When electrical systems fail, the results can range from mere inconvenience to significant danger. That’s why electrical fault finding is a critical skill performed by qualified electricians. At RCD Electrical, our team of NICEIC-certified professionals use a tried-and-tested method to locate, identify, and rectify electrical faults quickly and safely. Here's how we do it.
1. Initial Assessment and Safety Check
The first step in fault finding is to ensure safety. Our electrician will begin by switching off the relevant circuits or isolating the power supply where necessary. This prevents electric shock and safeguards appliances during the process.
Once the area is secure, we speak with the property owner or occupier to gather initial observations. For example:
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Are certain lights or sockets not working?
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Is a fuse repeatedly tripping?
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Has there been a burning smell or sound?
This background is essential in narrowing down the potential fault locations.
2. Visual Inspection
We then carry out a thorough visual inspection of wiring, sockets, switches, and fuse boards. Signs we look for include:
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Scorch marks or discolouration
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Loose or melted terminals
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Frayed or damaged wiring
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Overheating at the consumer unit
Visual inspection often helps identify obvious signs of poor installation, wear and tear, or previous electrical damage.
3. Use of Testing Equipment
If no visible issue is found, our electricians proceed with circuit testing. At RCD Electrical, we use professional-grade testers such as:
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Insulation Resistance Testers: These measure the resistance between conductors and earth to detect damaged insulation.
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Continuity Testers: Used to check for breaks in wiring.
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Earth Loop Impedance Testers: These determine how quickly a protective device (like an RCD) will operate in the event of a fault.
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Multimeters: Provide voltage, current, and resistance readings.
Each test follows safety standards under BS 7671 Wiring Regulations.
4. Isolating the Fault
Testing helps isolate whether the fault is short-circuiting, overloading, or earth leakage. For example, a constantly tripping RCD may be due to water ingress in an outdoor socket. Or a damaged cable under flooring might explain a dead circuit.
We test parts of the installation individually to narrow down the affected area—whether it’s a faulty socket, lighting circuit, or appliance connection.
5. Fault Repair and Retesting
Once the fault is identified, we proceed with a safe and compliant repair. This could involve:
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Replacing damaged wiring
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Upgrading old consumer units
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Replacing faulty switches or sockets
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Securing loose connections
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Isolating damaged appliances
After the repair, we retest the system to ensure it functions properly and meets all safety standards.
6. Final Reporting
Our electricians provide a detailed report on the fault, the cause, the work carried out, and whether any parts of the installation require further attention. For commercial clients, this can support your Health & Safety records and ensure legal compliance.
Why Choose RCD Electrical for Fault Finding?
At RCD Electrical, we combine expert knowledge with precision testing to resolve faults fast and safely. Whether it's a home in North London or a business in the city centre, we ensure minimal disruption and maximum protection.
Our electricians are:
Fully insured
NICEIC-approved
Friendly and respectful of your space
Ready for both scheduled and emergency visits
Need Expert Fault Finding in London?
Don’t ignore the signs—electrical faults rarely fix themselves. Contact RCD Electrical on 02034882928 or email info@rcdelectrician.co.uk to book your inspection today.