Use this page
Lights flickering, sockets losing power, circuits tripping or intermittent faults that are difficult to trace.
Electrical fault finding for unclear or recurring faults
Tell us what trips, what has stopped working and when it happens so we can check the safest next step before anything is booked.
Tell us what trips, what has stopped working and when it happens. We inspect and test first, explain what can be established, and agree any repair before it starts.
When fault finding is the right first step
Choose fault finding when the cause is unclear or the problem keeps returning. It comes before swapping parts or agreeing wider electrical work.
Important safety note: if you notice a burning smell, visible damage, sparks, heat from sockets or switches, or repeated tripping that will not reset, stop using the affected circuit and arrange an inspection as soon as possible. For call-first situations, use the emergency electrician page .
Use electrical repairs
One contained fitting, socket, switch or accessory that already looks repairable belongs on electrical repairs .
Call first / emergency
Heat, burning smell, sparking, visible damage or repeated tripping that will not reset should be treated as call-first.
Common signs include repeated tripping, flickering lights, dead points, intermittent power, faults after changes, and power or switching problems affecting supported smart kit.
Before you book essentials
What a fault-finding visit usually covers
We inspect and test in a safe order to narrow down the issue, explain what the findings mean and confirm the next step before the scope expands.
- Initial safety check: we check the immediate risk and make sure the affected area is safe to inspect.
- Consumer unit checks: we assess the relevant breakers, RCDs, RCBOs and circuit protection.
- Circuit testing: where appropriate, we test the affected circuit to help identify the fault location.
- Accessory inspection: sockets, switches, lights, junction boxes and connected fittings may be inspected.
- Practical advice: we explain the findings and confirm whether the next step is a contained repair, wider circuit work or another agreed scope.
How fault finding usually works
Tell us what has happened, when it started and which part of the property is affected. We then inspect and test in a safe order, explain the findings and confirm any repair or wider work before the scope changes.
Two common fault patterns
These are two common patterns where a focused diagnostic visit usually narrows the fault before broader work is considered.
Repeat-trip pattern
Circuit keeps tripping
- What it can mean
- A circuit that keeps tripping usually means the protective device is detecting a problem. This could be caused by a faulty appliance, damaged cable, moisture, an overloaded circuit or a fault within a socket, switch or light fitting.
- What we check
- We look at the affected circuit, test where appropriate, and help narrow down whether the issue is with the wiring, an accessory, the consumer unit or something plugged in.
- What happens next
- We explain whether a repair, replacement part or further electrical work is the sensible next step. Diagnosis does not promise a repair outcome.
Dead-point pattern
One light, socket or room has stopped working
- What it can mean
- Sometimes only one area of the property is affected. This can happen because of a loose connection, faulty switch, damaged accessory, failed light fitting, tripped protective device or wiring fault.
- What we check
- We inspect the affected area and related circuit to identify where power is being lost.
- What happens next
- We explain whether a contained repair is suitable or whether additional parts, time or wider work need to be agreed.
Pricing for diagnosis-first work
Assessment and testing are chargeable. They identify the safest next step but do not guarantee a repair within the first hour or visit.
First hour and follow-on time
For an accepted job in our stated service area, £100 covers travel, attendance and up to the first 60 minutes on site for assessment, testing or agreed work. Further labour is £65 an hour, charged in 30-minute blocks of £32.50. The £50 exception is only for one simple, low-risk job in the very core of the Willesden Green area when the exact address and job details make the work clear before booking. It replaces the normal £100 first-hour price and covers attendance and the first 30 minutes on site. Further labour is £65 an hour in 30-minute blocks. If the job is different from the agreed details, we stop and confirm the revised price before continuing. An uncertain fault does not normally fit the very-local exception.
Parts and wider work
Routine low-cost van-stock consumables needed for the agreed work are included. Higher-cost, specialist, decorative or smart parts, and anything requiring a dedicated supplier visit or online order, are charged at their actual purchase and delivery cost. We do not add a material markup or charge for sourcing and collection time. Supply-and-fit and written quotations override the general parts rule by explicitly listing what they include.
Travel and access
Travel for accepted jobs throughout our stated service area is included. Unavoidable parking, permit or congestion charges are passed on at actual cost only and confirmed before booking. Fully furnished rooms can take longer when large bookshelves, solid-oak beds or other heavy furniture restrict safe access. We confirm any effect on time or price before booking.
Responsibilities confirmed first
For work that needs electrical inspection, testing, certification or notification, we arrange the appropriate registered professional and confirm responsibilities before work starts.
Before any repair or wider circuit work starts, we explain what has been found and confirm the scope and price. Compare electrical repairs , emergency electrician and pricing and booking .
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FAQs
Do I need fault finding or a full rewire?
Not always. Many faults are caused by a single accessory, fitting, appliance or damaged section of wiring. Fault finding helps identify the cause before considering larger work such as rewiring.
Can you fix the issue during the same visit?
Sometimes, but diagnosis does not guarantee a repair within the first hour or visit. If the cause is found, we explain any repair, parts, extra time or follow-up work and confirm the scope before it expands.
Why does my RCD or RCBO keep tripping?
Repeated tripping can be caused by moisture, faulty appliances, damaged cables, loose connections or problems on a circuit. Testing is usually needed to identify the cause safely.
Is it safe to keep resetting a tripping circuit?
No. If a circuit keeps tripping, it should not be repeatedly reset. The protective device is operating for a reason, and the fault should be investigated.
What happens if testing shows wider work?
We explain the findings and confirm whether a contained repair, wider circuit work or registered responsibility is needed before the scope changes.
What areas do you cover?
NW10, NW2, NW6 and NW8 are priority districts, subject to an address, scope, access and availability check. See areas covered for the wider NW London fit check.
Need help with an electrical fault?
Send the postcode and symptoms. Safe photos are optional. We check the likely fit and explain the next step before anything is booked.