A Comprehensive Guide to Electrical Fault Finding
RCD Electrical offers comprehensive electrical fault finding in London. Our NICEIC-certified electricians provide diagnostics, testing, repairs, and certification. Domestic or commercial—we keep your systems safe, functional, and fully compliant.
RCD Electrical offers expert electrical fault finding in London. Whether it's flickering lights or dangerous wiring, our certified electricians diagnose and fix problems fast. Here’s your complete guide to staying safe and compliant.
What Is Electrical Fault Finding?
Electrical fault finding is the professional process of identifying faults in electrical circuits, appliances, or systems. It involves inspection, testing, diagnosis, and resolution—always performed by qualified electricians.
Common Types of Electrical Faults
| Type |
Description |
Typical Locations |
| Open Circuit |
Break in wiring, causing loss of power |
Sockets, light fixtures |
| Short Circuit |
Current bypasses the load |
Behind outlets, old junctions |
| Earth Fault |
Current leaks to earth due to insulation breakdown |
Worn cables, faulty appliances |
| Overload |
Too many appliances on one circuit |
Kitchen, offices, fuse boards |
| High Resistance |
Poor connections causing voltage drops |
Consumer unit, terminals |
Symptoms to Watch For
| Symptom |
Possible Cause |
| RCD constantly trips |
Faulty appliance or earth leakage |
| Flickering lights |
Loose wire or poor connection |
| Buzzing outlet |
Arcing or worn socket |
| Burning smell |
Overheating, short circuit |
| Partial power loss |
Cable or fuse board issue |
Why Faults Should Never Be Ignored
Electrical faults can escalate into serious hazards. Fires, shocks, and damage to appliances are just a few consequences. Annual inspections and fast diagnosis help prevent disaster.
How RCD Electrical Diagnoses Faults
- Visual Survey: We inspect sockets, boards, and visible wiring for signs of damage.
- Safety Isolation: Circuits are safely disconnected before testing.
- Continuity Testing: Ensures electricity flows properly.
- Insulation Resistance: Identifies damaged cable sheathing.
- Thermal Imaging: Reveals overheating components.
- Root Cause Analysis: We pinpoint the exact source.
- Report & Fix: All work is reported and repaired with certification if needed.
Tools & Equipment We Use
| Tool |
Function |
| Multimeter |
Measures voltage, resistance, continuity |
| Insulation Tester |
Checks wire insulation |
| Earth Loop Tester |
Validates earthing safety |
| Thermal Camera |
Detects overheating parts |
| Socket Tester |
Identifies socket wiring faults |
Domestic vs Commercial Fault Finding
| Property Type |
Domestic |
Commercial |
| Common Issues |
Flickering lights, faulty sockets |
3-phase faults, equipment overloads |
| Voltage |
Single-phase |
Often three-phase |
| Risk |
Fire, appliance failure |
Downtime, legal risk |
| Documentation |
EICR, Minor Works |
EICR, Emergency Light Cert |
Preventative Maintenance
- Schedule annual EICRs
- Test RCDs regularly
- Upgrade outdated fuse boards
- Check portable appliances with PAT testing
- Consider infrared scans for large properties
Contact RCD Electrical
Need expert fault finding in London? Contact RCD Electrical today.
Call: 020 3488 2928
Email: info@rcdelectrician.co.uk
Book online: ELECTRICAL FAULT FINDING LONDON
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