Help! My Electrics Have Tripped!
Experiencing a tripped circuit can be frustrating, but often you can resolve the issue yourself safely.
In most cases you can restore power in 5-10 minutes.
Follow these steps to attempt restoring power.
Five Steps to Attempt Power Restore
Step One
Stay Calm and Safe
- You may need to think clearly - if you are unable then call an electrician and wait.
- First, do not panic. Most tripped electrical circuits can be reset without professional help.
- Do not repeatedly try to reset the tripped circuit breaker. This can damage the breaker and potentially escalate the problem.
Step Two
Reduce the System's Load
- 9 times out of 10 an appliance is the cause - the goal is to decrease electrical demand & identify if an appliance is causing the trip. So unplug all appliances - ensure they are completely disconnected from the power source, not just turned off.
- Switch off all fused spurs (for appliances like cookers and showers) and any other switches that directly control appliances. This action is similar to unplugging an appliance.
- Inspect for water exposure. Disconnect or switch off any outdoor electrical installations (e.g. pond pumps, outdoor lighting, sockets) and indoor areas prone to moisture (extractor fans, immersion heaters, boilers). If you know you have damp wall or a plumbing leak, this could be getting in to the electrics - inform the electrician of any such damp areas when he arrives.
IMPORTANT: MAKE A NOTE OF EVERYTHING SWITCHED OFF OR UNPLUGGED FOR LATER SO IT'S NOT FORGOTTEN TO BE PLUGGED IN OR TURNED BACK ON.
Step Three
Attempt to Reset the Circuit Breaker
If it won't reset don't force it or try repeatedly. With the load reduced, try resetting the circuit breaker:
Locate your fuse box and find the switch that's in the "off" position or midway between on and off.
Switch it to the 'off' position firmly, then flip it back to 'on.' (some need to be fully turned off first then all the way back on).
Usually but not in every case OFF is down, ON is up. A green flag indicator means safe = off, a red flag indicator means danger = on.
RCD or circuit breakers with a yellow, blue, orange (but could be any colour) test button marked "T" are the sensitive ones that most likely trip. Unfortunately, there is no universal colour coding or system between circuit breakers manufacturers - each have their own indications.
Step Four
Identify the Faulty Appliance
- This is a process of elimination - if the breaker stays on, begin to reconnect your appliances one at a time, waiting a few minutes between each to see if the circuit trips again.
- This process can help identify a faulty appliance. If you plug in an appliance then the breaker trips, unplug this appliance and reset breaker, continue plugging in other appliances instead.
- If this has not resolved the issue then it is time to call an Electrician.
Step Five
When to Call an Electrician
If the circuit breaker trips immediately after resetting (with all appliances unplugged), or if you cannot identify the faulty appliance, it's time to call a qualified electrician.
Keep the electrician informed about the steps you have taken and any observations. This information can help them diagnose the issue more efficiently.
While you wait for an electrician, if you have some sockets working (worth checking the cooker point for a socket) run an extension lead to keep essential appliances running i.e. fridge, freezer. Keep these closed throughout to preserve contents.
Bonus Info
Further Safety Advice
Never attempt to repair electrical systems yourself if you are not qualified. Electricity is dangerous and can cause injury or death.
Keep a list of emergency contacts, including a reliable electrician, in an easily accessible place.
Most trips are caused by overloads or faulty appliances and can be resolved with the steps above. However, persistent issues or trips without clear causes should be professionally diagnosed to ensure your home's safety.
It is best to prevent tripping electrics by having them tested and inspected on regular intervals. The last test date and next should be written on or near a sticker at the fuse box.
Our Reviews
We were much relieved when we had a complete power failure and on sending an SOS to Paul, Ken appeared on our doorstep in no time. He sorted our problem out so quickly and efficiently - he noticed other electrical shortcomings and was charming company. Altogether a pleasant experience and at a good price. I strongly recommend dependable P D Electrical.
You'll have no worries engaging with PD Electrical. The service was second to none, we were kept up to date with the work and it was all completed on time and on budget. Nothing was too much trouble for these guys. Would highly recommend...
