What Does An Unsatisfactory EICR Mean?
Receiving an unsatisfactory EICR can be stressful, especially for landlords facing tight deadlines or homebuyers mid-purchase. An unsatisfactory rating simply means your electrical installation has one or more defects that need attention before it can be deemed fully safe and compliant. It is not an emergency by default, though some codes require immediate action.
The key is understanding which codes apply to your property, how urgent each one is, and what the typical remedial work involves. This guide breaks down every EICR code category, explains the likely remedial work for common defects, and shows you how to move from unsatisfactory to fully compliant with minimal disruption.
Understanding C1, C2, C3 and FI Codes
C1 means danger is present and requires immediate remedial action. Examples include exposed live conductors, severely damaged accessories, or missing earth bonding. Your electrician should attempt to make C1 defects safe during the inspection itself. If this is not possible, you must arrange emergency remedial work within 24 hours.
C2 means the installation is potentially dangerous and urgent remedial work is needed. Common C2 defects include absence of RCD protection on socket circuits, inadequate earthing, overloaded consumer units, or damaged wiring in accessible locations. Remedial work for C2 defects must be completed within 28 days.
C3 means improvement is recommended but not required for safety. Examples include outdated but functional wiring, lack of surge protection, or non-RCD circuits in low-risk areas. C3 observations do not make the installation unsatisfactory, but addressing them improves long-term safety and may reduce insurance premiums.
FI means further investigation is needed without delay. This code is used when the inspector identifies an issue that requires additional testing before a full assessment can be made. Examples include unusual circuit behaviour, inaccessible wiring, or readings that do not match expected values.
Common Remedial Work And Typical Costs
Replacing damaged sockets or switches is one of the most common remedial tasks. A cracked or burnt socket typically costs between forty and sixty pounds to replace including parts and labour. Multiple damaged accessories can often be replaced in a single visit, reducing the per-unit cost.
Adding RCD protection to circuits that lack it is another frequent C2 fix. This can be achieved by replacing individual MCBs with RCBOs in the consumer unit, typically costing sixty to ninety pounds per circuit. Alternatively, upgrading to a modern consumer unit with full RCBO protection costs between five hundred and one thousand pounds but resolves all RCD-related issues at once.
Earthing and bonding upgrades are essential for older properties. Many Glasgow homes built before 1960 have inadequate earthing arrangements or missing supplementary bonding to gas and water pipes. An earthing upgrade typically costs between one hundred and fifty and three hundred pounds, depending on the existing arrangement and accessibility.
Consumer unit replacement is often the most comprehensive remedial solution. A modern metal-clad unit with surge protection, RCBOs on every circuit, and correct labelling costs between five hundred and one thousand pounds installed. This single upgrade can resolve multiple C2 codes simultaneously and brings your installation up to current standards.
How Long Does Remedial Work Take?
Minor remedial work such as replacing a few damaged accessories or adding RCD protection to one or two circuits typically takes two to four hours. Most electricians can complete this in a single visit with minimal disruption. You may lose power to the affected circuits for thirty to sixty minutes.
Moderate remedial work involving consumer unit replacement, multiple circuit upgrades, and earthing improvements typically takes a full day. Power is usually off for three to six hours. Your electrician will advise on the best schedule to minimise inconvenience.
Extensive remedial work on properties with multiple C1 and C2 defects, old wiring systems, or complex installations may take two to three days. This is more common in large Victorian properties or HMOs with multiple consumer units. A detailed schedule and phased approach keep disruption manageable.
Landlord Compliance Deadlines
Scottish landlords must complete C1 and C2 remedial work within 28 days of the EICR inspection, or less if the inspector specifies a shorter timeframe. You must obtain a Minor Works Certificate or Electrical Installation Certificate for all remedial work, and provide copies to your tenants and letting agent.
Failure to complete remedial work within the required timeframe can result in fines up to five thousand pounds, enforcement action from the local authority, and invalidation of your landlord insurance. Set a calendar reminder immediately after receiving your EICR to ensure you do not miss the deadline.
Getting A Fixed-Price Remedial Quotation
Reputable electricians provide fixed-price quotations for all EICR remedial work, not estimates. The quotation should itemise each defect, the proposed solution, the exact cost, and the expected completion date. Avoid electricians who quote vague hourly rates or refuse to commit to a fixed price.
At Rewire Solutions, every EICR includes a fixed-price remedial quotation delivered alongside your report. We can schedule remedial work within days, and all repairs are certificated with full documentation. Our landlord reminder service also ensures you never miss a future renewal deadline.
