Is No RCD a Fail on an EICR? Full Guide for Landlords and Homeowners

EICR Certificate

10 October 2025

EICR Certificates,Electrical Installation

🧠 Is No RCD a Fail on an EICR? Full 2025 Guide for Landlords and Homeowners

When your property’s Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) comes back with the note “No RCD protection,” it can raise serious concerns. But does that automatically mean your property has failed its inspection?

The answer is not always.

In this comprehensive guide, our team at London EICR Certificates explains what an RCD is, when it’s required, and how it affects your EICR results. Whether you’re a landlord, homeowner, or managing agent, understanding RCD compliance is key to keeping your London property safe and legally covered.

⚡ What Is an RCD and Why Does It Matter?

RCD stands for Residual Current Device a critical piece of electrical safety equipment that disconnects the circuit if it detects an imbalance in current, protecting people from electric shocks and preventing potential electrical fires.

Modern consumer units (fuse boxes) in London homes should include RCD protection for key circuits, especially those serving:

Bathrooms and kitchens
Outdoor sockets and garden electrics
Sockets likely to supply outdoor equipment
Portable electrical appliances

Without an RCD, even a small electrical fault can become dangerous. That’s why its presence is checked during every EICR inspection.

🧾 What Do the BS 7671 Wiring Regulations Say About RCDs?

The 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671:2018 + A2:2022) set clear rules about where RCD protection must be installed.

Some older installations particularly pre-2008 may still be safe, even without RCDs, but they won’t meet current standards.

During an EICR, your electrician will inspect each circuit and apply observation codes depending on the risk level.

🧩 EICR Observation Codes Explained (C1, C2, C3, FI)

Every EICR report includes codes that show the level of safety concern:

Code	Meaning	Action Required
C1	Danger present	Immediate action required (FAIL)
C2	Potentially dangerous	Urgent remedial work needed (FAIL)
C3	Improvement recommended	Not a fail, but upgrade advised
FI	Further investigation required	More testing needed

💡 So, is “No RCD” a fail?

Not necessarily.

No RCD on socket circuits = usually a C3 (recommended upgrade)
No RCD on bathroom or outdoor circuits = can be C2 (fail)
No RCD and exposed earthing faults = could be C1 (dangerous)

It all depends on the specific risk and use of each circuit.

🏠 Common Scenarios in London Properties

🧱 1. Older Consumer Units

Many London flats and houses still have fuse-based consumer units with no RCD protection.
These often receive a C3, meaning the system is safe to use but not compliant with modern regulations.

🚿 2. Bathroom Circuits Without RCD

If lighting or socket circuits in a bathroom lack RCD protection, it’s a C2 automatic fail. Bathrooms are high-risk environments where the electric shock risk is highest.

🌳 3. Outdoor Sockets or Garden Lighting

Circuits supplying outdoor sockets, EV chargers, or garden lights must have RCDs. Missing one here = C2 fail under BS 7671.

⚙️ 4. Commercial Units

In Commercial EICR Certificates, absence of RCD protection can lead to stricter coding due to higher public risk or business interruption potential.

🔍 How Your EICR Engineer Determines RCD Failures

A certified electrician doesn’t just check for an RCD they test how it performs. During inspection, your engineer will:

Check for the presence of RCD/RCBO protection.
Perform a trip time test to confirm correct operation.
Note if any essential circuits (bathroom, outdoor) lack RCD coverage.
Assign the appropriate observation code (C1, C2, C3).
Recommend remedial upgrades where needed.

You can book certified engineers directly through our EICR Services page.

💰 Cost of Upgrading an RCD or Consumer Unit in London

Upgrading your fuse box to a modern RCD-protected RCBO consumer unit usually costs between £300 – £550, depending on property size and accessibility.

For landlords managing multiple units, bulk EICR + remedial packages can reduce overall costs. Check our EICR Certificate Cost page for transparent pricing.

If your EICR failed due to missing RCDs, we can handle all EICR Remedial Work from RCD installation to consumer unit replacement.

🧰 What Happens After a Failed EICR (Due to No RCD)?

If your property’s EICR fails (C1 or C2), it must be rectified within 28 days under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.

Once remedial work is complete, we’ll issue an updated report confirming the property now meets safety standards.

Landlords can learn more about their obligations here:

👉 EICR Certificates for Landlords in London

🧠 Why Many London Properties Still Lack RCD Protection

Thousands of older homes and rental properties in London were built before RCDs became mandatory. Many landlords assume their systems are still compliant, but under current legislation, electrical safety inspections are now stricter than ever.

Modern RCD protection is not only about compliance, it’s about tenant safety and insurance validity.