Had Paul come out to my home and fit a new cooker for me he was polite and extremely helpful and even disposed of the packaging for my new item was very happy with the service I recieved, was a very reasonable price aswell. Would highly recommend to anyone wanting any electric works. 😀
Paul is an extremely reliable electrician who has done a lot of different electrical work for us at home both interior and exterior. The team of guys he has working for him are equally as good. They work efficiently and importantly to me, are tidy and always respectful of our home. I cannot recommend Paul Dunn Electric more highly.
I have used Paul a few times and also recommended him to others. I have always found his service excellent and will definitely be using again. On this occasion I wanted my meter to be moved to a more appropriate place. Paul arranged an appointment quickly with me to discuss the work and sent through the quote stating what had been discussed. The work was planned in swiftly and the engineer was on time, friendly and efficient. The engineer carried out all necessary work to a high standard and left the area clean and tidy. The documentation required for the work was sent promptly. Thank you so much for the service provided.
I can't praise Paul Dunn and his team highly enough. We needed a lot of work done to comply with new electrical regulations. Paul came to assess the job the day after we enquired, sent a quote the day after that and started the work within a week.
Very different from a previous experience with an electrician - long wait to get the job done and not done efficiently.
Paul and his team did everything perfectly. We will use him in future for any electrical jobs.
Very different from a previous experience with an electrician - long wait to get the job done and not done efficiently.
Paul and his team did everything perfectly. We will use him in future for any electrical jobs.
I have used Paul and his team twice now and couldn’t recommend them enough! They go above and beyond at all times and nothing is too much. Their customer service is impeccable and you feel they really value your custom. It’s very rare to find such amazing service. I wouldn’t go anywhere else and recommend to everyone I know! Thank you PD team 🙂
Outstanding service following a recommendation. Paul moved my ev charger from my address to my new address. He gave me confirmed date and times and stuck to them. His communication was excellent. Furthermore, having just moved we needed new light fittings and Paul kindly carried out the work the same day instead of leaving us without the new fittings.
I would without reservation highly recommended him.
I would without reservation highly recommended him.
Paul and Charlie from PC Electrical (Ilfracombe) have just fitted a battery storage unit to connect to our previously fitted solar panels. Paul has been excellent throughout the job assessment, quote and completion of the supply and fitting. Paul's communication skills are exceptional and he backs this up with skilled and very tidy work at exactly the time & day he promises, together with patient & reliable availability after the fitting, leaving us confident of dependable service in the future. We would certainly recommend this business.
Review edit January 2025- having had occasion to rely on Paul's after sales services I agree with his claims for customer care and reliability, Paul can be totally trusted to deliver as promised.
Review edit January 2025- having had occasion to rely on Paul's after sales services I agree with his claims for customer care and reliability, Paul can be totally trusted to deliver as promised.
What a wonderful experience having an electrician with a"nothing is too much trouble" attitude. Paul came on time completed the job even though delays forced him to return a number times ( not his fault). Polite, tidy would recommend him without questions.
After loosing power at 11pm on Saturday evening Paul of PD electrical was one of the only electricians to answer my call and attended within the hour, found the fault and got my plugs and lights back on that night. He then returned Monday morning as agreed to replace the faulty cable that had caused the original problem. Reasonably priced, very friendly and most importantly very reliable. Would definitely recommend.
Refreshing, turned up when he said he would & did the job when he said he would. Changed a light on a holiday let for me - Job well done. Definitely use again!
The biggest problem in North Devon is finding reliable tradespeople. Paul Dunn of PD Electrical does exactly what he says he’s going to do. Arrives on time, quotes for the job (no estimate or day rate nonsense), then sends a professional colleague to do the job to a very high standard. This is what I said to Paul…..’We’re delighted we are with what Ken has done for us. He's thorough, professional, extremely knowledgeable and tidy plus he's spends time explaining what he's done and how he's done it. He's very conscientious and wants to get the job done 100% correctly. On top of all that he's a total gentleman and a credit to your reputation. Thank you again. Greg.’
