No RCD protection is not automatically a C2 on an EICR. The code depends on the circuit, its location, how it may be used and whether other protective measures are present.
A lack of RCD protection may normally receive:
- C2 – Potentially Dangerous where the missing protection creates a significant electric-shock risk, such as a socket likely to supply equipment outdoors.
- C3 – Improvement Recommended for some domestic lighting circuits or sockets that are unlikely to supply outdoor equipment and are not otherwise considered potentially dangerous.
The electrician must assess the actual installation rather than applying one code to every circuit without an RCD. Electrical Safety First’s EICR guidance gives different example codes for sockets, lighting circuits, bathrooms and outdoor equipment.
Last Updated: 2026
Reviewed By: London Safety Certificate Compliance Team
Key Takeaways
- “No RCD” in an EICR often results in a C2 code, indicating an immediate risk due to a lack of fault protection.
- C3 codes may be assigned if RCD absence is advised for improvement but not deemed immediately dangerous.
- EICR assessors must justify any deviations from standard RCD requirements based on specific installation conditions and risks.
- The absence of RCDs primarily affects circuits in high-risk areas like bathrooms or outdoors, influencing the severity of the EICR code.
- Compliance with updated safety standards is crucial, as failure to install RCDs can result in non-compliance and potential safety hazards.
Table of Contents
Quick Answer: No RCD Protection C2 or C3
| Situation found during the EICR | Typical code | General reason |
|---|---|---|
| Socket likely to supply portable or mobile equipment outdoors | C2 | Increased electric-shock risk |
| Socket unlikely to supply outdoor equipment, not in a bathroom and not otherwise dangerous | C3 | Improved protection is recommended |
| Domestic AC lighting circuit without additional RCD protection | C3 | Improvement recommended under current guidance |
| Bathroom circuit other than a socket circuit, with satisfactory supplementary bonding | C3 | Existing protective measures may reduce the risk |
| Bathroom socket circuit without the required RCD protection | C2 | Higher-risk location and socket use |
| Missing RCD combined with inadequate bonding, earthing or another dangerous defect | May be C2 or another code | The complete safety condition must be assessed |
These are guidance examples rather than automatic codes. The inspector remains responsible for assessing the installation and justifying the classification recorded on the EICR.
What Does No RCD Protection Mean?
An RCD, or Residual Current Device, monitors the current flowing through a circuit. It disconnects the electricity rapidly when it detects current leaking from its intended path, which may occur during an electrical fault.
RCD protection is primarily used as additional protection against electric shock. Depending on the installation, it may protect several circuits together, or an individual circuit may be protected by an RCBO, which combines residual-current and overcurrent protection.
Older consumer units may have:
- no RCD protection at all
- one RCD protecting only selected circuits
- socket circuits protected but lighting circuits unprotected
- a mixture of RCD-protected and non-RCD-protected circuits
- older RCD types that require further assessment
The presence of an older installation does not, by itself, determine whether the EICR is satisfactory. The inspector must assess whether it remains safe for continued use.
Is No RCD Protection Automatically a C2?
No. A missing RCD does not automatically justify a C2 classification.
A C2 code means potentially dangerous. It should be used where the condition could realistically result in danger and urgent remedial action is required. It is not the same as C1, which means danger is already present.
Electrical Safety First’s current EICR classification guidance gives a C2 example where RCD protection is absent for mobile equipment that may reasonably be expected to be used outdoors. It gives a C3 example for a socket that is unlikely to supply outdoor equipment, does not serve a bathroom and is not otherwise considered potentially dangerous.
The electrician should consider:
- where the circuit is located
- whether the socket could reasonably supply outdoor equipment
- whether the circuit serves a bathroom or shower room
- the condition of the earthing and bonding
- the type of equipment connected
- how occupants are likely to use the circuit
- whether another defect increases the electric-shock risk
- the inspection and electrical test results
No RCD on Sockets: C2 or C3?
The likely code depends heavily on how the socket may be used.
Sockets That May Supply Outdoor Equipment
A socket without additional RCD protection may receive a C2 where it could reasonably supply lawnmowers, pressure washers, garden tools, extension leads or other equipment used outdoors.
This is because damaged equipment, cables or extension leads used outside can create a greater risk of electric shock.
Indoor Sockets Unlikely to Supply Outdoor Equipment
A C3 may be appropriate where the socket:
- is unlikely to supply outdoor equipment
- does not serve a bathroom or shower location
- is not otherwise considered potentially dangerous
- has no associated defect that increases the risk
The location of the socket and the way the property is occupied should therefore be considered. A ground-floor socket beside a garden door may be assessed differently from a socket in an internal upper-floor bedroom.
No RCD on a Lighting Circuit: What Is the EICR Code?
The absence of additional RCD protection for an AC final circuit supplying luminaires in a domestic property is given as a C3 example in Electrical Safety First’s EICR classification guidance.
This means that no RCD protection on an ordinary domestic lighting circuit does not automatically make the EICR unsatisfactory.
However, a more serious code may be justified where another defect is present, such as:
- exposed live parts
- damaged light fittings
- missing earthing on Class I equipment
- unsafe metal switches
- deteriorated wiring
- inadequate protection in a bathroom
- evidence of overheating
- unsafe alterations
The observation must describe the actual safety concern. It should not rely only on the fact that the installation does not meet every requirement applied to new electrical work.