🏢 RCDs in Commercial EICRs

In commercial or industrial properties, the absence of RCDs can pose greater risks.
These environments often involve:

Heavy machinery or kitchen equipment
Outdoor lighting systems
Public access areas

A Commercial EICR Certificate ensures your business remains compliant, prevents downtime, and keeps insurance valid.

👉 Learn more on our Commercial EICR page.

⚙️ How to Upgrade to Modern RCD Protection

If your report shows “No RCD,” our engineers can:
Install RCDs or RCBOs into your current consumer unit
Replace old boards entirely
Perform remedial work for failed EICRs
Issue a new certificate upon completion

All work is carried out by NICEIC-approved electricians, ensuring your property is safe, certified, and compliant.

📊 Example EICR Scenario: London Flat Fails for No RCD

A recent inspection in Battersea showed:

2 socket circuits without RCDs
Bathroom light circuit unprotected
No RCD main switch

Result: C2 – Fail

Remedy: Installed new RCD-protected RCBO unit for £480, passed re-test same day.
Now compliant under 18th Edition Regulations.

👉 You can read more real-life examples in our Projects section.

🧭 How Often Should You Have an EICR Done?

According to regulations:

Landlords: Every 5 years or at change of tenancy
Homeowners: Every 10 years
Commercial properties: Every 3–5 years, depending on usage

You can find more in-depth advice in our guide

👉How to Read and Understand an EICR Report

💬 Final Thoughts

“No RCD” doesn’t always mean your EICR has failed — but it’s a clear sign your system needs improvement.

If your report shows missing RCD protection, act early. Upgrading not only ensures compliance but also protects lives and property.

At London EICR Certificates, we provide:

Transparent pricing
Fast 24–48 hour turnaround
NICEIC-certified electricians
Full remedial service and certification

Stay compliant. Stay safe.
Book your inspection today, it only takes 60 seconds.

RCD & EICR Compliance Frequently Asked Questions (2025 Guide)

❓1. Is no RCD always a fail on an EICR?

Not always. If your consumer unit has no RCD protection, it doesn’t automatically mean a failed EICR. In most cases, the electrician will issue a C3 observation, which means improvement is recommended but not an immediate fail. However, if circuits supply bathrooms, outdoor sockets, or other high-risk areas, the absence of RCD protection can lead to a C2 fail.

❓2. What is an RCD and why is it important?

An RCD (Residual Current Device) is a life-saving component that quickly disconnects electricity when it detects a fault. It protects against electric shock and fire hazards, especially in wet or outdoor environments. Without an RCD, a single fault could result in serious injury or property damage.

❓3. How can I tell if my consumer unit has RCD protection?

You can usually spot an RCD by checking your fuse box or consumer unit. RCD switches often have a small “Test” or “T” button. If you can’t find one, your system likely lacks RCD protection. Our engineers can confirm this during your EICR inspection.

❓4. What EICR code do you get for no RCD?

The observation code depends on the risk: C3 – Improvement recommended (not fail) for general circuits. C2 – Potentially dangerous (fail) if RCD is missing on bathroom, outdoor, or socket circuits that may be used outside. C1 – Immediate danger (fail) if live parts are exposed.

❓5. Can I rent out my property without RCD protection?

Yes, but only if your EICR report shows no C1 or C2 codes. If missing RCDs lead to a C2 fail, you must complete EICR remedial work within 28 days to stay compliant with the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.

❓6. How much does it cost to add RCD protection in London?

Upgrading to RCD or RCBO protection typically costs between £300 and £550, depending on your consumer unit and property size. For commercial buildings or full rewires, costs can be higher. Visit our EICR Certificate Cost page for detailed pricing.

❓7. What’s the difference between an RCD and an RCBO?

An RCD protects multiple circuits at once, while an RCBO combines RCD and circuit breaker functions for individual circuits. Modern installations often use RCBOs for better fault isolation they’re more reliable, safer, and make future inspections simpler.

❓8. Can I fail an EICR for having an old fuse box?

Having an older fuse-based consumer unit doesn’t automatically mean failure. If it’s in good condition and tests safe, it might just receive a C3 code. However, fuse boxes without RCD protection are outdated and should be replaced to meet modern EICR standards.

❓9. Do commercial properties need RCD protection too?

Yes. Commercial properties also require RCDs in circuits where equipment could pose a shock risk or serve outdoor sockets. During a Commercial EICR Certificate inspection, missing RCDs may trigger a C2 fail if staff or the public are exposed to potential danger.

❓10. How do I fix a failed EICR due to no RCD?

If your EICR failed because of missing RCD protection, you’ll need to upgrade your consumer unit or install RCD/RCBO devices. Once completed, a follow-up inspection confirms compliance. Book your inspection with London EICR Certificates to get certified quickly.

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