Examples of the use of Classification Codes

These observations are taken from Electrical Safety First – ‘Best Practice Guide 4’

It is entirely a matter for the competent person conducting the inspection to decide on the Classification Code to be attributed to an observation.

The inspector’s own judgement as a competent person should not be unduly influenced by the person ordering the work.

The person(s) signing the report are fully responsible for its content and accuracy.

The following examples are not exhaustive.

Category	Code	Description
Access to live parts	C1	A circuit protective device is missing from the consumer unit, and a suitable and securely fitted blanking piece is not in its place – exposed the live parts accessible to touch
Access to live parts	C1	And accessory is badly damaged – exposed live parts access accessible to touch
Access to live parts	C1	Live conductors (line and/or neutral) have no (or damaged) insulation – exposed life parts access accessible to touch
Access to live parts	C1	Terminations or connections have no (or damaged) barriers or enclosures – exposed live parts accessible to touch
Access to live parts	C1	Conductive parts have become live as a result of a fault
Polarity	C1	Incorrect priority at the origin of the installation
Earthing	C2	Absence of reliable and effective means of earthing for the installation
Earthing	C2	A metallic gas or oil pipe being used as the means of earthing for the installation
Earthing	C2	A metallic public utility water pipe being used as the means of earthing for the installation
Earthing	C2	Absence of circuit protective conductor for a circuit supplying items of class one equipment all connected to switches having metallic face plates
Earthing	C2	Absence of earthing at socket outlet
Earthing	C2	Cross-sectional area of the Earth and conductor does not satisfy adiabatic requirements (that is, does not comply with regulation 543.1.1)
Bonding	C2	Absence of effective main protective bonding of extraneous conductive parts entering the building
Bonding	C2	Inadequate cross-sectional area of a main protective bonding conductor whether conductor is less than 6 mm² or where there is evidence of thermal damage
RCD	C2	Absence of additional protection by an RCD for mobile equipment that may reasonably be expected to be used outdoors.
RCD	C2	The main RCD for the installation or voltage operated earth leakage circuit breaker on a TT system fails to operate when tested with an instrument or integral test button
Priority	C2	Incorrect polarity at final circuit, equipment or accessory
Fault/overcurrent protection	C2	Circuits with Ineffective overcurrent protection (due, for example, to oversize fuse wire and a rewardable fuse)
Fault/overcurrent protection	C2	Protective devices in line and neutral conductors (for example, double pole fusing
Fault/overcurrent protection	C2	Circuit protect protected device, or other product under a safety recall from manufacturers
Bathrooms	C2	Socket outlets other than SELV, or shaver socket outlets, located less than 2.5 mm horizontally from the boundary of zone 1 in a location containing a bath or a shower
Bathrooms	C2	Absence of supplementary bonding where required, in A location containing a bath or shower, unless all of the requirements of regulation 701.415.2 permitting omission are met
Bathrooms	C2	A source of SELV described in Regulation 414.Three (iv) installed in zones 0, 1, or 2
Installation faults	C2	And satisfactory electrical connection – conductors incorrectly inserted or located in terminals
Installation faults	C2	And satisfactory electoral connection – termination secured on Insulation
Installation faults	C2	Unsatisfactory electrical connection – type, number and/or size of conductors unsuitable for the means of connection
Installation faults	C2	A ‘Borrowed neutral ‘, for example where a single final circuit neutral is shared by two final circuits, (such as an upstairs lighting circuit and a separately – protected downstairs lighting circuit)
Installation faults	C2	A ring Final circuit having a discontinuous conductor
Installation faults	C2	Insulation of life conductors deteriorated to such an extent that the insulating material readily breaks away from the conductors
Install installation faults	C2	Insulation resistance of less than 1 M ohm between live conductors connected together and earth
Installation faults	C2	Shape of an insulated and shift non-armoured cable not taken inside the enclosure of an accessory, such as at a socket – outlet or lighting switch, where the unsheathe cores are accessible to touch and/or likely to come into contact with metal work
Installation faults	C2	Unenclosed electrical connections, such as Luminaires. (Such a fact can contribute to a fire).
Installation faults	C2	A ring final circuit cross – connected with another circuit (including live and circuit protective conductors)
Installation faults	C2	Wiring system is not adequately supported to prevent premature collapse in the event of a fire in locations where this would hinder evacuation or firefighting activities, such as communal areas forming part of an escape route
