Electrical faults aren’t uncommon, but they do require immediate action. Potential faults pose a potential safety risk, which is why electrical fault finding is essential if you suspect an electrical failure has occurred. Read on to find out more about how to identify electrical faults and the types of faults that can occur. We’ll also guide you through how our electrical fault-finding service can assist you.
Common Electrical Faults
There are a variety of common electrical faults that can affect both residential and commercial buildings, including:
- Tripping breakers
- Flickering lights
- Dead sockets or lights
- Power surges
- Buzzing from plug sockets
- Excess heat from sockets or lights
- Loose connections
- Failed equipment
In worst cases, you may receive an electric shock when turning lights on or off or when you’re using a socket, if an electrical failure is present. Due to this, it’s vital to arrange electrical fault finding quickly so that the issue can be identified and resolved without delay.
Keeping Safety Regulations in Mind
Numerous regulations govern electrical safety and undertaking electrical work. In a commercial environment, for example, employers must adhere to the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994.
In a residential setting, you may be able to carry out minor electrical tasks, such as changing the fuse in a plug, if you feel confident to do so. However, most electrical works require certification and only a qualified electrician can provide this.
If you suspect an electrical failure or fault, the system could pose a safety risk, so it’s always advisable to seek professional assistance from a qualified and certified electrician.
What Are Fuses, Circuit Breakers and RCDs?
Both fuses and circuit breakers are designed to disrupt the flow of electricity to a device or circuit if the system is overloaded. Essentially, they are a built-in safety feature that helps to keep you and your property safe.
If a short circuit occurs, for example, a circuit breaker will ‘trip’ and prevent electricity from flowing to the affected circuit. Similarly, a fuse will ‘blow’ to achieve the same effect. Although fuses can be replaced and circuit breakers can be reset following this, it’s important to find out what’s causing the issue via electrical fault finding, particularly if this happens frequently.
RCDs:
RCD stands for the residual current device. These devices offer protection against fatal electric shock. It will trip if current leaks to earth (or a human) – and is set to trip at a level of current below that which can cause fatal electric shock. Rated current is 30mA.
As a general rule, all circuits should have RCD protection (especially in domestic settings). However, they are new in comparison to standard fuses and so many installations still lack RCD protection.
Troubleshooting and Isolating Electrical Faults
As professional electricians, we’re adept at identifying, isolating and resolving electrical faults. By listening to your account, observing the issue and running various tests, we can determine what’s causing the electrical fault and provide a range of options to resolve the electrical fault.
People are often concerned about the potential electrical fault finding cost, but there’s no need to be. We charge a fixed fee for each hour we spend on site and work with you to provide repairs and resolutions that are in keeping with your budget.
If you’re wondering, does home insurance covers electrical faults, the answer may be yes! It will depend on the terms of your policy and the age of any devices affected by the fault but, in some instances, home insurance can cover some electrical faults.
How Do I Report an Electrical Fault? Call in the Professionals
If you’re concerned about a possible electrical fault, or you suspect that the electrical circuits in your property are malfunctioning, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals for reactive maintenance and electrical fault finding.
Whatever the issue, our highly skilled electricians will identify, isolate and resolve the fault to ensure optimal functionality, enhanced safety and complete peace of mind. To find out more or to arrange a call out, contact Pretty Wired now on 020 4542 1890 or email us at info@prettywired.co.uk.
