EICR Failed Due to Incorrect Circuit Labelling in London
No SPD on My EICR Report? Here’s What It Means (2025/2026 London Guide)
22 October 2025
EICR Faults & Failures
No SPD on My EICR Report? Here’s What It Means
If your recent EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) mentions “No SPD fitted” or “C3 – Improvement Recommended,” don’t panic your certificate hasn’t failed.
In this guide, our London-based NICEIC electricians explain exactly what an SPD (Surge Protection Device) does, why it’s listed on modern EICRs, and when it actually matters for landlords and homeowners.
🔍 What Is an SPD in an EICR?
An SPD is a small protective module installed inside your consumer unit (fuse board).
Its role is to protect your electrical system and equipment from dangerous voltage surges caused by:
- Lightning strikes on the power network
- Sudden grid switching or transformer faults
- Internal surges from large appliances (fridges, washing machines, chargers)
Without an SPD, these voltage spikes can shorten appliance life or, in extreme cases, damage wiring insulation.
📎 Related reading:
👉 EICR Services in London
👉 EICR Certificate Cost
⚙️ What Does “No SPD on EICR” Mean?
During an EICR inspection, the electrician checks whether a surge protection device is present and correctly connected.
If none is found, it is noted as:
Observation: No SPD installed – C3 Improvement Recommended
✅ C3 Means “Pass with Advice”
A C3 observation does not fail the report.
It simply means your electrical installation could be improved to meet BS 7671:2018 +A2:2022 (18th Edition Regulations).
Your EICR will still be issued as Satisfactory, but the upgrade is recommended.
📘 What Are EICR Codes (C1 – C3 + FI)?
| Code | Meaning | EICR Result |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Danger Present – Immediate Risk | Fail |
| C2 | Potentially Dangerous | Fail |
| C3 | Improvement Recommended | ✅ Pass |
| FI | Further Investigation Required | ⚠️ Pending |
🧾 Read next: Remedial Work for Failed EICR Certificates
⚡ Why SPDs Are Becoming Standard in 2025/2026
Since the 18th Edition A2:2022, surge protection has become a default design consideration for all new consumer units.
Electricians must install an SPD unless a documented risk assessment proves it unnecessary.
SPDs are now common because they:
- Protect valuable electronics and smart-home devices
- Prevent nuisance tripping and data loss
- Reduce insurance claims after lightning damage
- Future-proof the installation for 2025+ safety standards
🏠 Is It Illegal to Have No SPD in Your Property?
No there is no legal requirement to retrofit an SPD in existing domestic properties.
However, landlords must ensure electrical safety equivalent to modern standards under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.
For landlords, adding an SPD demonstrates due diligence and can prevent a later C2 re-classification when your next inspection is due.
💰 How Much Does It Cost to Install an SPD in London?
| Type of Work | Average Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Add SPD module to existing metal consumer unit | £90 – £130 | Quick upgrade if compatible |
| Replace consumer unit (includes SPD + RCD protection) | £400 – £600 | Recommended for older boards |
| New SPD installation in commercial property | £120 – £250 per board | Depends on distribution size |
💡 Combine this upgrade with other remedials (bonding, RCDs, AFDDs) to save labour and testing costs.
📎 Related: EICR Certificate Cost in London
🧰 How Electricians Check SPDs During an EICR
During the test, your engineer will:
- Inspect the consumer unit visually for SPD presence.
- Confirm it’s correctly rated (Type 1, 2 or 3) and connected to earth.
- Verify indication light = green (operational).
- Record “SPD present” or “No SPD – C3 recommended.”
🔧 We include this as part of every EICR Inspection in London.
🧩 Real-World Example from a London EICR
Observation Code: C3 – No SPD fitted at consumer unit. Improvement recommended to protect equipment from overvoltage surges.
This is one of the most frequent non-critical comments our team records across Central, East and South London properties.
🧠 Should You Upgrade Now or Wait?
Upgrade now if:
- Your board is older than 10 years
- You’re planning remedial work anyway
- The property contains expensive electronics
- You manage HMOs or commercial spaces
Otherwise, it’s fine to plan it for your next scheduled maintenance.
📚 SPD and the 18th Edition Regulations (BS 7671 A2:2022)
Regulation 443.4 requires SPD protection when the consequence of a surge could result in:
- Serious injury or loss of life
- Interruption of safety services
- Significant financial or data loss
That’s why almost all new installations now include them by default.
