EICR Failed Due to Incorrect Circuit Labelling in London
FI Meaning in an EICR Report: What It Really Means and How to Fix IT
5 November 2025
EICR Faults & Failures
FI Code in your EICR Report? We will explain to you what it really means
When your Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) includes the code “FI”, it can be confusing and even worrying. Does it mean your property failed? Can tenants stay in the building? And what happens next?
In this guide, our certified London electricians explain exactly what FI means, why it appears on your report, how it affects compliance for landlords and homeowners, and how to fix or clear the FI observation quickly and safely.
What Does FI Mean in an EICR Report?
FI stands for “Further Investigation”.
It means the electrical inspector found something that could not be verified during the initial inspection and needs additional testing or investigation before they can confirm whether it’s safe or not.
In short FI is a warning, not an immediate fail, but it means your report is incomplete until the investigation is carried out.
Is “FI” a Fail on an EICR?
Not exactly but it prevents your EICR from being marked as satisfactory.
The overall outcome of your EICR will remain “Unsatisfactory” until all FI issues are resolved and re-tested.
So while FI isn’t a direct “fail code” like C1 (Danger Present) or C2 (Potentially Dangerous), it still means you’re not compliant with electrical safety regulations until you take action.
👉 Landlords should treat FI codes seriously as you cannot legally issue a “satisfactory” EICR certificate for a rental property until all investigations are completed.
How to Fix an FI Code on Your EICR
The process is simple but must be done by a qualified electrician:
- Book an FI investigation visit this may take 1–2 hours depending on access and complexity.
- The electrician will open the relevant circuits or connections identified in the report.
- They’ll perform additional insulation resistance and continuity tests.
- Once resolved, a remedial or re-test certificate is issued.
- The FI item is replaced by an appropriate outcome: C1, C2, C3, or No Code (Pass).
Need Help Fixing Your FI Code?
You can book a fast investigation and re-test directly with our qualified engineers:
👉 EICR Remedial Work – Book Now
Our team covers all areas of London, with same-week appointments available for landlords and homeowners.
Example: FI Due to Missing Bonding
Let’s look at a real London example.
During an inspection of a 2-bedroom flat in Islington, the engineer noted that the gas bonding was not visible. Because the pipe ran behind fitted cupboards, they couldn’t verify the bonding connection.
Instead of guessing, they marked the issue as FI – Further Investigation.
At the follow-up appointment, the bonding was checked, found to be present but loose, and tightened. The result was updated to C3 – Improvement Recommended, allowing the property to pass.
For a full cost calculator:
👉 EICR Certificate Cost in London
Understanding EICR Codes (C1, C2, C3, FI)
| Code | Meaning | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Danger Present | Immediate disconnection or repair |
| C2 | Potentially Dangerous | Urgent remedial work required |
| C3 | Improvement Recommended | Not dangerous, but should be improved |
| FI | Further Investigation | Needs additional checks before classification |
How Long Do You Have to Fix an FI Code?
There’s no fixed legal timeframe, but if you’re a landlord, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require you to:
- Complete all necessary investigations and repairs within 28 days, or sooner if specified.
- Provide written confirmation to your tenants and local authority once the issues are resolved.
Delays can result in fines of up to £30,000, so acting quickly is crucial.
If you own or manage multiple older flats, consider booking portfolio inspections:
👉 EICR Certificates for Homeowners in London
How Much Does It Cost to Fix an FI on an EICR?
The cost depends on what needs investigating.
Typical FI investigation and remedial visit prices in London:
| Type of Issue | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| FI due to missing bonding | £80–£120 |
| FI due to insulation resistance | £90–£140 |
| FI due to inaccessible circuit | £120–£180 |
| Full re-test after FI works | £70–£100 |
To get an accurate quote, you can use our simple calculator:
👉 EICR Certificate Cost in London
Common Causes of FI in London Properties
London’s housing stock includes many older buildings with modified or outdated wiring.
Common causes include:
- Old fuse boards with no RCD protection
- Extensions or loft conversions wired separately
- Hidden junction boxes behind plaster or kitchen units
- Tenant-installed fixtures not compliant with safety standards
- Lack of earth continuity due to older connections
When inspectors can’t safely access or confirm these, FI codes are used to flag uncertainty.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore FI Codes
Ignoring FI codes can have serious safety implications what looks like a minor note could hide a potential fire or shock risk.
For landlords, ignoring FI items could also mean:
- Failing your insurance obligations
- Invalidating your tenancy under electrical safety laws
- Facing £30,000 penalties for non-compliance
Recommended Next Step
Book a remedial and re-test inspection to close all FI items and get your report updated to “Satisfactory.”
FI Code vs. C2 Code: What’s the Difference?
- C2 = Potentially Dangerous, requires urgent repair.
- FI = Unknown safety status, needs more checks.
- If an FI is not resolved, it could turn into a C2 after investigation meaning your installation has a real risk of danger.
That’s why it’s always best to treat FI as a priority and get professional confirmation.
FI Meaning in EICR Reports – Expert Answers from Certified London Electricians
1️⃣ What does “FI” mean in an EICR report?
“FI” stands for Further Investigation. It’s used when an electrician cannot verify the safety of a circuit or component during testing. It means the issue must be checked again in more detail before the installation can be marked safe or satisfactory.
2️⃣ Is “FI” on my EICR report a fail?
Yes indirectly. A report containing any FI observation cannot be classed as satisfactory until the further investigation has been completed and the issue is re-tested. Once resolved, your electrician will update the report outcome.
3️⃣ How long do I have to fix an FI issue on my EICR?
Landlords must resolve all FI-related issues within 28 days under the Electrical Safety Standards Regulations 2020. Homeowners are not legally bound by a deadline, but it’s still recommended to complete investigations promptly for safety.
4️⃣ What happens if I ignore an FI code?
Ignoring an FI means leaving your property electrically non-compliant. The unknown fault could hide a serious danger, and landlords risk fines up to £30,000. Always schedule a remedial inspection to confirm safety.
5️⃣ How much does it cost to fix an FI on an EICR in London?
Typical FI investigation costs range from £80–£180, depending on access and circuit type. For a precise price, see our EICR Certificate Cost page or request a tailored remedial quote.
6️⃣ Who can carry out FI remedial work?
Only a qualified and registered electrician (such as an NICEIC or NAPIT-approved contractor) can carry out FI investigations and issue a valid updated certificate.
7️⃣ What are the differences between C1, C2, C3 and FI codes in an EICR?
C1: Immediate danger, must be fixed urgently.
C2: Potentially dangerous, remedial work required.
C3: Improvement recommended, not unsafe.
FI: Needs more tests to confirm safety. You can learn more about these codes in our EICR Services Guide.
8️⃣ Can tenants stay in a property with an FI code?
Yes, but the landlord must book an investigation quickly. FI means the installation’s safety can’t be confirmed until the issue is resolved, so it shouldn’t be left unresolved for long.
9️⃣ What’s the most common cause of FI codes in London properties?
The most frequent causes include inaccessible bonding points, low insulation readings, and modified wiring in older buildings. London flats with mixed wiring colours or old fuse boards are particularly prone to FI results.
🔟 How do I get my EICR updated after FI remedial work?
Once your electrician completes the further investigation and confirms safety, they’ll issue either a revised EICR report or a remedial completion certificate, marking your property as Satisfactory.
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EICR Certificates,EICR Inspection
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