What Happens If Your Building Fails an EICR Inspection?
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
What Is an EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal inspection of a building’s electrical systems to assess their safety and compliance with UK standards such as BS 7671.
It identifies faults, deterioration, and potential hazards within electrical installations, ensuring systems are safe for continued use.
For commercial buildings, an EICR is a key part of maintaining compliance, safety, and insurance validity.
What Does It Mean to Fail an EICR?
Failing an EICR means that the inspection has identified issues that pose a risk and must be addressed.
These issues are classified using specific codes:
C1 (Danger present) – immediate risk; requires urgent action
C2 (Potentially dangerous) – must be resolved as soon as possible
FI (Further investigation required) – unclear issue that needs deeper inspection
If any of these codes are present, the report is marked as unsatisfactory.
What Happens Immediately After a Failed EICR?
If your building fails an EICR, action is required.
Depending on the severity:
Dangerous systems (C1) may need to be isolated immediately
Certain areas of the building may become unsafe to use
Urgent remedial work must be scheduled
A follow-up inspection will be required after repairs
For businesses, this can lead to operational disruption if critical systems are affected.
The Business Risks of Failing an EICR
Failing an EICR is not just a technical issue; it has real business consequences.
1. Safety Risks
Faulty electrical systems increase the risk of:
Electric shock
Fire hazards
Equipment damage
This can put staff, customers, and property at risk.
2. Financial Impact
A failed EICR can lead to:
Emergency repair costs
Downtime affecting productivity
Potential loss of business operations
Increased insurance premiums
In some cases, repeated failures can result in long-term financial strain.
3. Compliance and Legal Issues
Electrical safety is a legal responsibility for businesses.
Failing to address issues identified in an EICR can lead to:
Breach of health and safety regulations
Liability in the event of an incident
Enforcement action or penalties
In regulated environments such as healthcare, retail, and public sector buildings, compliance expectations are even stricter.
📄 4. Insurance Risks
In 2025–2026, insurers are increasingly requiring proof of electrical compliance.
A failed EICR can:
Invalidate insurance policies if ignored
Complicate claims following electrical incidents
Lead to higher premiums or policy restrictions
This is becoming a major concern for commercial property owners and facilities managers.
Why More Buildings Are Failing EICRs
There has been a noticeable increase in EICR failures in recent years due to:
Ageing electrical infrastructure in older buildings
Increased electrical demand from modern equipment
Delayed maintenance due to rising operational costs
Lack of regular inspections or structured maintenance
Many businesses only discover these issues when an inspection is carried out, often after years of
unnoticed deterioration.
Common Reasons for EICR Failure
Typical issues found during inspections include:
Damaged or deteriorated wiring
Overloaded circuits or poor load distribution
Lack of proper earthing or bonding
Outdated consumer units or distribution boards
Non-compliant installations or previous poor workmanship
These issues can develop gradually, making regular testing essential.
How to Fix a Failed EICR
If your building fails an EICR, the next step is to carry out remedial work.
This may involve:
Replacing damaged wiring or components
Upgrading distribution boards
Correcting earthing and bonding issues
Rebalancing electrical loads
Bringing installations up to current standards
Once repairs are completed, a follow-up inspection is conducted to confirm compliance.
How to Avoid Failing an EICR
The best way to avoid failure is through proactive maintenance.
Businesses should:
Implement Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM)
Carry out regular inspections and testing
Address minor issues before they escalate
Keep systems updated and compliant
A structured maintenance approach significantly reduces the likelihood of major faults.
Why Choose Winstanley for EICR and Electrical Compliance
At Winstanley Electrical & Mechanical Services, we help businesses stay compliant and avoid costly failures.
Our services include:
Full EICR inspections and reporting
Identification of C1, C2, and FI issues
Remedial works and system upgrades
Ongoing electrical maintenance and testing
Support for compliance and documentation
We work with commercial clients across multiple sectors, ensuring systems remain safe, compliant, and reliable.
Related Services
Emergency Lighting Testing
Fire Alarm Systems
Summary
Failing an EICR inspection highlights serious issues within a building’s electrical systems that must be addressed to ensure safety and compliance.
With increasing pressure from regulations and insurers, businesses can no longer afford to ignore electrical maintenance.
By taking a proactive approach, organisations can reduce risk, avoid disruption, and maintain safe working environments.
Contact Us
If your building has failed an EICR or requires inspection, our team can help.
📞 0800 038 9786📩 info@winstanley-electrical.com
Contact Winstanley Electrical & Mechanical Services today to arrange an inspection or discuss remedial work.
FAQ: EICR Failures
What does an unsatisfactory EICR mean?
It means the inspection found issues that must be fixed before the system is considered safe.
Can I still use my building after failing an EICR?
It depends on the severity; dangerous issues may require immediate action.
How quickly must issues be fixed?
C1 and C2 issues should be addressed as soon as possible, often immediately.
Will a failed EICR affect insurance?
Yes, unresolved issues can impact insurance coverage and claims.