Equipment/ Accessories	C2	Mix branded switchgear components, that have not been verified by the manufacturers, within a consumer unit or distribution board where any of the following apply: · There are signs of thermal damage to component or associated connections. · The component is not securely fitted or all connections are not adequate. · Incorrect manual operation of the component. · Direction of use of toggle / switches, which is not the same as existing devices
Equipment/ Accessories	C2	Unsatisfactory functional operation of equipment where this might result in danger.
Equipment/ Accessories	C2	Electrical equipment having an input degree of Grace protection (IP rating) for the external influence is likely to occur in the location, if this results in potential danger
Equipment/ Accessories	C2	Emotion heater does not comply with BSEN 60335–2–73 (that is, it does not have a built-in cut out that will operate if the stored water temperature reaches 98° C if the thermostat fails) and the cold water storage tank is plastic
Fire/ Heat	C2	Evidence of excessive heat (such as charting from electrical equipment causing damage to the installation or its surroundings)
Fire/ Heat	C2	Fire risk from incorrectly installed electrical equipment. For example where a fire barrier is breached – (typically not in a individual dwelling.
Fire/ Heat	C2	Fire risk from lamps exceeding maximum rated wattage for the Luminaires, Or place too close to combustible material.
Supply	C3	Single – insulated cables in meter cupboard which can only be open with a key or tool
Earthing	C3	Absence of circuit protective conductors in circuits having only Class II (Or all insulated) equipment where they are unlikely to be exchanged for Class I
Bonding	C3	Main protected bonding to gas, water or other installation pipe and accessible for inspection, testing and maintenance. (Adequacy should be checked by continuity testing).
Bonding	C3	Main protective bonding to gas, water or other installation pipe – connection made to branch pipework where continuity is not assured.
RDC-DD	C3	A type A or type F RCD is used to supply a EVCP And a no RDC-DD has been installed
RCD	C3	A Type AC RCD installed where a Type A Is required
RCD	C3	Absence of additional protection by RCD for a socket outlet that is unlocked supply mobile equipment for use outdoors, does not serve a location containing a bath or shower, and the use of which is otherwise not considered by the inspect to result in potential danger
RCD	C3	Absence of additional protection by RCD for AC Final circuit supplying luminaires in domestic household premises.
RCD	C3	Absence and additional protection by RCD for cables installed at a depth of less than 50 mm from a surface of a wall or partition where the cables do not incorporate an earth metallic covering, are not enclosed in earth framework, or are not mechanically protected against penetration by now and the like.
Fault/ Over current protection	C3	Reliance on a voltage – operated earth – leakage circuit breaker for full protection, subject to the advice being proved to operate correctly
Bathrooms	C3	Absence of additional protection by RCD for circuits (other than the four socket – outlet circuits – which could warrant a code 2) of a location containing a bath or shower where satisfactory supplementary bonding is present.
Installation Faults	C3	Cables, including consumer meter tails, not adequately supported to prevent undue strain on terminations
Installation Faults	C3	Sheath of an insulated and shape non – armoured cable not taken inside the enclosure of an accessory, such as a socket outlet or lighting switch – where unsheathe cables are not accessible to touch and not likely to come into contact with metal work
Installation Faults	C3	Use of unsheathed flex for lighting pendants
Installation Faults	C3	Green/yellow insulated conductor of multicore conductor sleeved and used as a live conductor
Installation Faults	C3	Inadequate current rating where an assembly is connected to more than one source of supply and there are no signs of thermal damage to component or associated connections
Installation Faults	C3	PVC/PVC cables installed Stanley and exposed to sunlight and the elements and there are no signs of deterioration degradation of the insulation and sheath
Equipment/ Accessories	C3	Consumer unit with a lockable lead, a blank not suitably secured or durable with possible access to live parts
Equipment/ Accessories	C3	Mix branded switch gear components, that have not been verified by the manufacturers, with a consumer unit or distribution where all the following apply: · No signs of thermal damage to component or associated connections. · The enclosure/assembly hasn’t been modified. · To allow installation of the component · Component is securely fitted and all connections are adequate. · Correct manual operation of the component. · Direction of use of toggle/switches is the same as existing devices