No RCD Protection on Bathroom Lights
Bathrooms and shower rooms require particular attention because the presence of water can increase electric-shock risk.
Electrical Safety First’s guidance gives a C3 example for the absence of RCD protection on bathroom circuits other than socket circuits where satisfactory supplementary bonding is present.
Where supplementary bonding is required but absent, or where other protective measures are inadequate, a C2 may be justified. A bathroom socket circuit without the required RCD protection is also identified as a C2 example.
The code should therefore be based on the complete bathroom installation, including:
- RCD protection
- main protective bonding
- supplementary bonding where required
- earthing
- the type and location of equipment
- bathroom zones
- the results of electrical testing
No RCD Protection on an Electric Shower
An electric shower operates in a higher-risk location and should be assessed carefully. However, the word “shower” alone does not determine the final EICR code.
The inspector should assess the shower circuit together with the earthing, bonding, protective device, cable, isolator, bathroom location and test results.
Where the lack of RCD protection is combined with inadequate bonding or another condition that creates potential danger, a C2 may be appropriate. Where satisfactory protective measures are present, the classification may differ.
For a more detailed explanation, read our guide to no RCD protection on a shower EICR code.
Can an EICR Be Satisfactory Without RCD Protection?
Yes. An EICR can be satisfactory even when one or more circuits do not have modern RCD protection, provided the inspector records only C3 observations and does not identify any C1, C2 or FI issues.
An EICR is normally:
- Unsatisfactory if it contains C1, C2 or FI observations.
- Satisfactory if it contains no C1, C2 or FI observations, even if C3 improvements are recommended.
A C3 means improvement is recommended. It does not, by itself, make the report unsatisfactory. For a full explanation of the classifications, read our guide to EICR codes C1, C2, C3 and FI.
Do Landlords Have to Fix Missing RCD Protection?
For rented properties in England, the required action depends on the code shown on the report.
Where missing RCD protection receives a C2, the EICR is unsatisfactory and remedial work is required. Landlords must normally complete necessary remedial or investigative work within 28 days, or sooner where the report specifies a shorter period.
A C3 does not make the EICR unsatisfactory and does not create the same mandatory remedial-work requirement under the electrical safety regulations. However, the improvement should still be considered as part of future electrical upgrades.
How Is Missing RCD Protection Corrected?
The appropriate solution depends on the consumer unit, existing wiring, circuit arrangement and inspection results.
Possible remedial options may include:
- adding suitable RCD protection to an existing circuit
- installing an RCBO for an individual circuit
- fitting a separate RCD enclosure where appropriate
- modifying the existing consumer unit
- replacing an outdated or unsuitable consumer unit
- correcting earthing or bonding defects at the same time
- carrying out further investigation before selecting the remedy
A complete consumer unit replacement is not automatically required every time an RCD is absent. The electrician should recommend a proportionate solution based on the installation.
Electrical work involving a consumer unit or protective device should only be undertaken by a suitably competent electrician.
How to Avoid EICR Issues Related to No RCD?
Understanding the costs and benefits of RCD installation positions property owners to address Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) issues effectively, particularly those concerning the absence of an RCD. Implementing this protective measure not only enhances safety but guarantees compliance with the latest electrical standards.
To avoid EICR issues related to the absence of RCDs, consider the following strategies:
- Preventive Electrical Upgrades: Regularly review and upgrade electrical installations. This proactive approach not only prevents EICR issues but also enhances overall electrical safety.
- Detailed Compliance Check: Engage a certified electrician to perform thorough compliance checks focusing on RCD requirements. This guarantees that all aspects of the electrical system meet current regulations.
- Cost-Benefit Analysis for Safety Improvements: Assess the financial implications versus the safety benefits of installing RCDs. This analysis should guide decision-making in property management and renovation planning.
To implement these strategies, property owners should first consult with a qualified electrician to explore the specific requirements for RCD installation in their buildings. The electrician can provide a detailed cost assessment that includes both the immediate costs and potential savings from avoided damage or compliance issues.
Moreover, it is essential to stay informed about changes in electrical safety regulations. Regular training and updates for maintenance teams guarantee that all personnel are aware of the importance of RCDs and the role they play in maintaining safety standards.
Ultimately, integrating these practices will mitigate the risk of EICR citations and enhance the overall safety of the electrical installations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is no RCD protection a C2 or C3?
It may be either. C2 may apply where the absence of RCD protection creates potential danger, while C3 may apply where improved protection is recommended but the condition is not considered potentially dangerous.
Does no RCD protection automatically fail an EICR?
No. The correct term is satisfactory or unsatisfactory. A C2 makes the report unsatisfactory, while a C3 alone does not.
What is the EICR code for no RCD on a lighting circuit?
For an ordinary domestic AC lighting circuit, the absence of additional RCD protection is generally listed as a C3 example. Other defects may justify a more serious code.
What is the code for sockets without RCD protection?
A socket likely to supply outdoor equipment may receive C2. An indoor socket that is unlikely to supply outdoor equipment, is outside a bathroom and presents no additional danger may receive C3.
Do bathroom lights need RCD protection?
Current requirements generally provide for RCD protection in bathroom locations. During an EICR, the code depends on the existing protective measures, including bonding, earthing and the overall condition of the circuit.
Does an old fuse box automatically fail an EICR?
No. Age alone does not determine the outcome. The inspector assesses the consumer unit, protective devices, wiring condition, earthing, bonding and electrical test results.