Power Cut or Tripped Switch? What to Check Before You Call an Electrician

When the lights go out, the first question is simple: is it just my home, or the whole street? The answer tells you whether to call the network operator or an electrician. This guide walks through what to check, in order, when the power goes, and what to do if it keeps happening.

Step 1: look outside

Check whether neighbours' lights and street lights are on. If the whole street is dark, it is almost certainly a network power cut. Call 105, the free national power cut number, or check the network operator's website. In London that is UK Power Networks. Do not call an electrician for a street-wide cut, as there is nothing they can fix inside your home.

Step 2: check your consumer unit

If only your home is off, go to the consumer unit. Look for any switch that has dropped to the off position: the main switch, an RCD, or a single circuit breaker. If nothing has tripped and your neighbours have power, the problem may be at your meter or main fuse, which belongs to the network operator, so call 105.

Step 3: reset safely

• Switch off or unplug appliances on the affected circuit.
• Push the tripped switch firmly back to on.
• If it stays on, plug things back in one at a time to find the culprit.
• If it trips again straight away with everything unplugged, leave it off and call an electrician.

Our guide on why your RCD keeps tripping explains the most common causes in more detail.

Tripping at night

Trips that happen at night often point to something that switches on by itself: a fridge or freezer compressor, a storage heater, an immersion heater on a timer, an outdoor light after rain, or an EV charger on a night tariff. Note the time and which switch trips, as this helps an electrician find the fault quickly. Our guide to electric storage heaters covers one common night-time cause.

When to call for help straight away

• A burning smell, smoke or scorch marks at a socket, switch or the consumer unit.
• A switch that is hot to touch or will not reset.
• Water near electrics after a leak.

In an emergency involving fire or smoke, call 999 first.

Book an electrician

Energy North Ltd finds and fixes faults across North, East and West London with City & Guilds certified electricians, and can usually attend within 48 hours. See our EICR service.