Equipment/ Accessories	C3	Socket – outlet mounted in such a position as to result in person potential damage to socket, plug and/or flex
Fire / Heat	C3	Presence of a consumer unit or similar which Gear made from combustible material (e.g. plastic) that is not a non-combustible enclosure and which is located under a wooden staircase or within sole route of escape from the premises.
AFDD	C3	Absence of Arc fault detection device (AFDD) in: · High risk residential buildings (HRRB) · Houses in multiple occupation · Purpose-built student accommodation. · Care homes
SPD	C3	Care homes absence of surge protection device (SPD) where required by regulation 443.4.1 i-iii
EV	C3	An electric vehicle charging installation capable of charging a vehicle outside and connected to PMA require requirements of regulation 722.411.4.1 have not been met
Notices	C3	Absence of warning notices, indicating the presence of an alternative or secondary source of electricity, such as a standby generator or micro generator
Notices	C3	Absence of ‘safety electrical connection do not remove ‘warning notice at a required location
Notices	C3	Absence of appropriate identification of circuits protected by individual protected devices on consumer unit
Equipment/ Accessories	Obs	Consuming is accessible for operation, inspection, testing, full detection, maintenance and repair, but is located at height
Fire / Heat	Obs	Combustible materials stored in close proximity to the electrical intake equipment (consumer unit/meter/service head)
AFDD	Obs	Absence of our fault detection device (AFD D) other than in: · Higher risk residential buildings (HRRB) · Houses in multiple occupation · Purpose-built student accommodation. · Care homes
FA/EL	Obs	Absence of fire detection and alarm system (smoke/heat/carbon monoxide detectors et cetera)
FA/EL	Obs	The absence of an emergency lighting system in a location normally recurring such a system (for example in communal area of block of flats)
Earthing	NC only	Absence of reliable connection to a recessed metallic box of an insulated accessory, such as where there is no ‘earthing tale ‘connecting the earthing terminal of the accessories to the box, and the box does not have a fixed lug that comes into contact with an earth eyelet on the accessory
Installation Faults	NC only	Cable core colours complying with a previous edition of BS7671
Installation Faults	NC only	Installation not divided into an adequate number of circuits to minimise inconvenience for safe operation, full clearance, inspection and testing, e.g. one RCD covering the whole installation
Installation Faults	NC only	Protective conductor of a lighting circuit not (or incorrectly) terminated at the final connection point to a class II (or insulated) item of equipment, such as a switch mounting – box or Luminaire
Installation Faults	NC only	Switch lines identified as line Conductors at terminations (for example, a conductor having blue insulation is not slave brown and switches or lighting points)
Installation Faults	NC only	Under size cross – sectional area of a main Protective bonding conductor provided that the conductor is at least 6 mm² and there is no evidence of thermal damage
Installation Faults	NC only	Meter tiles exceed 3 m in length, and no overcurrent Protection has been provided on the consumer side of the installation (and maximum Zs is satisfactory
Installation Faults	NC only	Their protective conductor of an insulated and sheath cable not slave with insulation, colour-coded to indicate its function
Installation Faults	NC only	Circuit protective conductors of final circuit conductors in a consumer unit NOT arranged, or marked so that they can be identified for inspection, testing or alteration of the installation
Installation Faults	NC only	Presence of a consumer unit or similar which Gear made from combustible material (AJ plastic) that is not inside a non-combustible enclosure, and which is not located under wooden staircase, or within a sole route of escape from the premises.
Bonding	Myths	Absence of earthing and stroke or bonding to metallic sinks and baths (unless they are extraneous – conductive – parts in their own right)
Main bonding	Myths	Absence of bonding connections to boiler pipework (where the pipework is not extraneous – conductive – part in its own right)
Fault/overcurrent protection	Myths	The use of circuit – breakers to BS3871
Fault/overcurrent protection	Myths	The use of reliable fuses (where they provide adequate Circuit protection)
Bathroom bathrooms	Myths	Shave supply units Complaining with BSAN61558–2–5 installed in zone two of a location containing a bath or shower and located whether direct spray from the shower is unlikely
Installation Faults	Myths	Absence of barriers inside a consumer unit (provided the cover is removable only with the use of a key or tool)
Installation Faults	Myths	Absence of switches on socket – outlets and fuse connection units
Installation Faults	Myths	Any observation not directly related to electrical safety and hence to the suitability of the installation for continued service.

