Dead socket, dead light or repeated trip? This guide helps you tell the difference between one local fault and something wider that needs diagnosis first.
Best first check: send your postcode, a short note on what has gone dead or what keeps tripping, plus 2–4 clear photos of the consumer unit and the affected point if it is safe.
This guide helps you judge whether a dead socket, dead light or repeated trip looks like one failed point, one part of a circuit, or something wider that needs fuller diagnosis before parts are changed.
Most enquiries here land in one of three patterns: one socket, switch or light point has failed, one small area of the circuit has gone dead, or a breaker trips when a particular point is used. It can also start after a recent fitting change, decorating work or a smart-device swap. The aim is to narrow that down cleanly before anything is replaced blindly.
Send your postcode, a short note on what is dead or tripping, and photos of the board and affected point if it is safe.
