Knowledge article
Satisfactory vs Unsatisfactory EICR Outcomes
An EICR is Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. Any C1, C2 or FI observation makes it Unsatisfactory; a report with only C3 items remains Satisfactory.
Every EICR reaches one of two overall outcomes: Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. The outcome is driven entirely by the classification codes applied to any observations found.
What makes a report Unsatisfactory
An installation is declared Unsatisfactory if it contains any of the following:
- C1 — Danger present. Risk of injury; immediate action required.
- C2 — Potentially dangerous. Urgent remedial action required.
- FI — Further investigation required without delay.
What keeps a report Satisfactory
A report is Satisfactory when it contains no C1, C2 or FI observations. It may still carry:
- C3 — Improvement recommended. Not dangerous; addressing it is good practice but not required, and it does not make the report Unsatisfactory.
Why the outcome matters
The overall outcome is the headline that duty holders, tenants, insurers and enforcing authorities look at first. But the detail beneath it — the specific coded observations — is what determines the remedial work required and its urgency. For a code-by-code explanation, see our guidance on C1, C2, C3 and FI observations.
Frequently asked questions
Can a report be Satisfactory with observations on it?
Yes. A report can carry C3 (improvement recommended) observations and still be Satisfactory. It only becomes Unsatisfactory if it contains a C1, C2 or FI code.
What must a landlord do with an Unsatisfactory report?
In England a landlord must complete the required remedial or further-investigation work within 28 days (or sooner if specified) and provide written confirmation to the tenant and local authority.
More in this topic
Code explanation
EICR C1 Code: Danger Present
A C1 on an EICR means danger is present and a risk of injury exists. It requires immediate action and always makes a report Unsatisfactory.
Learn moreComparison
Difference Between C1 and C2 on an EICR
C1 means danger is present now and requires immediate action; C2 means potentially dangerous — safe now but a fault could make it dangerous. Both fail an EICR.
Learn moreCode explanation
EICR C2 Code: Potentially Dangerous
A C2 on an EICR means potentially dangerous — no immediate danger, but a fault could make it dangerous. It requires urgent remedial action and fails the report.
Learn moreComparison
Difference Between C2 and C3 on an EICR
C2 is potentially dangerous and fails an EICR, requiring urgent remedial work; C3 is a non-urgent improvement recommendation that keeps the report Satisfactory.
Learn moreThis article provides general guidance and distinguishes legislation, British Standards and good practice. It is not legal advice. Always confirm the specific duties applying to your property and tenure.