricians who check the condition of a property’s electrical system and identifies any potential hazards or faults.

If you fail an EICR inspection it can have serious legal, financial and safety implications for property owners, landlords and tenants. Knowing what happens if you fail an EICR—and how to fix the issues—is key to a safe and compliant property.

What Does it mean to fail an EICR inspection?

To fail an EICR inspection means there are significant safety issues with the electrical installation in your property. Common issues may include:

  • Faulty wiring
  • Overloaded circuits
  • Outdated equipment
  • Damaged or poorly installed components

These can be serious risks including:

  • Electrical fires
  • Electric shocks
  • Electrocution

Get these faults fixed ASAP to keep everyone safe and comply with UK regulations.

EICR Fault Classifications: What Do They Mean?

If you fail an EICR, the electrician will give you a report with all the faults and hazards found. These faults are categorised into three main classifications:

  • C1 (Danger Present): Immediate risk of injury or fire. Must be fixed now.
  • C2 (Potentially Dangerous): A safety issue that could become hazardous if not fixed soon. Needs to be fixed pronto.
  • C3 (Improvement Recommended): The electrical installation is safe but there are areas for improvement. Not mandatory to fix now but recommended for future upgrades.

C1 and C2 faults must be fixed first to keep the electrical system safe and compliant.

What Happens After a Failed EICR?

1. Receive the EICR Report

After the inspection the electrician will give you a detailed EICR report of the faults found. This will:

  • List all hazards and defects* Describe the work required to bring the system up to standard

2. Fixing Remedial Work

Depending on the faults, you will need to:

  • Fix C1 faults (exposed live wiring or signs of burning) now
  • Schedule in repairs for C2 faults as soon as possible
  • Plan for future upgrades if C3 faults are found

All remedial work must be done by a qualified electrician in accordance with UK safety regulations (BS 7671).

3. Follow-Up Inspection and Certificate

Once the repairs are done, a follow-up inspection will be carried out to check all issues are fixed. If the property passes the inspection a new EICR certificate will be issued and your electrical installation will be safe and compliant.

What Happens If I Ignore a Failed EICR

Not addressing the issues in the failed EICR inspection can have serious consequences:

Legal Penalties

Property owners and landlords have a legal obligation to ensure electrical systems meet safety standards. Non-compliance can result in:

  • Fines up to £30,000
  • Legal action or prosecution for putting tenants in danger

Financial Consequences

  • Insurance claims may be rejected for properties with unsafe electrical installations
  • Tenant disputes or refusal to occupy the property resulting in loss of rental income
  • Costly repairs if minor issues become major faults due to neglect

Safety Risks

Ignoring the faults in a failed EICR can lead to:

  • Electrical fires
  • Electric shocks or injuries
  • Property damage from faulty systems

How to prepare for an EICR

To keep your electrical system safe and compliant:

  • Schedule regular inspections by a qualified electrician
  • Upgrade outdated wiring and consumer units
  • Fix minor faults before they become major hazards
  • Do a visual check of outlets, switches and circuits

Prioritise Safety and Compliance

To fail an EICR inspection is a big deal, it means your property’s electrical system is a safety risk. Fixing the issues now will help you:

  • Stay compliant with UK electrical regulations
  • Protect your tenants, family or employees from hazards
  • The best way to avoid costly repairs and fines is get in touch with a qualified electrician if you think your property’s electrical system isn’t up to scratch to make sure you don’t fail an EICR inspection accidentally.
Table of Contents