Why You Should Read the Fine Print on an EICR
If you’re buying a property in Bristol or the surrounding areas, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is one of the smartest investments you can make. But what if the report flags issues? Here are the most common problems we uncover—and what they mean for your home and wallet.
1. No RCD Protection
One of the top fails we see is a lack of RCD (Residual Current Device) protection on circuits. Modern fuse boards include RCDs to protect you from electric shocks and reduce fire risk.
Solution: Fuse board upgrade—especially if it’s an old-style fuse wire unit.
2. Damaged or Outdated Wiring
Older properties in areas like Staple Hill, Fishponds, or Hanham often have aging wiring. We regularly find rubber or lead-sheathed cables that have degraded over time.
Solution: Full or partial house rewire depending on condition.
3. No Earth on Lighting Circuits
Older lighting systems, especially in lofts or extensions, often lack proper earthing. This can be a safety hazard, especially if metal light fittings are used.
Solution: Rewire of affected lighting circuits with correct earth bonding.
4. Overloaded Circuits or Consumer Unit
Sometimes DIY work or property extensions add more sockets and appliances than the fuse board can safely handle. This is a red flag on an EICR.
Solution: Consumer unit assessment and possibly a dedicated circuit for high-load appliances.
5. Poor Workmanship or DIY Jobs
Sadly, we find plenty of dangerous setups where someone’s had a go at the wiring without proper qualifications. This could range from live wires left exposed to connections in lofts not placed in junction boxes.
Solution: Remedial work to bring the install back in line with regulations.
What a C1, C2 or C3 Code Means
An EICR report will use codes to describe issues found:
- C1: Immediate danger – must be fixed before use
- C2: Potential danger – urgent action recommended
- C3: Not dangerous but improvement recommended
Only reports that have no C1 or C2 faults are considered ‘satisfactory.’
Buying in Bristol? Choose Local Experts
We carry out homebuyer EICRs across Kingswood, Downend, Emersons Green, Longwell Green, Keynsham and all surrounding areas. We know what to look out for and provide jargon-free reports so you can make confident decisions before you buy.