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Tracing an electrical fault
Electricity is divided into separate circuits for different areas of the home. Each circuit has its own circuit breaker from which you can manually turn off the electricity to that circuit
Circuits are usually separated in to the following areas: downstairs lighting, downstairs sockets, upstairs lighting, upstairs sockets, bathroom electrics and other appliances.
It is always a good idea to see which circuit breaker controls which circuit and have them clearly marked out for future reference. When working on electrical fixtures in the home it is essential you turn off the appropriate circuit on which that appliance or fixture is connected.
There are a number of reasons why an appliance or a socket may not be working so follow the steps below to identify the cause of the electrical fault.
Tools and Materials
Continuity tester, Socket tester
A plug-in appliance doesn't work
1. For a plug-in light appliance try changing the light bulb first. For any other kind of appliance try plugging it into another socket. If this works then the original socket may be faulty and need replacing. Use a socket tester in the questioned socket to see if there is a wiring fault or incorrect connection within the socket. If so replace the damaged socket.
2. If this doesn't work try the appliance in a different circuit which you know is functioning (upstairs or downstairs). If this works then the other circuit could be dead. If so check that the circuit is dead by following the steps shown in A presumed dead circuit.
3. If the appliance doesn't work in step 2, then the appliance itself could be faulty. Check the flex connections and replace the fuse in the plug ensuring it's the correct rating for the appliance.
4. If the appliance still doesn't work having followed all of the above, it may have an internal fault which will require professional attention.
A presumed dead circuit
(This can often be caused by over loading the circuit with too many appliances or too many light fixtures).
1. Turn off all the lights and unplug all appliances on the affected circuit.
2. Turn off the main isolating switch at the consumer unit.
3. Repair the affected fuse/circuit breaker ensuring you replace the old fuse with a new fuse of the same rating. (This is often done by simply replacing the fuse in it's spring clips or opening the enclosed cartridge fuse where the fuse is held in place with a screw. If in any doubt consult the consumer unit manual or contact a qualified professional).
4. Having replaced the fuse turn the main switch back on.
5. In turn switch on each light or plug in each appliance on that circuit to find out which item is causing the fuse to blow.
6.1 If you discover that a plug in appliance is causing the fuse to blow treat is as above (A plug-in appliance doesn't work: step 3).
6.2 If you discover a fixed lighting is causing the fuse to blow, check the cable/flex connections to the light and at the switch with the aid of a continuity tester. Mend the connections to the switch/light if you are qualified to do so, otherwise call in a professional to help.
7. If you discover neither an appliance nor a light fixture is causing the circuit fuse to blow it is then necessary to call in a qualified electrician to look into the matter.
A wall or ceiling light doesn't work
1. Firstly check to see if the other lights on the circuit are working. If they are not follow the steps above for a dead circuit.
2. If the other lights are working then turn off the light in question and change the bulb. A possible cause to the light blowing could be that the bulb wattage is too high for the fixture.
3. If changing the bulb doesn't help, turn off the appropriate circuit on which that light is connected to and mend the connections to the light if you are qualified to do so, otherwise call in a professional to help.
4. If the above doesn't work, keeping the power turned off to that circuit, mend the connections to the switch if you are qualified to do so, otherwise call in a professional to help.
5. Having followed all of the above, and the light still doesn't work, call in a certified electrician.
All circuits are dead
1. If all the circuits of your home are protected by an RCD (residual current device) check to see if it has tripped. If so reset it.
2. If the RCD trips again, carry out the checks for faulty lights and appliances as done when checking for a dead circuit (see above).
3. If following steps 1-2 do not help, check with your neighbours to see if they are experiencing the same problems.
4.1 If they are, contact your electricity supplier to see if the power to your area has been cut off. If it has not, you will need to notify them of the issues so they can check the main supply cable and service fuse.
4.2 If the problems are isolated to your house only, call in a qualified electrician to assess the fault.
Reproduced with permission from www.ProblemSolved.co.uk. The website contains 70,000 reliable and recommended tradespeople from plumbers to interior designers and everything in between!
Please note that all advice provided by www.ProblemSolved.co.uk Ltd is intended to provide general guidance for the personal use of the reader, who accepts full responsibility of said guidance. If in any doubt about the information provided the reader should consult a qualified professional before proceeding.
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