Electrical faults range from minor irritations to genuine safety hazards. Knowing the common types and what causes them can help you identify when to call an electrician.
1. Tripping RCDs
An RCD that trips regularly — cutting power to a group of circuits — is detecting a fault. Common causes:
- A faulty appliance on the circuit (unplug all appliances on the tripped circuit and reset — if it holds, plug appliances back in one at a time to identify the faulty one)
- Deteriorated cable insulation causing current leakage to earth
- Water ingress in outdoor or bathroom circuits
- A genuinely overloaded circuit (too many high-draw appliances)
What to do: If the RCD holds once all appliances are unplugged, the issue is likely a faulty appliance. If it trips with nothing plugged in, call an electrician.
2. Flickering or Dimming Lights
Occasional flicker when a large appliance starts (fridge, washing machine) is normal — the motor's starting current causes a momentary voltage dip. Persistent flickering indicates:
- A loose connection in the light fitting, switch or junction box
- A failing light fitting or lamp
- A loose connection at the consumer unit
- An overloaded circuit (less common)
What to do: Replace the lamp first. If flickering continues, have a qualified electrician check the wiring.
3. Burning Smells from Sockets or Switches
A burning smell — especially one that persists — is a serious warning sign. Possible causes:
- Overloaded socket (too many high-draw appliances on an extension lead)
- Arcing inside the socket due to a loose connection
- A faulty appliance
What to do: Stop using the socket immediately and call an electrician. Do not ignore burning smells.
4. Sockets or Switches That Feel Warm
Accessories that feel noticeably warm to the touch (not just the socket face, but the entire unit) indicate heat generation — usually a loose or corroded connection. This can cause arcing and fire in extreme cases.
What to do: Stop using the accessory and have it replaced by a qualified electrician.
5. Dead Sockets
A socket that doesn't work could be:
- Tripped MCB or RCD (check the consumer unit)
- A fused spur feeding the socket with a blown fuse
- A loose connection at the socket, a junction or the consumer unit
- A broken socket mechanism
What to do: Check the consumer unit first. If all breakers are on, call an electrician to trace the fault.
6. Sparking When Plugging In
A small spark when inserting or removing a plug is normal — it is the instant the circuit connects. A large or persistent spark, or sparks when nothing is being plugged in, is not normal and requires investigation.
7. Frequently Blowing Fuses or Tripping MCBs
If a specific circuit's MCB (miniature circuit breaker) trips repeatedly, the circuit is being overloaded or there is a fault on that circuit. Don't simply reset and ignore it — identify the cause.
Onyx Electrical Solutions provides professional fault finding and diagnosis across Greater Manchester. Call 07000 000000.