What Happens If You Fail EICR Testing?

October 10th, 2025

Last updated: October 1st, 2025

For business owners and facilities managers, few things bring more headaches than failing EICR testing. The thing is, an Electrical Installation Condition Report is a legal record of how safe (or unsafe) your electrical systems are. If you fail, it’s not something you can ignore and hope goes away.

So, what actually happens if your property doesn’t pass, and what should you do next? Let’s break it down.

First things first: what does “failing” mean?

An EICR testing failure isn’t a single, catastrophic event, but a formal diagnosis of your electrical health. It means the qualified electrician has found issues in your fixed wiring that don’t meet the UK standard for safety (BS 7671).

Your “unsatisfactory” report will categorise issues using specific codes. Understanding these codes is crucial to knowing the true level of risk. Here’s what each of them means:

• C1 (Danger present): An immediate risk exists, such as exposed live wiring. The system should not be used until this is resolved.
• C2 (Potentially dangerous): Although not an immediate threat, a serious issue was found that could become dangerous. Urgent remedial work is required.
• FI (Further Investigation): The inspector identified a potential problem but needs more time or specialised testing to diagnose it fully. Your report cannot be satisfactory until this is done.
• C3 (Improvement recommended): This is not a fail. It highlights an area that doesn’t comply with the latest standards but is not hazardous. It’s advice for your next inspection.

If you’d like more detail about the testing process itself, you can also read our full guide on EICR tests.

What risks do you face if you ignore it?

A failed EICR electrical test isn’t just an admin problem. It’s a red flag about real safety hazards in your building. Here’s what you’re up against if you put it off:

• Legal consequences: Electrical safety is covered by the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, and landlords also have obligations under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. Ignoring an unsatisfactory EICR puts you in breach of the law.
• Financial penalties: Local authorities can issue fines, and insurers may refuse claims if an accident happens in a building with an unsafe electrical report.
• Real safety risks: Faulty electrics are one of the leading causes of fires in commercial buildings. Pair that with compromised emergency systems, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.

Electrical compliance also goes hand-in-hand with other safety checks, such as emergency lighting testing, to keep your premises prepared for every eventuality.

Your step-by-step response plan to a failed EICR

Now that you understand the report, here is your clear action plan. The key is not to panic, but to act methodically and promptly.

Step #1: Prioritise by code

Work with your commercial electrician to immediately address any C1 (Danger Present) issues. These often need to be fixed on the spot before you can safely continue operations.

Step #2: Schedule remedial work

For C2 (Potentially Dangerous) and FI (Further Investigation) issues, get a detailed quote for the necessary repairs or investigations and schedule the work as a matter of urgency.

Step #3: Plan for improvements

While C3 codes don’t require immediate action, it’s wise to budget for these recommended improvements to ensure a clean pass on your next EICR.

Step #4: Get a retest

Once all remedial works are complete, your electrician must perform a retest on the affected circuits. Only then can they issue a satisfactory EICR certificate, which is your legal proof of compliance. Think of it like an MOT retest: until you pass, you’re not road-legal.

How do you avoid failing next time?

The best way to stop history repeating itself is to take a proactive approach. Regular maintenance goes a long way to preventing another “unsatisfactory” report.

Alongside fixed wiring checks, routine services like PAT testing help keep your workplace safe and compliant between inspections.

Many businesses also choose Planned Preventative Maintenance programmes, which schedule regular checks and servicing across your building systems. It’s a smart way to spot problems early, spread costs over time, and walk into your next EICR with confidence.

How do EICRs fit into the bigger compliance picture?

It’s easy to see an EICR as just another test on a long list, but it’s part of a much bigger picture of workplace safety. Whether you’re running a factory, hotel, office block, or restaurant, your electrical safety ties directly into your duty of care to staff and customers.

And just as with gas compliance — for example, installing a commercial gas interlock system — regular EICR checks are all part of keeping your business safe and legally protected.

Final thoughts

Failing EICR testing isn’t the end of the world, but it is a wake-up call. It means your electrics need attention, and the sooner you act, the safer and more compliant your building will be.

Robinsons Facilities Services can help with remedial works, retesting, and ongoing compliance support across Yorkshire and the entire UK. Whether it’s your first fail or you’re planning ahead to avoid one altogether, our qualified electricians will get you back on track.

Call us today on 01423 226578 or get in touch for a no-obligation quote.