Fault finding & repairs
Identifying and repairing tripping circuits, dead sockets, flickering lights, intermittent faults and burning smells. For homes and businesses across Bristol, Bath and the South West, with a 24/7 emergency callout.
What fault finding involves
Most electrical faults show up as a symptom somewhere other than where the problem really is. A socket that trips the RCD might be fine, while the real fault is a damp outdoor light on the same circuit. Fault finding is the work of tracking the symptom back to its cause, so the repair fixes the problem for good rather than just resetting it.
It starts with the right questions: what stopped working, when it happens, what else was switched on and whether anything has changed recently. Then we isolate circuits one at a time, test the wiring and connected equipment, and trace the fault to the cable, accessory or appliance responsible.
Common faults we fix
- An RCD or MCB (circuit breaker) that trips straight away, now and then, or won't reset.
- A whole circuit that's gone dead.
- Sockets or lights that have stopped working.
- Lights that flicker or dim.
- Intermittent faults that come and go, which are often the hardest to pin down.
- Sockets or switches that buzz, crackle or feel warm.
- A burning or fishy smell near a socket, switch, light or the consumer unit.
- Outdoor and garden circuits, which often trip after rain.
- Showers, cookers and other large appliances that trip the power, or a fault on an existing EV charger's circuit.
If something is burning, smoking or sparking: switch off at the consumer unit if it's safe to reach, and call 999 if there's a fire. Otherwise call us 24/7 on 07477 017759. Our 24/7 emergency electrician page explains what counts as an emergency and what to do first.
Use the fault finder
Answer a few quick questions about what you're seeing, hearing or smelling. Your answers come to us as a fault report, so we know what to expect and can arrive with the right parts.
What affects the cost
No two faults are the same, so we don't publish set prices. The main things that make a difference are:
- How long the fault takes to trace. A clear fault can be quick; an intermittent one may need more testing.
- The parts needed for the repair, such as a new socket, switch, breaker or length of cable.
- Access, for example cables under floors, in lofts or behind fitted units.
- Whether it's an out-of-hours emergency callout.
The first step is diagnosing the fault. We'll explain what we found and give you a clear quote before any repair work starts.
What happens on the day
- We talk through the symptoms with you, using your fault finder report if you sent one.
- We make the installation safe, then isolate and test circuits to trace the fault.
- We explain what we found in plain language and agree the repair with you before doing it.
- We carry out the repair, test the circuit and switch everything back on.
- Where the work needs it, it's tested and certified, and you get the paperwork to keep.
Why choose us
Fully qualified & insured
Faults are traced and repaired by a qualified electrician, and every job is fully insured.
High standards of workmanship
We fix the cause, not just the symptom, and test the circuit before we leave.
Customer satisfaction our priority
Honest advice about what went wrong, and nothing done without agreeing it with you first.
Good and very fast. Came in at my availability. I was very pleased.
Fault finding questions
Why does my RCD keep tripping?
An RCD trips when it detects current leaking to earth. Common causes are a faulty appliance, water getting into an outdoor light or socket, a damaged cable, or a worn-out heating element in a kettle, oven or immersion heater. Try unplugging everything on that circuit and resetting it. If it still trips, or keeps tripping, call us and we'll trace the cause.
Is a burning smell an emergency?
It can be. If you can see smoke, flames or sparks, switch off at the consumer unit if it's safe to reach and call 999 if there's a fire. If there's a burning or fishy smell but no smoke, stop using whatever is nearby and call us straight away on 07477 017759, day or night.
Do you charge to diagnose a fault?
We'll explain how the visit and diagnosis are charged before we come out, so there are no surprises. Once we've found the fault, we explain what it is and how to fix it, and agree the repair with you before doing any further work.
Can you come today or out of hours?
We offer a 24/7 emergency callout for urgent faults, such as no power, a burning smell or a circuit that won't reset. Call 07477 017759 and we'll tell you when we can get to you. For faults that aren't urgent, we'll book a time that suits you.
Should I switch everything off before you arrive?
Only what's needed to stay safe. If a circuit keeps tripping, leave it off and unplug the appliances on it. If something is hot, smoking or sparking, switch off at the consumer unit if it's safe to reach. Please don't open the consumer unit or touch any wiring.
Get a free quote
Tell us what's happening and we'll get back to you with a clear quote before any work starts. If it's urgent, call 07477 017759 now.