First priority: protect people, not property
Do not touch damaged equipment, exposed conductors or a person who may still be in contact with electricity. Move away from smoke, fire, sparking or a suspected live hazard.
If there is a fire, active smoke, electric shock, someone is unresponsive, or there is immediate danger, call 999. Follow the emergency operator’s instructions.
If someone receives an electric shock
NHS first-aid guidance says to switch off the electrical current at the mains to break contact, if this can be done safely. Do not approach or touch the person until the supply is off. Once contact is broken, call 999 if the person is not breathing and seek medical help after an electric shock.
Read the current NHS first-aid guidance. If you are uncertain, call 999 or NHS 111 as appropriate.
Fire, smoke, sparking or a burning smell
If an item is smoking or on fire, leave the area, raise the alarm and call 999. Do not attempt to fight a developing electrical or lithium-battery fire yourself.
Where there is only an unusual smell or noise from an appliance and no fire, London Fire Brigade guidance advises unplugging the appliance if it is safe to do so and seeking expert advice. For fixed wiring or a consumer unit, do not remove covers; isolate at a safe accessible switch only if there is no need to approach the hazard.
Never use water on live electrical equipment.
Whole-property power cut or supply problem
Check from a safe position whether neighbouring properties or street lighting are also affected. A network fault is handled by the electricity distribution network operator rather than a domestic electrician.
In England, Scotland and Wales, call 105 free to reach the local network operator, or use Power Cut 105. If only your property or selected circuits are affected, the fault may be within the installation.
A breaker, RCD or RCBO keeps tripping
A protective device that operates is responding to an abnormal condition. Possible causes include a faulty appliance, moisture, damaged wiring, overload or an installation defect.
- Do not repeatedly force or reset a device that trips again.
- Do not hold a switch in position.
- Do not remove the consumer-unit cover.
- Keep notes of which device operated and what was running at the time.
- Unplug ordinary appliances only where this is safe and there is no visible damage.
Contact an electrician for measured fault finding. The fact that power can be restored temporarily does not prove the cause is harmless.
Water near electrical equipment
Do not enter standing water that may contain live electrical equipment or wiring. Do not touch wet switches, sockets or appliances. Move people away and isolate the supply only from a dry, safe position.
A leak must be stopped by the appropriate person, but electrical equipment should be assessed before it is returned to service. Dry appearance alone does not establish safety.
Damaged sockets, switches or exposed wiring
Keep the area clear and prevent use. Do not tape over an accessible live hazard as a permanent solution. If a circuit can be safely identified and isolated without approaching the damage, leave it off and arrange repair.
In homes with children or vulnerable occupants, physical access to the area should be controlled until the fault is made safe.
Information that helps an electrician
- The full postcode and property type.
- Whether there is fire, smoke, heat, shock or visible damage.
- Which protective device operated.
- Which rooms, sockets, lights or appliances are affected.
- When the issue began and what changed beforehand.
- Any leak, building work or recently installed appliance.
- Safe photos of the closed consumer unit or visible damage.
Do not create additional risk to obtain a photo.
What an urgent diagnostic visit may involve
The electrician may separate circuits, disconnect equipment, inspect accessible points and carry out electrical measurements. Some faults are located quickly; intermittent or concealed faults may need more time or a return visit.
The first objective may be to remove immediate danger and restore safe partial service. Permanent repair can require parts, access or further agreed work.
Reduce the chance of repeat emergencies
Do not ignore recurring trips, heat damage, loose accessories or water ingress. Keep circuit schedules readable, arrange condition reporting where appropriate and avoid overloading multiway extensions.
Businesses should maintain emergency contacts and know which equipment is critical during a power interruption. Landlords should retain inspection and remedial records.
Request urgent electrical help
Bastian Electrical accepts urgent fault-finding enquiries in London subject to availability. No 24-hour or guaranteed response time is claimed.