C2 Fault: 230V Shaver Socket Not RCD Protected What It Means for Your EICR Report (2025 Guide)

EICR Certificate

1 November 2025

EICR Faults & Failures

C2 Fault: 230V Shaver Socket Not RCD Protected

When your EICR report shows “C2 – 230V shaver socket not RCD protected,” it can sound technical and confusing. But in simple terms, this code means your bathroom’s shaver socket poses a potential electric shock risk and must be fixed before your property can pass inspection.

This issue is surprisingly common across London, especially in older flats and bathrooms where RCD (Residual Current Device) protection wasn’t required at the time of installation.

In this guide, we’ll explain what the fault means, why it matters, how to fix it, and how much it costs all based on real London EICR inspections performed by our NICEIC and NAPIT-certified contractors.

What Does “C2” Mean on an EICR?

A C2 code stands for “Potentially Dangerous”, meaning the installation could cause harm under fault conditions.

While the circuit may still operate, it doesn’t meet current safety standards and landlords are legally required to rectify C2 issues within 28 days under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.

Other codes include:

C1 – Danger present, immediate action required
C2 – Potential danger, urgent remedial action required
C3 – Improvement recommended
FI – Further investigation needed

👉 Learn more about coding and compliance in our full guide:
How to Read and Understand an EICR Report for Your London Property

Why Does a 230V Shaver Socket Need RCD Protection?

Bathrooms are classified as “special locations” under BS 7671 wiring regulations because of the higher risk of electric shock from moisture and water contact.

If a 230V shaver socket is not protected by a 30mA RCD, a fault (like moisture ingress or internal short) could cause severe injury.

Even though the socket is designed for low-current use, it’s still connected to the main electrical circuit so without RCD protection, there’s no rapid disconnection mechanism to cut the power during a fault.

Real Example From a London EICR (2025)

Observation: 230V shaver socket in bathroom not protected by 30mA RCD.
Code: C2 — Potentially dangerous.
Recommendation: Rewire to RCD-protected circuit or replace with isolating shaver unit.

This is one of the most common C2 codes we encounter across East London, especially in blocks built between the 1990s–2000s.

For more case studies, check our real inspection logs on:
👉 Our Projects

How to Fix a C2 230V Shaver Socket Fault

There are two main options depending on your bathroom setup:

Option 1️⃣ — Replace with a Low-Voltage Isolating Shaver Socket

This type uses a built-in transformer, isolating the output from the mains supply. It’s the simplest and most cost-effective fix.

Typical cost: £80–£150 (including parts and labour).

Option 2️⃣ — Upgrade Circuit with RCD Protection

If the socket is part of a bathroom or lighting circuit, the whole circuit should be upgraded with RCD or RCBO protection at the consumer unit.

Typical cost: £150–£300 depending on consumer unit type and access.

Need a quote? Visit
👉 EICR Remedial Work
for full breakdowns and examples.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Failed EICR in London?

The cost depends on the number of C2 issues found. For a shaver socket fault alone, expect around:

£80–£120 for socket replacement
£150–£300 if RCD upgrade is required
£250–£400 if combined with other bathroom circuit issues

For a full cost calculator:
👉 EICR Certificate Cost in London

Landlord Responsibilities After a Failed EICR

If your EICR shows any C1 or C2 faults, you must:

Have the issues repaired within 28 days.
Provide written confirmation to both the tenant and local authority.
Keep records for your next EICR inspection.
Ignoring these steps can lead to fines of up to £30,000.

Learn more on:
👉 EICR Certificates for Landlords in London

Why Older Properties Often Fail for This Fault

Many London flats built before 2008 used bathroom shaver sockets wired to lighting circuits without RCDs. Even though they may have worked fine for years, modern standards now classify these as unsafe.

A non-RCD socket near water = automatic C2 code in 2025 EICR testing.

