What To Do in a Powercut
A power cut can be one of the more frustrating things in life, but with these easy tips, you can handle this type of electrical emergency in the home in a quick and straightforward way.
2 minute read
It is advisable to keep a torch near to the consumer unit in case of loss of power at night.
If there is a power cut:
- First check that the miniature circuit breakers (MCB) and residual current devices (RCDs) on your consumer unit have not tripped.
- Next, check with neighbours or call your supplier to see whether your whole area is affected.
- If the problem is not resolved by either of these checks, contact a qualified electrician for help.
If a switch has tripped on your consumer unit:
- Check which circuit has been affected using the label on the switch.
- If the circuit is for power sockets, it may have tripped because a faulty appliance is plugged in. To check which appliance is at fault:
- Unplug everything on that circuit.
- Push the switch back to the ‘on’ position.
- If the MCB (miniature circuit breaker) does not stay switched on, there is a fault with this MCB and you will need to contact an electrician.
- If the MCB does stay on, plug in and switch on the appliances on this circuit, one by one, until you discover the faulty item that causes the MCB to trip.
- If the circuit is for lighting, check whether any of your lightbulbs have blown. If a lightbulb has blown: leave the MCB off, replace the light bulb and then switch the MCB back on.
- Do not repeatedly trip any MCB, as they are highly sensitive and may become damaged.
- If you still cannot find the fault, call an electrician as you may have a fault inside a fitted socket or switch.
*How To articles are intended as advice only. Please refer to your completion documents for specific information on lease and covenant restrictions and maintenance of your home.*