Paul came to our house yesterday and was great from the start. Turned up on time, dust sheets down, protective plastic down and a job successfully completed with all holes patched and primed like new. Best electrician we’ve ever had to the house, highly recommended.
Needed an electrician for a tripping switch called pd electrical came next day at the time agreed job sorted
Had a quote for another job was booked in on a day and time that worked for us
Pd electrical turned up done the job very professional everything was left clean and tidy rubbish taken away
PD ELECTRICAL highly recommended
Had a quote for another job was booked in on a day and time that worked for us
Pd electrical turned up done the job very professional everything was left clean and tidy rubbish taken away
PD ELECTRICAL highly recommended
Paul has been our electrician since 2017. He responds quickly whenever we need help with large or small jobs and maintenance like today. PD Electrical have also assisted us down the years with a complete house renovation and rewire, overcoming challenges along the way. Furthermore, Paul also worked hard to provide my elderly parents with a wet room and other adaptations for their home. He and his team are always friendly, competent and reliable, which is very much appreciated. Many thanks again Paul.
I needed a tiny job doing fast - ceiling light. P D Electrical booked a great appointment time with me, turned up on time and carried the work out perfectly. Very happy with all the work they've done for me so far. 2 jobs and counting! See you all soon!
My previous experiences of getting the service I needed had been difficult and took a long time to get responses. Paul responded immediately and got the work done in record time. It was a refreshing change to deal with such a friendly and efficient company. I was really happy with the end result and have no hesitation in recommending PD Electrical to anyone needing a professional service that is fast and efficient.
Having been let down by other electricians who either didn't respond or were apparently too busy, I was very impressed with Paul's responses to requests for quotes. He isn't cheap but you definitely get what you pay for. He's installed a cooker hood, a replacement bathroom extractor fan and redirected its exit to a more efficient location, separated a light and extractor fan in an en suite, and installed a replacement electric doorbell. He leaves everything clean and tidy. I'm really pleased with Paul's standard of work.
Great tradesmen. Turned up when agreed and completed work as agreed. Good experience.
Excellent service. Thoughtful solutions to my problem. One lowered modern fuse board with emergency lighting.
I chose PD Electrical purely on the strength of their Google Reviews. I have had various electricians over the years, but this time wanted someone with stellar reputation. Paul called round for a chat and to assess the requirement. It was only a few switches and lights, but he took time to document what was needed and also ask a few other questions to help him understand the setup in my home. I then received a quote for the work, which was reasonable and accompanied by a very thorough, helpful guides to how PD work and key things I should know. Paul had also left a book of client testimonials which was a very nice touch, something I had never seen before.
Charlie from PD arrived on time to carry out the work, he was polite, cheerful and a pleasure to have in the house (this has not always been the case with previous contractors!) Everything was completed to agreed spec and care was taken throughout not to leave any mess or cause disruption. I chatted with Paul about our fusebox and some other requirements and he gave me considered, helpful responses which encouraged me to return in future for additional works.
My day job involves encouraging my clients to "go the extra mile" for their customers and it was great to see this in action with Paul. Highly recommended, well done!
Charlie from PD arrived on time to carry out the work, he was polite, cheerful and a pleasure to have in the house (this has not always been the case with previous contractors!) Everything was completed to agreed spec and care was taken throughout not to leave any mess or cause disruption. I chatted with Paul about our fusebox and some other requirements and he gave me considered, helpful responses which encouraged me to return in future for additional works.
My day job involves encouraging my clients to "go the extra mile" for their customers and it was great to see this in action with Paul. Highly recommended, well done!
Paul came out promptly to quote and returned within the next few days to fit several challenging light fittings, nothing was too much trouble. He was on time, helpful and polite, and got the job done efficiently. Would highly recommend.
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PD Electrical
We help homeowners in Barnstaple, Bideford and Ilfracombe upgrade the electrics in their home, garden or renovation without being taken for a ride, let down or left in a mess.
Our promise to you
- Clear Fixed Prices
- Fully Certified Work
- Electrical Installation Certificates
- Full Safety Checks
- Full-quality promise
Areas Covered
- Barnstaple
- Bideford
- Braunton
- Ilfracombe
