At RCD Electrical, fault finding is not guesswork—it is a precise and strategic process that ensures electrical systems are safe, reliable, and fully functional. Whether you're dealing with a tripping circuit breaker, flickering lights, or intermittent power loss, our expert engineers follow a methodical approach to diagnose and repair faults effectively. Below, we walk you through our fault-finding process, designed specifically to provide peace of mind for our clients in both domestic and commercial settings.
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Safety Assessment
Every successful electrical fault finding process starts with listening to the client. Our qualified engineers begin by gathering information about the problem: what symptoms are being observed, when they occur, and whether any recent changes were made to the electrical system.
Before any hands-on work begins, our team conducts a safety assessment. This ensures the system is isolated if necessary and safe to investigate, particularly in cases where faults might present an immediate risk.
Step 2: Visual Inspection
The next step is a thorough visual inspection of the electrical installation. Our engineers check for signs of wear, overheating, loose connections, corrosion, or obvious damage to components. This is a critical phase, as visual cues often provide early insight into potential causes of the issue.
We also verify the compliance of the installation with current electrical standards, which may highlight neglected areas or outdated components contributing to the fault.
Step 3: Testing with Professional Equipment
If a fault is not immediately obvious, our electricians use specialist fault-finding tools and test instruments, such as:
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Multimeters to measure voltage, current and resistance
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Insulation resistance testers to detect breakdowns in cables
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Loop impedance testers for assessing fault paths
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RCD testers to check trip times and earth leakage
Our certified engineers are trained to interpret the results of these tests precisely, ensuring accurate diagnostics and eliminating guesswork.
Step 4: Circuit Isolation and Diagnosis
Once the issue is narrowed down to a specific area or circuit, we isolate the circuit to prevent further damage or danger. Through circuit isolation techniques, we determine whether the fault lies in the wiring, a specific appliance, or within the consumer unit (fuse box).
At RCD Electrical, we understand the importance of minimising disruption—our aim is always to target the fault without needing to dismantle unaffected parts of your electrical system.
Step 5: Root Cause Identification
Identifying the root cause—not just the symptom—is key to a lasting fix. Whether the issue is due to poor workmanship, overloaded circuits, environmental damage, or component failure, our team ensures the cause is fully understood.
We also investigate any secondary faults that may be hiding behind the primary one, providing a full report of findings to the customer.
Step 6: Repair and Re-testing
With the problem clearly identified, our engineers proceed to repair or replace the faulty component(s). Whether it’s damaged cabling, faulty sockets, a defective breaker, or a wiring error, all repairs are made using approved materials in line with current regulations.
After repair, we re-test the affected circuits to confirm the issue is fully resolved and that the system is safe and fully functional.
Step 7: Reporting and Customer Handover
Once fault finding and repairs are complete, we provide a comprehensive fault report, detailing what was found, what work was done, and any further recommendations.
If the issue indicates deeper or more widespread problems—like ageing wiring or overloaded circuits—we’ll advise you on the most appropriate next steps to ensure ongoing safety and performance.
We pride ourselves on transparency, and we make sure our clients understand the full picture before we consider the job done.
Why Choose RCD Electrical?
Successful fault finding relies not only on tools and training, but also on experience and integrity. At RCD Electrical, we have years of hands-on experience handling complex fault scenarios in homes, offices, shops, schools, and rental properties across London.
All our work is conducted by fully qualified, NICEIC-certified electricians, ensuring compliance with British safety standards.
If you're facing an electrical issue—no matter how minor or mysterious—don’t leave it to chance. Call the professionals at RCD Electrical today.
Call us on 02034882928
Email: info@rcdelectrician.co.uk
Call now and get 20% discount.