🏢 When No SPD Can Become a C2 (Fail)
Although “No SPD” is normally a C3, some environments make it C2 – Potentially Dangerous, such as:
- Fire alarm or emergency lighting circuits
- Data centres and server rooms
- Hospitals or care facilities
- Large commercial plants
If your site falls into these categories, your EICR will be Unsatisfactory until surge protection is installed.
🔋 AFDD vs SPD – What’s the Difference?
Many clients confuse AFDDs (Arc Fault Detection Devices) with SPDs.
AFDDs prevent electrical fires from arc faults, while SPDs protect against voltage spikes.
Both are optional improvements for most domestic systems but strongly advised for safety.
📎 Related: Is No AFDD a Fail on an EICR?
🧾 What Your EICR Report Might Say
C3 – No surge protection device fitted at consumer unit. Recommendation: Install SPD in accordance with BS 7671 Reg 443.4 for improved protection against overvoltage surges.
This language reassures insurers and tenants that the system is safe, with optional improvements suggested.
🛠️ Combining SPD with Other EICR Upgrades
If your EICR also listed:
- No RCD protection
- Missing bonding to gas/water
- Old plastic consumer unit
…then upgrading the consumer unit with an integrated SPD, RCDs, and metal enclosure is the smartest, most cost effective route.
💬 Expert Advice from London Electricians
“No SPD on your EICR isn’t a reason to worry it just shows your system was installed before surge protection became standard.
But fitting one today protects everything from chargers to servers for a fraction of the cost of damage.”
— London EICR Certificates Team
🧾 Summary Checklist
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does No SPD fail an EICR? | ❌ No, it’s a C3 (Improvement Recommended). |
| Will my certificate be Satisfactory? | ✅ Yes. |
| Should I install one anyway? | 👍 Yes – for better protection and compliance. |
| How much does it cost? | 💷 £90 – £150 domestic average. |
| Who can install SPDs in London? | ⚡ NICEIC-approved electricians from London EICR Certificates. |
It’s Not a Fail But It’s a Smart Upgrade
If your report lists “No SPD – C3”, rest assured your electrical system is safe and compliant.
But adding surge protection today means fewer risks, fewer callouts, and future-ready compliance for 2025 and beyond.
🔧 Book a professional EICR inspection or SPD upgrade today:
👉 Book Online Now
👉 Contact Our London EICR Team
🧠 FAQs for No SPD on My EICR Report
1️⃣ What does “No SPD” mean on my EICR report?
It means your consumer unit doesn’t have a surge protection device installed. It’s not dangerous, but your electrician recommends upgrading it to meet the latest BS7671 wiring regulations.
2️⃣ Is “No SPD” a fail on an EICR certificate?
No “No SPD” is recorded as a C3 (Improvement Recommended) observation. Your report still passes as Satisfactory, but fitting one improves safety and compliance.
3️⃣ What is the purpose of an SPD in an electrical installation?
An SPD protects your electrical circuits and appliances from voltage surges caused by lightning strikes, power grid issues, or large appliances switching on and off. It helps prevent costly damage and electrical fires.
4️⃣ How much does it cost to install an SPD in London?
Installing an SPD usually costs £90 to £150, depending on your fuse board type. If you upgrade your entire consumer unit, the cost typically ranges from £400 to £600 and includes built-in SPD protection.
5️⃣ Is it mandatory to have an SPD in domestic properties?
It’s not mandatory in older homes, but all new or rewired installations under BS7671 (18th Edition A2:2022) must include SPD protection by default. For landlords, adding one shows compliance and due diligence.
6️⃣ Can my property still pass an EICR without an SPD?
Yes you’ll still receive a Satisfactory certificate as long as there are no C1 or C2 issues. “No SPD” doesn’t cause a fail; it’s just a safety recommendation.
7️⃣ How do I know if my fuse board already has an SPD?
Look for a small rectangular module near your circuit breakers, often labelled “SPD” or “Surge Protection Device.” It usually has a green indicator light when working correctly.
8️⃣ Should landlords install SPDs even if they’re optional?
Yes. It’s a smart investment for landlords because SPDs prevent surge damage to tenants’ appliances and reduce future EICR repair costs. It also shows compliance with Electrical Safety Standards 2020.
9️⃣ What happens if I ignore the C3 “No SPD” observation?
Nothing immediately your report remains valid. However, during your next inspection, not upgrading could result in more C3 notes or potentially a C2 if regulations tighten.
🔟 Who can install an SPD in London?
Only a qualified, NICEIC-approved electrician should fit or test an SPD. You can book certified professionals directly through our book now page.
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