Who Is Responsible for the EICR: Landlord or Tenant? London Guide
EICR Failed: Damaged Consumer Unit Cover or Missing Blanks (C2)
20 November 2025
EICR Faults & Failures
Damaged Consumer Unit Cover or Missing Blanks
A Complete 2025 Guide for London Landlords and Homeowners
If your EICR just failed because of a damaged consumer unit cover, missing screws, or missing blanks, don’t worry, this is one of the most common C2 failures we see across London properties. The good news: this issue is usually quick to repair, affordable, and a straightforward fix for a qualified electrician.
But here’s the real issue:
A damaged consumer unit or exposed live parts can be dangerous, and until the C2 fault is resolved, your electrical installation cannot be marked as satisfactory.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know, including:
- What this C2 fault means
- Why your EICR failed
- How dangerous it is
- How electricians fix it
- Typical remedial costs in London
- How fast it can be repaired
- How to book certified remedial work
- Real-world examples from London inspections
- FAQs that landlords always ask
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What Does “Damaged Consumer Unit Cover or Missing Blanks (C2)” Actually Mean?
During an EICR, the electrician inspects the consumer unit (fuse box) for any signs of physical damage or missing components. If any part of the enclosure leaves live components accessible, the installation is classed as C2 — Potentially Dangerous.
Common reasons:
1. Missing Blanks
Where MCBs/RCBOs should be, someone removed a device and didn’t fill the gap with a blanking plate.
This leaves direct access to live busbars a serious shock risk.
2. Damaged or Cracked Cover
Sometimes the cover is cracked, bent, or doesn’t close properly, exposing internal wiring.
3. Missing Screws / Loose Cover
If the screws that secure the lid are missing or loose, the cover can slip, creating gaps.
4. Warped Plastic or Heat Damage
Older or cheaper boards may warp over time, leaving openings.
Anything that exposes live parts = automatic C2 fail.
Why This Causes an EICR Failure
The consumer unit is basically the “heart” of your electrical system.
If anything inside becomes exposed:
- Someone could accidentally touch live components
- A child could poke through the gap
- Dust/moisture can enter and cause faults
- Sparks could escape, increasing fire risk
London landlords must meet The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations 2020, meaning:
A C2 = FAIL
You legally must fix the fault to get a satisfactory EICR report.
Is This C2 Dangerous? (Yes — Here’s Why)
A lot of landlords underestimate this C2 because it “looks small”.
But here’s the truth:
- Live metal parts can be exposed
- Circuit breakers connect directly to the live busbar
- A small gap = big shock risk
- A cracked cover can let debris in and cause overheating or arcing
- This is a fire hazard
Even if the electrical system functions, the safety is compromised.
This is why NICEIC, NAPIT, and BS 7671 all classify exposed live parts as a C2.
How Electricians Fix a Damaged Consumer Unit Cover or Missing Blanks (C2)
Fixing this usually involves:
1. Installing New Blanking Plates
Fastest fix.
Electrician installs proper manufacturer blanks or universal blanks.
2. Replacing Missing Screws or Securing the Cover
Simple but essential.
3. Replacing the Entire Cover (If Damaged)
If the cover is cracked, melted, or warped — it must be swapped.
4. In Some Cases: Replacing the Whole Consumer Unit
Only if the board is:
- Obsolete
- Brittle
- Missing parts no longer manufactured
- Unsafe by design
Many old plastic boards fall into this category.
Typical Cost to Fix This EICR Failure in London (2025)
Here’s what London customers usually pay:
Minor Fix (blanks + screws)
£85 – £180
Moderate Repair (new cover or parts)
£120 – £250
Full Consumer Unit Replacement
£380 – £650 for small boards
£580 – £980 for larger RCBO boards with SPD
If your board is obsolete, replacing it may actually be the safest and cheapest long-term option.
Check Our Price Calculator:
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How Fast Can This C2 Fault Be Repaired?
