An EICR test is a fixed wire test of a property which is set out to determine the condition of the existing electrical installation. A series of codes will be applied to non compliances within the property and ultimately a pass or fail will be applied via a satisfactory or unsatisfactory report.

Codes are used within an EICR test to determine the severity of the non compliance within the installation, there are 4 different codes used with an EICR which are:

Code 1 is the most urgent non compliance detailed within an EICR. Here at Wade Electrical and Fire we will fix code 1 items upon test or a as a minimum covert to a code 2 to be rectified at a later date, some examples of code 1 items are: 

• Broken socket live pin exposed
• Consumer unit blank missing
• Exposed conductor and meter

Code 2 is the most common non compliance detailed on an EICR. These will traditionally be the bulk of the works required on a property and will be compulsory for a ‘passed’ EICR report. Some of these codes normally include: 

• No RCD protection to circuits within domestic property
• Absent earth to light fittings
• Bathroom light non IP rated not suitable for damp environment
• Low insulation resistance readings

Code 3 non compliances are recommendations on an EICR report and are not required to gain a satisfactory report but are strongly recommended by the testing electrician. These may include items such as: 

• Consumer unit made from a combustible material
• Absent earth to lighting with class 2 items fitted
• No SPD protection to installation

At Wade Electrical and Fire we use Napit Codebreakers as our guideline for codes on EICR reports. This guide details what level of code should be given to each non compliance and is an industry leading document to assist in correct EICR testing.