If you own or manage multiple older flats, consider booking portfolio inspections:
👉 EICR Certificates for Homeowners in London

Extra Tip: How to Check if Your Bathroom Socket Has RCD Protection

Open your consumer unit (fuse board).
Look for switches labeled “RCD” or “RCBO” — or test buttons marked “T”.
Identify if your bathroom circuit is on one of those protected lines.
If unsure, an electrician can trace and label circuits during your EICR Testing in London appointment.

What Happens After Remedial Work Is Done?

Once the fault is corrected, your electrician will issue either:

An EIC (Electrical Installation Certificate) if new circuits/components were installed.
Or a MEIWC (Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate) for minor corrections.

These certificates confirm your installation is now safe and compliant with BS7671 allowing your property to officially pass EICR inspection.

Real-World Example: Before & After Fix

Stage	Condition	EICR Code	Action Taken
Before	230V socket in bathroom, no RCD protection	C2	Failed EICR
After	Socket replaced with isolating transformer type	✓ Passed	Fully compliant

See similar examples in our case studies:
👉 Our Projects

London Areas We Frequently See This Fault

Our engineers often find this issue in:

Explore our location pages:
👉 EICR East London
👉 EICR Central London

Frequently Asked Questions About C2 Faults and Shaver Sockets in EICR Reports

1️⃣ Why does my EICR say “C2 230V shaver socket not RCD protected”?

This code means your bathroom’s 230V shaver socket is not protected by a 30mA RCD. Without that protection, there’s a potential electric shock risk, especially in wet conditions. The fault must be corrected before your EICR can pass.

2️⃣ What is a C2 fault on an EICR?

A C2 code stands for “Potentially Dangerous”. It doesn’t mean your system is currently unsafe to touch, but it poses a potential hazard under fault conditions. Landlords must fix all C2 faults within 28 days of the inspection.

3️⃣ Is a 230V shaver socket allowed in a bathroom?

Yes, 230V shaver sockets are allowed if they are RCD protected or have a built-in isolation transformer. Without one of these protections, it fails under modern BS7671 regulations and gets coded as a C2.

4️⃣ Can I replace the shaver socket myself?

No. Electrical work in bathrooms is classed as “special location work” and must be carried out by a qualified electrician. DIY replacement could be unsafe and may invalidate your EICR or home insurance.

5️⃣ How much does it cost to fix a 230V shaver socket without RCD protection?

Costs vary depending on whether you’re replacing the socket or upgrading the circuit: Socket replacement: £80–£150 RCD protection upgrade: £150–£300 Your electrician will confirm after inspection.

6️⃣ Will my EICR fail if I have this issue?

Yes. Any C2 fault results in an Unsatisfactory EICR. You’ll need to complete remedial work and obtain an updated report confirming the installation is now safe.

7️⃣ What’s the difference between C1, C2, and C3 codes?

C1 – Immediate danger, must be made safe immediately C2 – Potential danger, urgent remedial action required C3 – Improvement recommended C2 faults like unprotected shaver sockets must be corrected promptly to comply with legal standards.

8️⃣ How do I know if my bathroom circuit is RCD protected?

Check your consumer unit (fuse box) RCDs have a test button marked “T” or “Test”. If your bathroom circuit isn’t connected to one, it needs an upgrade. Our engineers verify this during every EICR Testing in London .

9️⃣ How soon do landlords need to fix C2 faults?

Landlords must complete all repairs within 28 days of receiving the EICR report and provide proof of completion to both tenants and local authorities.

🔟 What certificate will I receive after fixing the issue?

After remedial work, your electrician will issue either: Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC) for small fixes, or Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) for larger upgrades. This confirms your system is safe and compliant with BS7671.

Please Submit Details Below

For your convenience, you can also fill out our online contact form below. Please provide as much detail as possible, and a member of our team will get back to you promptly.

Tags :

EICR Certificates,EICR Inspection

24/7 Emergency Service

Find answers to common questions about EICR certificates and electrical safety inspections in London. Visit our FAQ page on EICRcertificates.com for more information.