Switch off the mains at the consumer unit if you detect burning smells or water leaks near electrical fixtures. Contact an emergency electrician to handle issues safely, and avoid attempting any DIY repairs yourself. Document visible damage to assist the electrician in assessing the situation upon arrival.
Scorched plastic, a hot consumer unit, or water in sockets require same-day attention.
What to do first
- A sudden complete power outage across the property suggests a major fault, likely affecting the consumer unit.
- Burning smells or smoke from electrical fixtures indicate overheating and pose a significant fire risk.
- Water near sockets or damp areas around electrical installations point to dangerous water ingress.
- Scorched or melted plastic on sockets signifies severe overheating and increases the risk of electrical fires.
- Frequent circuit breaker trips that do not reset suggest a persistent fault within the wiring or appliances.
- Flickering lights in multiple rooms may indicate unstable voltage or circuit overloading requiring urgent attention.
- Buzzing noises from sockets or panels can signal electrical arcing, which is a severe safety hazard.
Common causes
- An overloaded circuit causes excess current flow, leading wires to heat and melt insulation, prompting breakers to trip.
- Storm damage from high winds or flooding can disrupt external wiring, interrupting the property's electrical supply.
- Water ingress from leaks allows moisture to contact electrical parts, leading to short circuits and potential corrosion.
- A failed consumer unit caused by worn mechanisms or power surges can result in total power failure and potential safety risks.
- Physical impacts from construction damages wiring, breaking circuits and resulting in power loss or overheating.
What you can check
- Switch off the main consumer unit if you notice burning smells to prevent potential electrical fires and enhance safety.
- Keep water away from outlets to prevent electric shocks and ensure personal safety by reducing exposure to electricity.
- Take photographs of visible damage to provide clear information that aids in an electrician's assessment and diagnosis.
What the electrician does
- An emergency electrician will isolate the affected areas, immediately reducing the risk of fire or electric shock.
- Conducting installation tests identifies specific faults, enabling precise repairs or the application of temporary solutions.
- Provision of a safe temporary power supply maintains essential systems while comprehensive repairs are scheduled.
- Urgent replacement of damaged components restores safety and ensures compliance with current electrical standards effectively.
- Detailed advice on necessary repairs or replacements helps resolve the root problem and completely restore safety and functionality.
How the job usually runs
- Turn off power to affected circuits to remove immediate shock or fire risk before any assessment begins.
- Testing electrical installations with specialised tools highlights faulty parts or wiring needing targeted repairs.
- Using diagnostic methods locates root causes of symptoms like frequent tripping or overheating in a systematic manner.
- Performing temporary repairs where feasible restores essential functionality, buying time for a more comprehensive solution.
- Providing detailed safety advice ensures informed decisions and outlines steps for complete restoration of the installation.
How pricing works
We don't set prices. Differences usually come from:
- The complexity of the fault can increase costs as it may require more time and specialised testing to diagnose.
- The need for immediate service outside regular hours can raise costs due to potential out-of-hours call-out charges.
- Accessibility of the fault impacts cost, as work in difficult-to-reach areas requires more labour and potentially more resources.
- Severity of damage requiring urgent repair, such as significant component replacement, can increase the overall expense.
- Necessity for specialised equipment or materials during the repair process impacts cost due to the need for specific tools.
Questions
What should I do if I suspect an electrical fire?
If you suspect an electrical fire, immediately switch off the electricity at the consumer unit to cut power to the affected circuits. Do not attempt to handle the fire with water. If safe, use a CO2 fire extinguisher. Evacuate the area and call the fire brigade. Once the situation is under control, contact an emergency electrician to assess and repair damaged wiring or devices, ensuring future safety.
Why are my circuit breakers frequently tripping?
Frequent tripping of circuit breakers can be caused by overloaded circuits, short circuits, or a ground fault. Overloading occurs when too many devices are plugged into a single circuit, demanding more current than it can handle. A short circuit or ground fault happens due to damaged wiring or faulty appliances. An emergency electrician can diagnose the specific issue using specialised tools and ensure the circuits are safe.
How do I decide between repairing or replacing electrical fixtures?
Deciding between repairing or replacing electrical fixtures typically depends on the extent and frequency of faults, the age of the fixtures, and cost considerations. If a fixture frequently fails or poses safety risks, replacement is often more economical in the long term. An electrician can offer a thorough assessment and recommend the best action to ensure safety and efficiency.
Can emergency electrical work be done in all areas of my property?
Emergency electrical work can be performed in most areas of a property, including interior rooms, basements, and garages. However, if the fault lies in shared spaces like lofts or external walls, additional permissions might be necessary. Accessibility also affects the feasibility of work. Emergency electricians will assess these factors and inform you about any potential constraints or additional requirements.