About this service
Electrical fault finding is the controlled process of narrowing a problem from a symptom to its actual cause. It combines visual inspection, customer observations and electrical testing. The objective is to identify the defective circuit, cable, connection, accessory or appliance without replacing unrelated parts.
Intermittent faults can take longer than permanent ones because the condition may depend on temperature, moisture, movement or a particular appliance cycle. A useful description of when the fault occurs is often as valuable as the first test result.
Common problems we help with
Intermittent tripping
A circuit works most of the time but trips during rain, overnight, when heating starts or when a particular appliance is used.
Lights flickering or pulsing
Loose connections, failing drivers, incompatible dimmers or supply issues can all create similar visible symptoms.
A circuit has stopped working
The fault may be at the protective device, a loose connection upstream or a damaged accessory further along the circuit.
Unexplained RCD operation
One RCD may protect several circuits, so the item that appears to cause the trip is not always the source.
How we carry out the work
Reproduce and define the symptom
We establish what fails, when it fails and what changed immediately beforehand.
Divide the installation logically
Safe isolation and test results are used to separate circuits, sections and connected equipment until the faulty part is identified.
Confirm the cause before repair
We explain the evidence, complete an agreed repair where practical and retest the circuit before returning it to use.
What is normally included?
- Initial discussion about the property, symptoms, priorities and timescale
- Assessment of the relevant circuit, equipment, access and existing protection
- A written scope for the proposed electrical fault finding work
- The agreed installation or repair work, with disruption kept to a reasonable minimum
- Inspection, electrical testing and appropriate handover documentation
Before the work starts
- The exact result expected from the electrical fault finding work
- Condition and capacity of the existing circuit
- Cable routes, access and protection of finishes
- Testing, certification and any future requirements
What affects the price?
The price depends on the existing installation and the amount of work required. For electrical fault finding, the main factors normally include:
- Extent of the work and material specification
- Accessibility and working conditions
- Alterations needed to the existing installation
- Inspection, testing and documentation
Testing, certificates and handover
Once the installation work is complete, we inspect and test it and provide the records that apply to the job.
- Completed electrical test results
- Applicable certificate or minor-works record
- Operating and isolation explanation
- A written record of the completed work
Electrical Fault Finding questions
How long does fault finding take?
A straightforward permanent fault may be found quickly. Intermittent or shared faults can require staged testing and monitoring.
What if the fault is inside an appliance?
We can identify that the fixed wiring tests correctly and isolate the suspect appliance. Specialist appliance repair may then be needed.
Do you charge for diagnosis if no repair is completed?
Fault finding is skilled inspection and testing work, so diagnostic time is chargeable even where a separate repair is needed.
Booking the work
What happens after you contact us
1. Discuss the job
Tell us about the property, the symptoms or the result you want. Photographs and model numbers are often helpful.
2. Inspect and quote
We check the relevant installation and give you a written quotation showing what is included.
3. Complete and test
We carry out the agreed work, verify it electrically and explain any controls, labels or certificates at handover.