Can You Fail an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) on an FI Categorised Observation?
If you’ve recently had an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out — or you’re planning one — you may have seen the code “FI” listed against an observation and wondered what it means and whether it causes a fail.
It’s a great question, and the answer is important for landlords, business owners, and duty holders responsible for electrical safety.
Let’s break it down clearly.
What Is an FI Code on an EICR?
On an EICR, observations are given classification codes to indicate their severity and required action:
- C1 — Danger Present (Immediate action required)
- C2 — Potentially Dangerous (Urgent remedial action required)
- C3 — Improvement Recommended (Not unsafe, but upgrade advised)
- FI — Further Investigation Required
An FI code is used when the inspector has identified something that may present a risk — but cannot be fully assessed without additional investigation.
This might be due to:
- Inaccessible wiring
- Signs of overheating or damage with unknown cause
- Test results that suggest a hidden fault
- Missing or unclear circuit identification
- Suspected issues behind walls, ceilings, or fixed equipment
In short: something doesn’t look right — and it needs deeper checking.
Does an FI Code Mean the EICR Is a Fail?
Yes — an FI classification results in an Unsatisfactory EICR outcome.
Under BS 7671 guidance and industry best practice:
Any report containing C1, C2, or FI observations is classified as Unsatisfactory.
That’s because the inspector cannot confirm the installation is safe without further work being done. Even though FI is not stating “danger present,” it is stating “safety cannot be confirmed.”
From a safety and compliance standpoint, uncertainty = unacceptable risk.
Why FI Is Taken Seriously
An FI code is not a minor note. It means:
- The inspector has seen enough evidence to suspect a problem
- The issue could be safety-related
- Testing limitations prevented full verification
- Further inspection or opening up is required
It protects both the inspector and the client — ensuring that possible hidden hazards are not ignored or signed off as safe.
Common Examples That Lead to FI Observations
Typical scenarios include:
- Circuits that cannot be isolated for full testing
- Equipment that cannot be safely dismantled at the time of inspection
- Unexpected test readings suggesting borrowed neutrals or shared conductors
- Signs of overheating at accessories
- Older installations where cable routes are unknown
- Concealed joints suspected but not visible
- Incomplete labelling preventing safe identification
What Happens After an FI Is Issued?
If your EICR includes an Further Investigation observation, the next step is targeted further investigation — not necessarily a full rewire or major work.
This may involve:
- Opening up selected areas
- Isolating and testing specific circuits
- Removing accessories for inspection
- Tracing conductors
- Carrying out additional diagnostic testing
Once the investigation is complete, the issue can then be:
- Cleared as safe
- Reclassified (C1, C2, or C3)
- Repaired and signed off
A confirmation report or minor works certificate is typically issued afterward.
Can an FI Be Downgraded Later?
Yes — and this happens regularly.
FI is a holding classification pending more information. After investigation:
- If no danger is found → no code or C3 may apply
- If a defect is confirmed → C1 or C2 may be assigned
- If corrected → the item can be closed off
The key point is: FI triggers the process — it doesn’t define the final outcome.
Why Good Inspectors Use Further Investigation Properly
A competent inspector won’t guess or assume safety where they cannot verify it.
Using FI correctly shows:
- Professional caution
- Standards compliance
- Evidence-based reporting
- Proper risk management
Avoiding Further Investigation just to produce a “satisfactory” report is poor practice and can expose everyone to risk.
The Practical Takeaway
If your EICR contains an FI observation:
- The report will be Unsatisfactory
- Further investigation is required
- It does not automatically mean major repair costs
- It does mean safety cannot yet be confirmed
- Action should be scheduled promptly
Electrical safety reporting is about certainty — not optimism.
Need Help Interpreting Your EICR?
At GU Solutions, we help landlords, property managers, and business owners understand exactly what their reports mean — and what to do next. If you’ve received an Further Investigation observation, we can carry out the necessary investigation and remedial work to get you safely compliant.
If you’re unsure — ask. Good electrical safety is always based on clarity, not guesswork.
