Common electrical problems
- Circuit breaker or residual current device (RCD) repeatedly tripping;
- Part of the property without power;
- Hot sockets, burning smell or visible marks;
- Flickering or unusually dim lights;
- Equipment causing protection to trip;
- A connection or circuit that does not work;
- Abnormal heating inside the electrical panel;
- Suspected leakage current.
How the fault is diagnosed
The process begins by understanding when the problem started, when it occurs and whether anything has recently changed. The panel, circuits and related equipment are then checked to separate the symptom from the real cause.
A tripping residual current device (RCD), for example, may be caused by current leaking from an appliance, damp, damaged insulation or a fault in the protective device itself. The cause should be identified before components are replaced.
Useful information before the visit
- A photograph of the electrical panel;
- A video or description of the fault;
- The equipment connected when it happens;
- Your location and availability;
- Whether the fault is permanent or intermittent.
In a hazardous situation: if there is a strong burning smell, smoke, sparks or severe overheating, isolate the supply when it is safe to do so and do not reconnect the circuit until it has been checked.