Fault Finding and Repairs

Something Not Working? Have You Lost Power?

It is likely that you are experiencing an electrical fault, electrical faults can mean any number of things, ranging from incorrect switching on a light to plug sockets not working, sometimes the issue may be harder to resolve than simply replacing the faulty accessory and other times the fault may constantly occur until correctly fixed.

In everyday life fault finding plays an essential part in prolonging the life of the domestic and commercial electrical installations as it enables the part of the installation that is not working to be identified and fixed if possible or a solution provided in order to solve the issue.

Did you know that a tripping RCD (you may know them as circuit breakers, safety switches, fuses) could be down to too much lime scale in your kettle?

The way in which a fault can be identified ranges from electrician to electrician and comes with experience, a good working knowledge of the installation and patience as depending on the fault this can be a tiresome process.

Fortunately we are well and versed in the area of fault finding and aim to locate and fix faults quickly and efficiently using specialist testing equipment and our years of experience to minimise the inconvenience electrical issues may cause to you, your home or your business.

Remember, if this RCD or breaker can be turned back on DO NOT think that you have resolved the issue, ensure it is looked at if it continues to trip out as there could be an underlying fault and your safety is the main priority, which is what the newer boards are designed to do, cut your power to keep you from harm. 

What can you do yourself?

First of all go to the consumer unit and switch off all of the smaller switches/circuit breakers (MCB’s) which the larger switch (RCD) is protecting. Reset the RCD and should you be successful and it remains on, switch the miniature circuit breakers on one at a time. If the RCD trips when switching one of the circuits back on, then this is the circuit with the fault. Usually it’s a fault on one of the socket circuits and 9 times out of 10 it will be an appliance plugged into the affected circuit which has caused this.

Unplug all of your appliances!

Physically remove all your plugs from your sockets on the affected socket circuit and switch off any switch fused spurs, often found in kitchens which isolate appliances such as washing machines, cookers etc. that may be related to that circuit. 

Now that all the appliances are unplugged and the switch fused spurs are off, try resetting the RCD. If it remains on, then well done, you have cleared the fault! But sadly it looks like you may have to replace one of your appliances.

To find the faulty appliance, simply plug them back in one at a time until you find the appliance which trips the RCD.

RCD still tripping?

If the RCD cannot be reset after following the procedure above, then you will need an expert to test and locate the fault. Please feel free to contact me, I will be happy to assist.

Prevent your RCD tripping

If after reading this you have any concerns about your electrical installation or wiring in your property and would like to prevent these faults occurring you could consider a full test and inspection for your fixed wiring, especially if you have not had a test carried out in the last 10 years. For more information click HERE or simply contact me to discuss this further. 

We are NICEIC Domestic Installers and one of very few local Electricians registered with Which? Trusted Trader Scheme for your peace of mind.

My name is Mark and if you think you may have an electrical fault or are experiencing loss of power in Bexley, Bromley, Sevenoaks or Dartford give me a call on 01322 686 073.