One of the most common emergency call-outs we receive is for a complete loss of power. While it can be tempting to assume the RCD or consumer unit is faulty, that's not always the case. Recently, we attended a property in Cricklewood where the homeowner had no power and needed the problem resolved as quickly as possible.
The Initial Call
The homeowner contacted Lighthouse Engineering after losing power to part of the property. During the phone call, we asked a series of questions about what had happened before the power went off, which circuits were affected, and whether the RCD would reset. Gathering this information before attending helps us arrive prepared and often gives us an early indication of where the fault may lie.
Testing the Consumer Unit
Once on site, our first priority was to check the consumer unit. We carried out an RCD test to confirm that the protective device itself was operating correctly.
The RCD passed all of its tests, confirming that it was doing exactly what it was designed to do. This told us the problem wasn't a faulty RCD—it was detecting a fault somewhere on the electrical installation.
Finding the Fault
The next step was to carry out insulation resistance testing on the affected circuits.
Testing quickly identified an insulation fault on the kitchen ring final circuit. Rather than guessing or replacing parts unnecessarily, we systematically divided the circuit into sections until we narrowed down the location of the fault.
The investigation led us to two socket outlets located next to the hob.
The Cause
Once the sockets were removed, the cause became obvious.
Over time, grease from cooking had worked its way into the socket outlets, contaminating the internal components and creating an insulation fault. Although this isn't something many homeowners expect, kitchens can be harsh environments for electrical accessories positioned too close to cooking areas.
The grease contamination was enough to cause the RCD to trip, cutting power as it should to protect the occupants.
The Repair
Both contaminated sockets were replaced with new ones.
We then repeated the insulation resistance tests and carried out all the necessary electrical testing to confirm the circuit was now operating safely. Finally, the circuit was energised and left in a satisfactory condition.
A Happy Customer
The homeowner was delighted to have the power restored, especially as the fault had also stopped the boiler from working, leaving them without heating and hot water.
By carrying out a structured fault-finding process rather than relying on guesswork, we were able to locate the exact cause of the problem quickly, minimise disruption, and avoid unnecessary expense.
Need an Emergency Electrician in Cricklewood?
If your RCD keeps tripping, you've lost power, or you're experiencing an unexplained electrical fault, don't keep resetting the switch and hope the problem goes away.
At Lighthouse Engineering, we specialise in electrical fault finding across Cricklewood and the surrounding North West London area. With over 30 years of experience, we use professional test equipment to diagnose faults accurately, carry out the necessary repairs, and ensure your installation is safe before we leave.
If you're experiencing a similar problem, get in touch today—we'll find the fault, explain the cause in plain English, and get your electrics working safely again.
