What to Do in the Event of a Power Loss to a Circuit in Your Home

Check for Obvious Signs of Overload

A common cause of circuit power loss is an overloaded circuit, typically from plugging in too many high-powered appliances at once. Check if any recent device usage could have caused this. For example, running a kettle, toaster, and microwave on the same circuit could easily trip a breaker.

Examine Your consumer unit (fuse box)

• Go to your home’s main electrical panel and open the door to reveal the breakers.
• Look for a breaker that’s in the “off” position or partially shifted. In the UK, circuit breakers will often be labelled for specific areas, so find the one corresponding to the room without power.
• To reset it, push the breaker firmly to the “off” position, then back to “on.” If the breaker stays on, power should be restored to that circuit.

Check outside, do you have any electrics outdoors?

A common cause of circuit power loss is outdoor accessories, lighting, plugs, etc. Are they on the effected circuit? Is there a way of either unplugging the items or isolating them indoors via a “Spur?”

Test RCDs (Residual Current Devices)

Many homes in Highbridge and Burnham on Sea have RCD and RCBOs for additional safety. These devices monitor
electrical flow and will cut power if they detect an imbalance, like a earth fault (power leaking somewhere it shouldn’t be) Locate your RCD switch, which is often in the main consumer unit, or in a separate fuse box, and reset it if necessary.

If the RCD trips again after resetting, it may indicate a problem with a specific appliance or wiring in that circuit.

Unplug Appliances and Devices on the Circuit

• If the breaker or RCD continues to trip, physically unplug all devices in the affected area. Sometimes, an appliance could be faulty or shorting out the circuit. Once everything is unplugged, try resetting the breaker again.
• If the circuit remains stable, plug each item back in one at a time to identify if a specific appliance causes the trip.

Check for Potential Water Exposure

• Water and electricity don’t mix, and damp conditions can lead to short circuits. Check the area for signs of leaks, such as around sinks, dishwashers, or washing machines, which could be affecting electrical points or appliances on that circuit.
• If you suspect water exposure, do not attempt further troubleshooting; call a local electrician to assess and resolve the issue safely.

Consider Recent DIY or Renovation Work

• If you’ve recently hung pictures, installed shelves, or done any home improvement projects, it’s possible you could have damaged a cable within the walls. Accidentally nailing into a wire can cause power loss to a circuit or even a hazard.
• In this case, it’s best to consult an electrician for a proper inspection to avoid the risk of fire or electric shock.

Call a Professional Electrician for Persistent Issues

If you’ve gone through the steps above and the power to the circuit is still out, or if the breaker trips repeatedly without a clear cause, it’s time to call a professional. Repeated tripping can indicate serious issues, like faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or damaged outlets, all of which require expert assessment. If you are based in Highbridge and Burnham on Sea or the surrounding areas, give me a call.

Stay Safe: Avoid DIY Repairs Beyond Basic Checks

While it’s fine to reset a breaker or unplug appliances, avoid attempting complex repairs yourself. Electricity can be dangerous, especially if you’re dealing with hidden faults.
Instead, rely on a qualified electrician to handle the job properly and ensure your home’s electrical system is safe and up to code.

As you local Electrician serving Highbridge, Burnham-on-Sea and the surrounding areas. If you need assistance with a circuit problem, feel free to contact me. As a local electrician, I’m here to help with everything from simple power issues to comprehensive electrical repairs and upgrades.