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Way 06 · Tripping · Dead circuits · Intermittent faults

Electrical fault finding and repairs, traced properly rather than guessed

A tripping RCD is a symptom, not a diagnosis. We trace faults methodically with proper test equipment, explain what caused them, and fix the cause rather than resetting the switch and hoping.

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An electrician kneels to test a double socket with a multifunction tester and plug-in lead, a test schedule on a clipboard beside her
01 · In plain English

Fault finding and repairs, explained

Most faults fall into a few families: an appliance leaking current to earth, water getting into an outside fitting, a damaged cable, a loose connection, or an overloaded circuit. Each leaves different evidence. Insulation resistance testing, isolating circuits one at a time and checking connections at the board narrow it down quickly.

Intermittent faults take longer, because the fault has to be present to be found. We ask what was running when it tripped, what the weather was doing, and whether anything has changed recently. That conversation often saves an hour of testing.

02Signs and scope

When to call, and what is included.

Common problems and warning signs

  • The RCD trips and will not reset, or trips at random
  • One circuit is dead while the rest of the house works
  • A burning smell, buzzing or crackling from a socket or switch
  • Scorch marks or discoloured sockets
  • Lights flickering across the house
  • Tripping in wet weather, often from outside lights or sockets

What the service includes

  • A methodical diagnosis using calibrated test equipment
  • An explanation of the cause, not just the symptom
  • The repair, usually on the same visit
  • Testing of the repaired circuit before it goes back into service
  • A certificate for the work
  • A clear recommendation if the fault points to a wider problem
03Process

How the work runs, start to finish.

  1. Tell us what you need

    Call, or send the quote form with a photo if it helps. We ask a few questions and book a visit or survey at a time that suits you.

  2. Survey and written quote

    We look at the existing installation, explain what we find and send a fixed written quote that says exactly what is included.

  3. The work, done carefully

    Floors protected, dust controlled, power kept on where possible, and the house left safe every evening.

  4. Tested, certified, handed over

    Every circuit is tested. You receive the certificate, a labelled circuit chart and a walk-round of what was done.

In a dim hallway, an electrician wearing a head torch checks a consumer unit with a voltage indicator during a power fault
In a dim hallway, an electrician wearing a head torch checks a consumer unit with a voltage indicator during a power fault.
An electrician kneels to test a double socket with a multifunction tester and plug-in lead, a test schedule on a clipboard beside her
An electrician kneels to test a double socket with a multifunction tester and plug-in lead, a test schedule on a clipboard beside her.
04Related projects

Where we have done this work.

A long row of stone and brick colliery terraced houses in a County Durham village under an overcast sky Landlord
Near Chester-le-Street, County Durham

Consumer unit upgrade and EICR for a landlord

An unsatisfactory EICR on a two-bedroom colliery terrace, put right between tenancies with a new consumer unit and documented remedial work.

05 · Questions

Faults & repairs: frequently asked questions

How do you charge for fault finding?

By time, with the first hour quoted before we arrive. Most domestic faults are found within that hour. If it is going to take longer, we tell you and agree the next step before carrying on.

Can I reset the RCD myself?

Yes, once. If it trips again immediately, unplug everything on the affected circuits and try again. If it holds, plug appliances back in one at a time to find the culprit. If it still trips with everything unplugged, the fault is in the wiring, so call an electrician.

Is a burning smell an emergency?

Yes. Switch off at the main switch if it is safe to reach, do not use the affected socket or switch, and call us. If there is smoke or fire, leave the house and call 999.

Locations covered

Faults & repairs across County Durham, Sunderland and Tyne and Wear

We regularly carry out this work in Seaham, and throughout the wider area. See all areas covered.

  • Sunderland
  • Durham
  • Seaham
  • Washington
  • Chester-le-Street
  • Houghton-le-Spring
  • Peterlee
  • Spennymoor
  • South Shields
  • Gateshead
Related services

Often needed alongside this.

Quotes and enquiries

Request a quote for faults & repairs

Tell us what you need and where. We reply within one working day with questions, a price, or a time to come and look. Photos help us price without a visit.

0191 498 0374Call the electrician
Working hoursMonday to Friday, 7.30am to 5.30pm. Saturday mornings by arrangement.
Areas coveredCounty Durham, Sunderland and Tyne and Wear
For example SR2 or Seaham
What needs doing, where in the property, and anything you have noticed.
A photo of the fault, the consumer unit or the area helps us price accurately.
How should we contact you?

We aim to reply within one working day. For urgent faults, please call.

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