Royal Electrical Services 07845 087406

Electrical fault finding on the Wirral

Tripping electrics, dead sockets and flickering lights traced methodically to the cause, then put right safely and properly.

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An electrician in a hard hat working at a distribution board

An electrical fault is frustrating and, sometimes, a warning that something is not safe. Whether it is a trip switch that will not reset, a circuit that has gone dead or lights that flicker for no reason, we find the actual cause rather than guessing, and put it right properly.

Fault finding is about method. We isolate and test circuit by circuit with proper test equipment, measuring insulation resistance and continuity to pin down exactly where the problem is. It is the same step-by-step discipline the Navy taught us, and it means fewer holes in your walls and no parts replaced for the sake of it.

Common faults we trace and fix

If your electrics are doing any of these, we can find out why:

  • RCD or trip switch keeps tripping
  • A trip switch that will not reset
  • Dead sockets or a dead circuit
  • Lights that flicker or buzz
  • Switches or sockets that feel warm
  • Scorch marks on a socket or plug
  • Outside lights tripping in the rain
  • Tingles or shocks from appliances or taps
  • Half the house off after a DIY job

Why does my RCD keep tripping?

An RCD trips when it detects current leaking to earth. That is its job, and it is a sign it is protecting you. The cause is usually one of a handful of things: a faulty appliance (kettles, washing machines and immersion heaters are common culprits), water getting into an outside light or socket, a cable damaged by a nail or screw, or insulation that has broken down with age.

Try this first: switch off and unplug everything on the affected circuit, then reset. If it holds, plug things back in one at a time until it trips again, and you have found the culprit. If it trips with everything unplugged, the fault is in the fixed wiring, and that is when you need us.

Faults that keep coming back on older wiring can point to a wider problem. If so, we will tell you honestly and may suggest an EICR to see the full picture.

An electricity meter and isolator switch on a brick wall

How we find the fault

  1. Tell us the symptoms

    What happens, when it started, and whether anything changed: new appliances, building work, heavy rain.

  2. Isolate

    We narrow it down at the consumer unit to the circuit, then the section of the circuit, that is causing trouble.

  3. Test and pinpoint

    Insulation resistance, continuity and polarity tests pin the fault to a cable, accessory or fitting.

  4. Repair and retest

    We put it right, with your agreement on anything beyond the quote, then retest so you know it is sound.

Burning smell, smoke or sparks?

If it is safe to do so, switch off the main switch at your consumer unit and do not touch the affected socket, switch or appliance. If there is any sign of fire, get everyone out and call 999. Once everyone is safe, call us on 07845 087406 and do not switch the power back on until the circuit has been checked.

Faults that come and go

The hardest faults are the intermittent ones: a trip that only happens at night, when it rains, or when the heating comes on. It helps enormously if you note when it happens and what was running at the time. Those clues often point straight to the circuit, or even the appliance, and save time on the day. Common hidden culprits include immersion heaters, outside lights, garden sockets, old storage heaters and cables damaged during past building work.

After the repair

Once the fault is fixed we test the circuit and explain what went wrong in plain English, so you know it has been dealt with properly. Smaller repairs are recorded on a Minor Works Certificate. If the fault turns out to be a symptom of an old or overloaded installation, we will talk you through the options, from a fuse board upgrade to a rewire, without any pressure.

We use certified components, test everything before we leave, and our work comes with a satisfaction and performance guarantee.

Fault finding questions

All questions

Why does my electricity keep tripping?

Usually a faulty appliance, water getting in somewhere, a damaged cable or an overloaded circuit. Try unplugging everything on the circuit and resetting: if it holds, plug things back in one at a time to find the culprit. If it still trips, or you smell burning, leave it off and call us.

Electrical fault finding across the Wirral

We trace and repair electrical faults in homes and businesses in all of these towns.

All areas we cover

Get a fault fixed

Tell us what your electrics are doing, when it started and roughly where you are. A photo of your fuse board helps. We will get back to you with the next step.

10% off for blue light and care sector workers. Just mention it.

For example: three-bed semi, old fuse box, looking at a full rewire. Or: kitchen being fitted next month, need a new cooker circuit and spotlights.
A photo of your fuse board or the job helps us give you a closer price.

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