What Is a C2 on an EICR? Common Examples in London Flats

If your EICR came back with a C2 on it, the report is marked unsatisfactory and, if you are a landlord, the clock is running. This guide explains what C2 means, the C2 faults that turn up again and again in London flats, and what you need to do next.

What C2 means on an EICR

Every observation on an Electrical Installation Condition Report gets a code. C1 means danger is present right now. C2 means potentially dangerous: nothing has gone wrong yet, but it could under a fault or with normal use. C3 is a recommended improvement, and FI means the electrician needs to investigate further before they can say. Any C1, C2 or FI makes the whole report unsatisfactory. C3 on its own does not.

Common C2 faults in London flats

• No RCD on sockets that could feed outdoor equipment. A socket near a back door, balcony or garden that has no 30mA RCD is a common C2. Other socket circuits without RCDs are usually coded C3, but many flats in converted Victorian houses still have boards from before RCDs were standard, so both turn up together.
• Missing or undersized main bonding. The earth link to the incoming gas and water pipes is missing, disconnected during a kitchen refit, or too thin.
• Plastic consumer unit in a hallway or under the stairs. In escape routes, a combustible board is often coded C3, but where it shows signs of heat damage or poor terminations it becomes C2.
• Damaged accessories. Cracked sockets, broken switch plates and loose fittings with live parts within reach.
• High earth fault loop readings. A circuit where the protective device would not disconnect quickly enough under a fault.
• Bathroom issues. Sockets or unsuitable fittings too close to the bath or shower, or bathroom circuits with neither RCD protection nor supplementary bonding.

What landlords must do after a C2

Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, you have 28 days, or less if the report says so, to have the work done by a qualified person. You then need written confirmation that the work is complete and the installation is now safe, and you must give a copy to the tenant and to the council if they ask. Keep the original report and the confirmation together.

How C2 faults are usually fixed

Most C2 codes in London flats come down to two jobs: a consumer unit upgrade that brings RCD and surge protection to every circuit, and new main bonding to gas and water. Replacing damaged sockets and switches is usually quick. Bathroom work depends on the layout but is rarely a big job. A good electrician will quote the remedial work at the same visit so you can book it within the 28 days.

Getting it done

Energy North carries out EICRs across North, East and West London from £100, with the certificate emailed the same day and a fixed quote for any C1, C2 or FI items. Booking is usually within 48 hours. If you are planning a home charge point at the same time, ask about our EV charger installation, since the new consumer unit can be sized for it.

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