When to get professional help
Smoke, arcing, shocks, burning smells and water near electrics require immediate caution. Move away from danger and contact emergency services where necessary; do not wait for a website response.
What have you noticed?
These clues help explain the problem. They do not confirm its cause.
| What you see | What to report |
|---|---|
| Only your home is affected | An internal fault may need investigating. |
| The trip follows one appliance being used | Record that pattern without repeatedly recreating it. |
| Neighbours also have no electricity | Check the electricity provider for an area outage. |
What you can do now
- Record what was operating when the power went off and which areas lost power.
- If the board is dry and safe to approach, read the label of the affected switch without opening the enclosure.
- Keep the suspected appliance out of use. Do not test it in another socket to reproduce a fault or replace a breaker with a higher-rated one.
Details that help us arrange the repair
- The affected rooms or circuits and any visible switch label.
- What was running just before the trip.
- Recent leaks, electrical work, storms or changes in appliances.
If you rent or live in a managed building, notify the owner or property manager and agree the arrangements before authorising work. Take photos only where it is safe; you can share them when CID follows up.
What affects the repair cost?
Ask for fault finding before replacement work is agreed. Confirm the assessment fee and how any materials or additional repairs will be authorised.
Questions before you book
Can I hold the switch in the on position?
No. Do not defeat a protective device. Leave a repeatedly tripping circuit off for an electrician to assess.
Is every trip caused by too many appliances?
No. Overload is only one possibility. Faulty equipment, wiring or moisture can also require investigation.
Sources and further reading
These guides cover initial checks and reporting, not a remote diagnosis. If there is immediate danger, move to safety and contact local emergency services. Do not wait for a website enquiry.