How Quickly Must Electrical Remedial Work Be Completed After an EICR?

Electrical safety is a legal and moral responsibility in the UK. When an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) identifies issues, action is not optional. Property owners must respond within defined timeframes to remain compliant and protect occupants. Understanding how quickly faults must be resolved helps landlords, homeowners, and businesses avoid penalties and reduce safety risks. This article explains the rules, timelines, and best practices around electrical remedial work after an EICR.

Understanding the Purpose of an EICR

An EICR is a formal assessment of the safety of fixed electrical installations. It checks wiring, circuits, fuse boards, and protective devices. The goal is to identify deterioration, damage, or non-compliance with current UK standards.

The report highlights issues using observation codes. These codes determine how urgent repairs are. Once the report is issued, responsibility shifts to the property owner. Any required electrical remedial work must be planned and completed within the appropriate timeframe.

What Is Electrical Remedial Work?

Remedial work refers to corrective actions taken to fix problems found during an inspection. These actions restore safety and compliance. The scope can range from minor repairs to major system upgrades.

Common examples include replacing damaged cables, correcting earthing and bonding, upgrading consumer units, and resolving overloaded circuits. In many properties, electrical remedial work also involves addressing outdated installations that no longer meet current regulations.

The urgency depends on the level of risk identified in the EICR.

EICR Codes and What They Mean

The EICR uses standard classification codes. These codes guide how quickly action must be taken.

C1 – Danger Present

This is the most serious code. It means there is an immediate risk of injury. Power may need to be isolated at once. Any electrical remedial work linked to a C1 issue must be completed immediately.

C2 – Potentially Dangerous

C2 indicates a fault that could become dangerous. It is not safe to ignore. Repairs must be carried out as soon as possible, and always within the legal deadline.

C3 – Improvement Recommended

C3 issues are not unsafe at the time of inspection. However, upgrades are advised to improve overall safety. These are not legally required but are often addressed during planned upgrades.

FI – Further Investigation

This code means more testing is required. The investigation may reveal the need for corrective action.

Legal Timeframes for Remedial Work in the UK

In England, rental properties are governed by the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations. These rules require landlords to ensure electrical systems are safe.

If an EICR identifies C1 or C2 issues, landlords have a maximum of 28 days to complete the required electrical remedial work, unless the report states a shorter period. For C1 issues, action must be immediate.

Once repairs are complete, written confirmation must be provided. This confirmation should come from a qualified electrician. Copies must be shared with tenants and local authorities if requested.

Commercial properties follow similar principles, although enforcement may vary depending on use and risk profile.

How Quickly Must Electrical Remedial Work Be Completed?

The answer depends on the EICR code.

C1 faults must be resolved immediately. These faults pose a real danger. Delays are unacceptable.

C2 faults must be corrected within 28 days or sooner if stated in the report. This timeframe is a legal requirement for landlords.

C3 items do not have a fixed deadline. However, addressing them early reduces future risk and cost.

In practical terms, most responsible owners arrange electrical remedial work as soon as the report is issued. Early action avoids compliance issues and keeps occupants safe.

What Happens If Remedial Work Is Delayed?

Failure to act carries serious consequences. Local authorities can issue enforcement notices. Financial penalties can reach thousands of pounds per breach.

Insurance policies may become invalid if known electrical defects are ignored. This exposes owners to major financial risk if an incident occurs.

Most importantly, unsafe installations put lives at risk. Fires, electric shocks, and equipment damage are all possible outcomes when required electrical remedial work is not completed on time.

Who Can Carry Out Electrical Remedial Work?

Only competent and qualified electricians should carry out corrective work. In the UK, electricians registered with schemes such as NICEIC or NAPIT are recognised as competent persons.

These professionals understand current wiring regulations. They also issue the correct certification after completion. DIY fixes are not acceptable for compliance purposes and may worsen the problem.

Using a qualified contractor ensures the electrical remedial work meets legal and safety standards.

Certification After Completion

Once faults are corrected, documentation is essential. Depending on the scope of work, this may include an Electrical Installation Certificate or a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate.

The original EICR should be updated to show the issues have been resolved. This paperwork serves as proof of compliance and must be retained.

Without certification, the work may be considered incomplete, even if repairs have been carried out.

Factors That Affect Completion Time

Several factors influence how quickly repairs can be finished. Severe faults take longer to fix. Older properties often require more extensive upgrades.

Access to the property, availability of parts, and the need for power shutdowns can also affect timelines. Emergency call-outs may be required for high-risk faults.

Planning ahead helps ensure electrical remedial work is completed without unnecessary delays.

Why Prompt Action Is Always Best

Acting quickly after an EICR protects people and property. It ensures compliance with UK regulations and reduces long-term costs. Delays increase risk and stress. Prompt repairs provide peace of mind and demonstrate responsible ownership. In summary, electrical remedial work should never be postponed. When an EICR highlights an issue, the clock starts ticking. Addressing problems quickly is the safest and most professional approach.