The lights go out, the TV goes off and the fridge goes quiet. Before you reach for the phone, it’s worth working out whether it’s a power cut or a tripped switch in your own consumer unit. One means waiting for the network operator, the other you can often sort in a minute. Here’s how to tell the difference — and when you need an electrician.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Is it a power cut or a tripped switch?
- Look outside. Are the street lights and your neighbours’ lights off too? If so, it’s likely a power cut.
- Check your consumer unit (fuse box). If any switch is pointing down or in the middle position, something has tripped inside your home.
- Is it only part of the house? If some sockets or lights work and others don’t, it’s almost always a tripped circuit rather than a power cut.
Step 2: If it’s a power cut
Call 105, the free national power cut number, to report it or get an update from your local network operator. Switch off appliances that could come back on unattended (heaters, irons, cookers), keep the fridge and freezer closed, and leave one light switched on so you know when power is back. If someone in your home relies on medical equipment, ask your network operator about the Priority Services Register.
Step 3: If a switch has tripped
Modern consumer units have RCDs and circuit breakers (MCBs or RCBOs) that switch off automatically when they detect a fault. That’s them doing their job. To reset safely:
- Unplug or switch off everything on the affected circuit — or, if you’re not sure, unplug appliances around the house.
- Push the tripped switch back to the ON position.
- If it stays on, plug appliances back in one at a time. If it trips again when you plug something in, that appliance is the likely culprit — leave it unplugged and have it checked.
- If the switch trips straight away with everything unplugged, the fault is in the wiring. Leave it off and call an electrician.
Common causes of tripping
- Faulty appliances — kettles, washing machines, dishwashers and outdoor equipment are frequent offenders.
- Water getting into outdoor sockets, lights or junction boxes, especially after heavy rain.
- Overloaded circuits, often from heaters plugged into extension leads.
- Damaged cables — from a nail or screw through a wall, or rodents in the loft.
- Ageing wiring that has started to break down.
When to call an electrician
Call us if a switch won’t reset, keeps tripping, or if you notice a burning smell, scorch marks, buzzing or warm sockets. Don’t keep resetting a switch that keeps tripping — it’s warning you about a fault. Our electrical fault finding service traces the cause and puts it right. If you still have an old fuse box with rewireable fuses and no RCDs, it’s worth considering a consumer unit upgrade.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my RCD trip at night?
Often it’s an appliance on a timer or thermostat, such as a freezer, immersion heater or outdoor light, or moisture getting into an outdoor fitting as temperatures drop.
Is it safe to keep resetting a tripped switch?
Resetting once after unplugging appliances is fine. If it keeps tripping, stop and get it checked.
Can a tripping problem show up on an EICR?
Yes. An EICR tests every circuit and can pick up insulation faults before they cause regular tripping.
Need help?
We find and fix electrical faults across Lincolnshire, including Lincoln, Boston, Skegness, Sleaford and Bourne.
Got a circuit that won’t stay on? Call 07342 039 023 (Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm) or request a free quote online.