Classification codes.

Each observation relating to a concern about the safety of the installation should be attributed an appropriate classification code selected from the standard codes:

C1, C2, C3, and FI.

Each code has a particular meaning.

Code 1	‘Danger present ‘. Risk of injury. Immediate remedial action required.
Code 2	‘Potentially dangerous ‘. Urgent remedial action required.
Code 3	‘Improvement recommended ‘
Code FI	‘Further investigation required ‘

Only one of the standard classification Code should be attributed to each observation. If more than one classification could be attributed to an observation, only the most serious one identified should be used (Code 1 being the most serious). Where the inspection and testing procedures identify an item which is dangerous or potentially dangerous, it should be identified in the inspection or test results schedule of the report by contributing to it a classification Code C1, or C2. As appropriate, in the ‘outcome ‘column of the inspection schedule or, we provided the ‘remarks ‘‘: of the test schedule.

Where the inspection and testing procedures identify an item which is not dangerous or potentially dangerous, but from which improvement is recommended. It should be identified in the inspection of test results schedule of the report by attributing to its classification code C3 in the ‘outcome ‘column of the inspection schedule or where provided, the ‘remarks ‘column of the test schedule.

Where during inspection and testing and immediate danger is observed that puts the safety of those using the installation at risk, Classification Code C1 (Danger P risk present) must be given.

Where are classification code C one is considered appropriate, the client is to be advised immediately, and also in writing, that immediate remedial action is required (all has been taken) to remove the danger.

As previously indicated, this action is necessary to satisfy the duties imposed on the inspector and other duty holders by the health and safety at work act 1974 and the electricity work regulations 1989.

Where an item in the inspection or test results schedule has been attributed to Classification Code C1, C2, C3, or FI, there should be a corresponding observation in the ‘observations ‘section of the report.

Are the terminology used:

Observations (obs)	NC only	Myths
Items worthy of note, that are not non—compliance is with BS7671, but which do not warrant a classification code	A noun – conformity with BS7671 which does not give rise to danger and wear improvement is not recommended and is not required to be recorded on an EICR	Items that are non—compliance is with BS761 and do not require reporting

In general term, the classification codes should be used as follows:

Code C1 – Danger present risk of injury (immediate remedial action required)

This code should be used to indicate that danger exist, requiring immediate remedial action.

The persons using the installation are at immediate risk.

The person ordering the report should be advised to take action without delay to remedy the observed inadequacy in the installation, or to take other appropriate action (such as switching off and isolating the affected parts of the installation) to remove the danger.

The inspector should not wait for the full report to be issued before giving this advice.

As previously indicated, sunset certification, registration and membership bodies make available ‘dangerous condition notifications ‘forms to enable inspectors to record, and then to communicate immediately to the person ordering the report, any dangerous condition discovered.

Code C2 – potentially dangerous (urgent remedial action required)

This code should be used to indicate that, whilst an observed inadequacy is not considered to be dangerous at the time of the inspection, it would become an immediate danger if a fault or other foreseeable event was to occur in the installation, all connected equipment.

The person ordering the report should be advised that, whilst the safety of those using the installation may not be immediate risk, remedial action should be taken as a matter of urgency to remove the source of potential danger.

Code C3 – improvement recommended.

This code should be used to indicate that, whilst an observed inadequacy is not considered to be a source of immediate of potential danger, improvement would contribute to an enhancement of the safety of the electrical installation.

FI – Further investigation required without delay.

In a domestic or similar installation, it should be January be possible to attribute and classification code to each observation without the need for further investigation.

No examples of FI codes applicable for domestic and similar installation are given in this guide.

The purpose of a Periodic Inspection, as previously stated is not to carry out as a Fault finding exercise, but to assess and report on the condition of an installation with the great extent and limitations of the inspection.

Therefore, where an observation can be attributed to a classification code, further investigation would not be required for the purpose of completing the condition report.

Further investigation should be called for in respect of any observation that would reasonably they expected to reveal danger or potential danger.

Further investigation should not be called for simply because it would be ‘nice to know ‘– for example, why a socket-outlet is unearthed.

If an observation cannot be observed a classification code due to reasonable doubt as to whether danger or potential danger exists, the outcome of the assessment must be reported to be unsatisfactory.

The person ordering the report should be advised that the inspection and/or testing has revealed a potential safety issue which could not, due to the agreed extent or limitations of the inspection, be fully determined, and that the issue should be investigated as soon as possible.

These Notes are taken from Electrical Safety First - ‘Best Practice Guide 4’

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