At London EICR Certificates, we normally repair this:
⚡ Same-day (if parts available)
⚡ Next-day (most common)
⚡ Within 24–48 hours for full fuse board replacements
This is one of the quickest EICR failures to fix
Book instantly here:
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Do You Need a New EICR After the Repair?
No, not always.
If WE carry out the remedial work, we can usually issue:
✔ Remedial Work Certificate
✔ Satisfactory EICR Certificate
Without needing a full re-test.
If the EICR was done by another company, we can still inspect the repaired area and issue certification.
More info here:
👉 EICR Remedial Work
Real Examples From London EICR Jobs
Here are real scenarios where customers failed their EICR because of this exact C2:
Case 1 – Battersea SW11
Estate agent used the flat for 10 years with missing blanks. New tenant → EICR → instant C2.
Fix cost: £95
Case 2 – Kensington W8
Old Hager board with cracked lid. Completely obsolete.
Solution: new RCBO fuse board with SPD.
Fix cost: £689
Case 3 – Shoreditch E1
DIY work removed a breaker and left hole open. Exposed busbar.
Fix cost: £140
These are extremely common across London.
How to Prevent This C2 in the Future
✔ Never remove unused breakers
✔ Use manufacturer-approved blanks
✔ Don’t allow DIYers to work on your fuse box
✔ Replace plastic boards older than 20 years
✔ Install a modern metal consumer unit with SPD and RCBOs
A modern board massively reduces your chance of future failures.
When Should You Replace Your Consumer Unit Entirely?
You SHOULD consider a full replacement if:
- It’s plastic and damaged
- It’s from 1980s–2000s
- It’s missing multiple parts
- There’s heat damage
- Manufacturer is discontinued
- No RCD protection (common C2)
- Labels are incorrect (C2/C3)
A new board also improves rental compliance instantly.
1. Why did my EICR fail because of missing blanks in the consumer unit?
Your EICR failed because missing blanks leave gaps that expose live electrical parts. This is classed as a C2 fault, meaning the installation is potentially dangerous and must be repaired before the report can be marked satisfactory.
2. Are missing blanks in the fuse box a serious issue?
Yes. Missing blanks expose the live busbar or terminals behind them. This creates a risk of electric shock, sparks, overheating, and accidental contact, making it a C2 fail under BS 7671 and EICR guidelines.
3. How quickly should I fix a C2 fault on my EICR?
C2 faults should be fixed as soon as possible. For landlords in London, the law requires that all urgent defects are repaired promptly to meet the Electrical Safety Standards regulations.
4. Can missing screws or loose covers really cause an EICR failure?
Absolutely. Missing screws or loose covers can create small gaps that expose live components. Even a few millimetres of exposure is enough to fail the EICR.
5. How much does it cost to fix missing blanks or a damaged consumer unit cover?
Repairs usually range from £85 to £250, depending on whether you need blanks, screws, a new cover, or minor adjustments. Full consumer unit replacement is more expensive but only needed if the board is obsolete or severely damaged.
6. Do I need a full consumer unit replacement if the cover is damaged?
Not always. If only the cover is damaged, the electrician can often replace the lid or fit new blanks and screws. A full replacement is recommended only when the board is old, unsafe, or parts are no longer manufactured.
7. Will I need a new EICR after repairing this C2 issue?
If the same company that did your EICR completes the remedial work, they can usually issue a remedial certificate and a satisfactory report without needing a full re-test. If a different company did it, they may need to reinspect the corrected area.
8. Can I fix missing consumer unit blanks myself?
No. Anything involving a fuse box or consumer unit must be carried out by a qualified electrician. Incorrect installation can create serious shock and fire hazards.
9. Why do consumer unit blanks go missing in the first place?
Blanks usually go missing after DIY work, previous electricians removing circuits, or old boards where parts were never replaced. It’s extremely common in older London flats where multiple electricians worked on the system over the years.
10. How do I book remedial work to fix this C2 fault?
You can book remedial work instantly through our online system. We offer same-day and next-day repairs across London.
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EICR Certificates,EICR Inspection
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