EICRs: cracking the code

ECA’s technical experts are often quizzed by Members about the coding on electrical installation condition reports (EICRs). Most commonly, we are asked about which codes should be applied to specific faults during inspections of existing electrical installations.

A huge number of factors can impact an inspector’s decision-making process when drawing up an EICR, so it is no wonder they are sometimes a source of confusion. 

For a deeper dive into the rationale behind the different codes when undertaking an EICR, read on…

Who decides what codes to assign?

The inspector is the only person who can make an informed decision about what code is suitable in any given situation. This is because they are on-site and can see any defects first-hand, and therefore make an informed call on how safe an installation is. 

As an aside, it is important to note that any item raised should be set against the requirements of the Wiring Regulations (BS 7671:2018), not against the inspector’s personal judgement. 

...the inspector should always be in a position to reference a BS 7671 Regulation number on the issue, if challenged.

Is it a type of risk assessment?

Indeed it is. When considering what code is relevant to any given situation, the inspector needs to consider the environment and the potential risk of damage or injury.

So, simply saying that scenario ‘x’ results in outcome ‘y’ is not always suitable. A nuanced decision-making process is required. To do this, we must first look at what the codes actually mean… 

C1 – Danger present: in this scenario, there is an immediate danger of shock or fire to persons, property or livestock.

C2 – Potentially dangerous: in this scenario, there is a fault that could potentially become dangerous (a hazard), but another fault or foreseeable action must occur in order for danger to arise.  

C3 – Improvement recommended: in this scenario, there is a defect against BS 7671, but it does not present any immediate or potential danger to people or property.  

The decision tree below expands this further:

Codes with consequences

It is extremely important to understand the consequences of any code raised during an EICR.  

For instance, both a C1 and C2 result in an ‘unsatisfactory’ outcome. Therefore, overzealous use of these codes can potentially cause unwarranted disruption to the client, their building and possibly their business. 

For example: if an installation is found to be lacking RCD protection for socket outlets, most guidance would recommend a C3 code.  Should a contractor decide to instead raise a C2, then the client could be looking at a significant cost or inconvenience. Of course, BS 7671 does not account for cost, and cost most certainly should not dictate decisions concerning electrical safety.   But the implications of getting a code wrong, whichever way it may be, can be evidently significant. 

The inspector is the only person who can make an informed decision about what code is suitable in any given situation.

Additionally, an inspector should not reduce a code from a more serious to a lesser code just because it is the whim of the client. The inspector has been employed as an expert in electrical safety and should not let their decisions become compromised by any external influence.

It is essential that the inspector be well-versed in the requirements of the latest version of the Wiring Regulations  and offer appropriate codes for each defect. If need be, before raising a coded item, the inspector should always be in a position to reference a BS 7671 Regulation number on the issue, if challenged. 

Only defects against BS 7671 should be recorded

The EICR is aimed specifically at defects against the requirements of BS 7671. The inspector should not raise a code against defects noticed against other British Standards, however they are at liberty to raise comments or notes about other issues or defects and inform the client.

Take, for example, defective emergency light fittings.  If they do not present any electrical hazard to the user, then they are effectively safe and therefore should not appear as a coded item on an EICR. However, this scenario may show a departure from BS 5266, and it may therefore be useful in this case to inform the client of this situation on a separate document.

The ultimate decision

Of course, guidance material cannot take the place of the skill, knowledge and experience of the inspector. The ultimate decision is down to them. The recognised industry guidance is there, but only as a guide - it can certainly be deviated from should the inspector be able to suitably argue the reasons for it.    

For more information on EICRs, ECA’s technical assistance helpline is open to ECA Members and can be found at eca.co.uk/myECA.