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Electrical fault finding

A circuit that keeps tripping, a socket that's gone dead or lights that flicker for no obvious reason all have a cause. Fault finding is working through the installation methodically until the cause is found, then putting it right.

The usual suspects

Damaged cables, a failed appliance pulling a circuit down, moisture in an outside fitting, loose connections behind a socket, or an RCD doing its job on a genuine earth fault. The symptom rarely points straight at the cause, which is why the testing matters.

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What we'll tell you

What the fault was, what we did about it, and whether anything else on the installation is worth a look while we're there. If the fix is a bigger job, you get a straight quote before anything else is touched.

What customers say

  • 5 out of 5

    Half 4 on a Friday dark afternoon and all power went... Called on the off chance maybe able to help... Tried to talk me through, but still couldn't get it on. He came out about an hour later and resolved the issue. Explained the fault and what needs to be done. Excellent, professional and friendly service. Would 100% recommend!

    Daniel FlanaganGoogle ·

Fault finding: common questions

My RCD keeps tripping. Is that dangerous?

It's the RCD doing its job. It has spotted electricity leaking somewhere it shouldn't and cut the power to keep you safe. Resetting it again and again won't fix whatever is causing it, but there are a few safe checks worth trying first.

My electrics keep tripping. What can I check before calling you?

A few safe things, none of which involve touching any wiring. Unplug everything on the circuit that tripped and reset the switch. If it stays on, plug things back in one at a time: whatever trips it is usually the problem, and kettles, washing machines and outside lights after rain are common culprits. Make a note of which switch on the board tripped and whether it took out one circuit or the whole house. If it still trips with everything unplugged, stop resetting it and get in touch. Never take the cover off the board.

Part of the house has no power. Is it a power cut?

Check your board first. If one of the switches has flipped down, that circuit has tripped. If nothing has tripped, see whether your neighbours have lost power too, and if they have, call 105 to report a power cut. If it's only your house and nothing on the board has tripped, get in touch.

A light or socket has stopped working. What should I try?

Try a new bulb, or plug in something you know works. Check the board for a tripped switch. If the socket or light is still dead, or it looks scorched or smells of burning, switch it off at the board and get in touch rather than using it.

Can you tell what's wrong over the phone?

Sometimes we can narrow it down from a description or a photo, which helps with the quote. Finding it for certain means testing on site.

Will you need to switch the power off?

For parts of it, yes. Testing is done with circuits isolated for safety.

Get a free, no‑obligation quote

Working across Staffordshire and the North West, including Runcorn, Widnes, Warrington and Cannock.

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  1. Send a photo on WhatsApp

    A picture of the job and a line about it is plenty to start with.

  2. George replies

    WhatsApp and the form both go straight to his phone, so there's no office in between.

  3. Site visit if needed

    If the job needs seeing in person first, George will arrange a time to come out and take a look.

  4. Get a free quote

    No obligation to go ahead.

Raise an enquiryWhatsApp for a free quoteCall 07568157436

Or email george@gilfoyleelectrical.co.uk