Fault-finding

We find the cause, not just the symptom

When sockets go dead, RCDs trip for no clear reason, or lights flicker on one circuit but not another, we test the installation and track the fault to the actual component. Then it is repaired and retested, not worked around.

Common faults we are called out to

  • RCDs or RCBOs that trip at random, or when the washing machine starts its spin
  • A circuit that works until a specific appliance is plugged in
  • One or two sockets that have gone dead while the rest of the ring is fine
  • Lights that dim or flicker on one circuit
  • A smell of burnt plastic near a socket or ceiling rose
  • Full-house power loss with breaker that will not reset

How we work through it

A proper fault-find is insulation resistance testing, continuity testing and a look through junction boxes, ceiling roses and sockets. We split the circuit where it makes sense rather than ripping walls apart. Nine times out of ten the cause is a loose terminal, a damp ingress, or an appliance with a failing element — all fixable without a rewire.

When to stop and call

If you see sparks, smell burning, or a breaker will not reset and is warm to the touch, isolate at the main switch and call straight away. Do not keep pushing the breaker back on — that can turn a small fault into a dangerous one.

Something not right with your electrics?

Send a quick voice note on WhatsApp and Richard will tell you whether it needs a same-day visit or it can wait.

Contact Richard