Electrical Repairs & Fault Finding
Electrical Fault Finding in Surrey & London
Electrical fault finding means tracing why a circuit has lost power or keeps tripping, then repairing or isolating the fault so power can be restored safely. Simple faults can be found within an hour; intermittent ones take longer. Repairs are tested afterwards, and any new or altered circuit is certified.
When the power goes off and the breaker will not stay on, there is a fault somewhere on that circuit. It could be a damaged cable, water in an outside light, a faulty appliance or a worn connection. Finding it methodically is what gets your power back safely.
Joe traces the fault, isolates or repairs it, and restores power to the rest of the circuit so you are not left in the dark while a longer repair is arranged.
Typical work
- RCD or breaker trips and will not reset
- Partial loss of power to one room or circuit
- Power lost after rain, with water in outdoor fittings
- Burning smell or warm sockets and switches
- Lights flickering or dimming
What the job involves
Fault finding starts with what you have noticed: which circuit went off, what was running at the time, and whether it happened after rain or building work. Appliances are disconnected to rule them out, then the circuit is tested for insulation faults, broken conductors and loose connections. The results narrow the fault down to a section of cable, a fitting or an appliance.
Once the fault is found it is repaired, or the faulty part is isolated so the rest of the installation can be switched back on while a bigger repair is arranged.
Signs you need this
- An RCD or breaker trips and will not reset
- One room or circuit has lost power while the rest of the property is fine
- Lights flicker, dim or buzz
- A burning smell, warm fittings or discoloured faceplates
- Tripping that started after heavy rain or work on the property
If you can smell burning or see scorching, switch off at the main switch if it is safe to do so and do not reset anything. Our guide to why a fuse or breaker keeps tripping explains what is safe to check first.
When the board is the problem
Sometimes the fault is in the consumer unit itself, or the board has no RCDs and cannot separate one faulty circuit from the rest. Our guide to signs your consumer unit needs upgrading covers when replacing it is worth considering, and a full inspection shows the condition of the whole installation. Landlords dealing with a fault found on a report can also see our landlord EICR page.
What affects the cost
Fault finding is mostly time, so the biggest factor is how easy the fault is to locate. A fault that is present all the time is usually found quickly. An intermittent fault that only appears in wet weather or with certain appliances may need more testing. Access matters too: faults under fixed flooring, behind kitchen units or in outbuildings take longer to reach.
Out of hours: Emergency and out-of-hours work is available. Call or WhatsApp Joe to check he can get to you.
Where we do this work
Electrical Fault Finding & Power Restoration from our base in Redhill, anywhere in Surrey including Redhill, Reigate, Merstham, Nutfield, Bletchingley and the surrounding towns, plus London and nearby counties. Larger commercial jobs further afield are welcome by enquiry. See all areas covered.
Common questions
The whole house is off. Is it my fault or the supply?
Check whether your neighbours have power and whether your main switch and RCDs are on. If the street is off, report a power cut to your network operator on 105; if only your property is off, the fault is inside and needs tracing.
Why does my RCD trip when it rains?
Water getting into an outside light, socket, junction box or garden cable is a common cause. The fault is traced by testing the outdoor circuits, then sealing or replacing the affected fitting or cable.
Can power be restored before the full repair?
Often, yes. The faulty section or appliance can usually be isolated so the rest of the circuit works, and the affected part stays off until it is repaired.
Why do my lights flicker?
Flickering can come from a loose connection, a failing lamp or driver, an unsuitable dimmer or, less often, a problem with the supply. If several lights flicker together, or there is buzzing or a smell, have the circuit tested.
How long does fault finding take?
It depends on the fault. A permanent fault on a small circuit can be found within an hour, while an intermittent fault or one hidden under flooring can take several hours to trace.
Is it safe to keep resetting a breaker that trips?
No. A breaker that trips again straight away is detecting a fault, and resetting it repeatedly can make the damage worse. Leave it off and have the circuit tested.
Ready to talk about your electrical work?
Tell Joe what you need and where you are, and he will come back to you with a clear quote. Call, send a WhatsApp message, or use the quote form.