FAULT FINDING - Chilvers Electrical

FAULT FINDING Services

Electrical faults are not only inconvenient—they can be dangerous. From flickering lights to tripping circuits, these signs often point to deeper issues that require expert investigation. Fault finding is the process of systematically detecting, diagnosing, and resolving electrical problems in a property. It’s a critical service for both safety and performance.

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1. Why Electrical Fault Finding Matters

Hidden Electrical Risks: Faults can remain unnoticed for long periods, slowly compromising your system until they become hazardous.

Safety Compliance: All electrical systems must meet the standards set out in BS 7671 Wiring Regulations. Fault finding ensures your system remains compliant and safe to use.

2. Common Signs You Need Electrical Fault Finding

Frequent tripping of circuit breakers or RCDs.
Buzzing or crackling from switches or outlets.
Flickering or dimming lights, especially when other appliances are used.
Burning smells or discoloration around sockets.
Dead sockets or switches that no longer function.
Electric shocks when touching appliances or outlets.

3. What Causes Electrical Faults?

Overloaded Circuits: Too many high-power appliances on one circuit can cause it to overload and trip.

Damaged Wiring: Rodent activity, water ingress, or age-related deterioration can damage cables.

Loose Connections: Poor terminations inside switches, sockets, or junction boxes create intermittent faults or heat buildup.

Faulty Appliances: Sometimes the issue lies with a malfunctioning appliance connected to your electrical system.

4. How a Professional Electrician Conducts Fault Finding

1. Initial Inspection: A visual assessment is performed to identify any obvious signs of damage, overheating, or burning.

2. Circuit Testing: Using specialist tools like multimeters, insulation resistance testers, and loop impedance testers, electricians evaluate the integrity of individual circuits.

3. Isolation and Elimination: Suspected circuits are isolated to narrow down the fault. This methodical process helps trace even intermittent or hidden faults.

4. Appliance Testing: Portable appliances may be tested separately using PAT testing techniques to rule out external sources of the issue.

5. Thermal Imaging: In commercial or complex setups, thermal imaging may be used to detect overheating components invisible to the naked eye.

5. What Happens After Fault Identification?

Repair or Replacement: Faulty wiring, sockets, or devices are repaired or replaced as needed.
Retesting: Once repairs are made, circuits are re-tested to confirm the fault is resolved.
Certification: Depending on the nature of the work, an updated electrical certificate may be issued.

6. Preventing Future Faults

Regular Electrical Inspections: Periodic inspections (e.g. EICRs) help identify early signs of wear or danger.
Quality Installations: Investing in high-quality wiring and components during installations reduces long-term risk.
Load Management: Avoid overloading circuits and spread high-draw appliances across dedicated circuits.
Surge Protection: Installing surge devices can protect against voltage spikes that may damage circuits or appliances.

6. Preventing Future Faults

Regular Electrical Inspections: Periodic inspections (e.g. EICRs) help identify early signs of wear or danger.
Quality Installations: Investing in high-quality wiring and components during installations reduces long-term risk.
Load Management: Avoid overloading circuits and spread high-draw appliances across dedicated circuits.
Surge Protection: Installing surge devices can protect against voltage spikes that may damage circuits or appliances.

7. When Should You Call a Professional?

If your fuseboard or breakers trip regularly.
If you smell burning near outlets or see scorch marks.
If you experience partial power loss in parts of your home.
If electrical shocks or sparks occur, even small ones.
Before buying/selling a property—to ensure it’s electrically sound.

Conclusion: Fault Finding is the First Step to Electrical Safety

Fault finding is a vital service that helps keep your home or business safe, functional, and compliant. It uncovers the root cause of issues before they escalate, giving you peace of mind and helping avoid expensive repairs later. If you notice any signs of electrical trouble, don’t ignore them—call in a qualified electrician for a proper diagnosis and fix.