What it is
Fault finding is diagnostic work: we test to locate the cause of the problem, make the installation safe, and explain what's needed to fix it. Many faults are found and repaired in the first visit; others need parts or more extensive work, which we quote before going ahead. If you smell burning, see scorching or have exposed live parts, switch off at the consumer unit if it is safe to do so and call us.
What's included
- First hour of on-site diagnosis
- Insulation resistance and continuity testing to locate the fault
- Making the installation safe
- Written explanation of the cause and options
Not included
- Parts and repair time beyond the first hour (quoted on site)
- Full EICR
Who needs it
- Homes and businesses with tripping RCDs or MCBs
- Circuits or sockets that have stopped working
- Lights flickering or appliances behaving oddly
- Remedial items marked FI (further investigation) on an EICR
What you'll receive
A short fault report. Repairs are certified with a Minor Works or Installation Certificate where appropriate.
How often
As needed.
What the rules say
Each point is labelled so you can tell what's law, what's a British Standard, and what's good practice or comes from your lease, licence or insurer.
- Recommended practiceUK
If you smell burning or see scorching, switch off
Switch off at the consumer unit if it's safe to, keep away from damaged equipment, and call a qualified electrician. Don't keep resetting a device that trips straight away: it's protecting you from a fault.
- Legal requirementGreat Britain
Workplace systems must be maintained to prevent danger
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require electrical systems at work to be maintained, so far as reasonably practicable, to prevent danger. They don't set a fixed inspection interval: how often depends on the type of installation, its use and condition.
Sources: Electricity at Work Regulations (opens external site): Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, regulation 4; HSE maintenance guidance (opens external site): Electrical safety: maintenance
- Legal requirementEnglandAwaiting professional review
Landlords still have to act on FI items
Even though an FI no longer fails a 2026-format report, the rental regulations still require any further investigation the report calls for to be carried out within 28 days (or sooner if stated). If your report has an FI, treat it as part of the 28-day work.
Sources: 2020 Regulations (opens external site): Electrical Safety Standards in the Private and Social Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 (SI 2020/312, as amended); GOV.UK guidance (opens external site): Electrical safety standards in the private and social rented sectors: guidance (published 1 November 2025); IET Wiring Matters (opens external site): Further investigation (Wiring Matters, issue 110, July 2026)
Before your appointment
- Note when the fault happens (time of day, which appliances are on, weather) and which circuits or sockets are affected.
- Make the consumer unit easy to reach.
If something's found
- The installation is made safe first; then we explain the cause and the options for a permanent repair.
- Anything dangerous is reported to you straight away, with options to make it safe.
- Further work is quoted before we do it, so nothing is added to your bill without your agreement.
- Completed work is certified, and notified to building control where the law requires it.
What affects the price
- How long the fault takes to trace (intermittent faults take longer)
- Parts needed for the repair
- Access to concealed wiring
Read more
- EICR codes explained: C1, C2, C3 and FI (updated for 2026)
What each code means, which ones fail a report under the 2026 rules, and what landlords must do about each.
- Unsatisfactory EICR? What to do next, step by step
The order to do things in, the deadlines for landlords, and the paperwork that proves the work is done.
Questions
Is this for emergencies?
Online booking is for planned visits. For an urgent fault — no power, burning smell, exposed live parts — call us.