tel: Merthyr Tydfil 01685 383729   Testimonials provided by customers of Alan Davies Electrical Merthyr Tydfil.

Fault Finding

What You Can Do

If any shocks are encountered, however small, the main electrical switch should immediately be turned off until the fault is fully rectified.
Where a main large RCD circuit breaker is ‘tripping’ in or near your consumer unit, try switching each smaller MCB circuit breaker off individually then resetting the RCD each time in case remaining circuits can be switched back on.
If the problematic circuit is a socket circuit, try removing the plugs from all your appliances, then trying the circuit breaker again.
Should you still be unable to reset all of your circuit breakers the fault is most likely to be a circuit defect which will require the services of a professional electrician.
Under some circumstances it may be possible to use an extension lead to connect fridges and freezers to an unaffected circuit. This can be helpful to avoid spoiled food until the faulty circuit can be repaired.

Faults I Have Encountered

Damaged cable - fixing nail through loft boarding 
Damaged cable - fixing nail in wall for hanging a picture 
Damaged cable - rodent damage above ceiling (most common) 
Liquids- cat or dog urine in socket outlet 
Liquids - leaking shower/bath into junction box or ceiling light 
Wiring accessory damage - broken socket or light fitting 
Burning - socket front due to excessive high current
Burning - consumer unit due to loose connection. 
Loose connection - junction box or accessory 
Damp ingress - from wall - affecting sockets and light switches 
Damp ingress - exterior junction box buried in soil  
Non-compliant installation - 16a radial circuit for kitchen appliances 
Non-compliant installation - electric hob connected to ring main 
Non-compliant installation multiple appliances connected to a spur 
Low insulation reading - junction box buried in soil
Low insulation reading - incorrect type and installation of cable 
Low insulation reading - cables unserviceable due to age
Low insulation reading - exterior light cable cut and rendered over.    

In view of the wide range of possible causes for an electrical fault it is important that the problem is approached using a systematic method.

Corroded socket box

Stages of Investigation

Firstly the customer will be asked details regarding the fault encountered. For example, when was fault encountered, what were the symptoms, what appliances were in use at the time.      

Where appropriate all appliances are disconnected and/or light switches turned off. The consumer unit circuits will be individually tested for insulation resistance in order to establish the circuit at fault.    

If each circuit tested has an acceptable insulation reading at this stage, and the circuit can be re-set it is often more appropriate to check likely causes and arrange to re-test the consumer unit again at a later date.    

Where a low insulation reading is found, the circuit causing the problem is then disassembled and each section tested in order to understand the area of the fault. This is normally done by disconnecting sockets and/or light fittings. In the event of older wiring where junction boxes are likely to be hidden under the floor, it may be required to lift flooring to isolate the faulty section of the circuit.

Remedial Repair

Following the investigation work, a no-obligation quote for the cost of any remedial work required to repair the defect will be provided.   
The repair may consist of replacement of one or more wiring accessories or a partial rewiring.     
This repair or replacement work will be arranged to be carried out at the earliest opportunity to avoid continued disruption or further danger.   

What is the Cost?

Due to the multiple possible causes of electrical faults the investigation can sometimes be time consuming. Conversely where the item causing the issue can be readily identified and replaced the duration of work can be within an hour. Alan Davies Electrical will discuss the likely costs prior to any work being carried out. Complex faults can take longer to define, especially where circuits are poorly labelled, the installation is in a generally poor condition, access is difficult or the issue is intermittent. Investigation will be carried out as quickly as possible but can be time consuming. Conversely where the item causing the issue can be readily identified and replaced the duration of work can be within an hour. 

Alan Davies Electrical will discuss the likely costs prior to any work being carried out. He will work in an efficient and systematic way to complete the work as soon as is possible.