Licensed Perth electricians · EC016557
Electrical fault finding and repairs in Perth
A safety switch that keeps tripping, power out in part of the house, lights or power points that have stopped working. We find the cause with proper testing, explain it in plain English, then fix it.
Burning smell, sparking or heat? That's an emergency: stop using it and call us now on (08) 6263 0585, day or night.
- Licence EC016557
- Book online: callback within the hour
- $20m public liability
- Homes, rentals and businesses
Faults we find and fix
The problems customers call us about most, and what usually causes them.
A safety switch or circuit that keeps tripping
Often a faulty appliance, moisture in an outdoor power point or light, or damaged wiring. We test to find which, rather than guessing.Power out in part of the property
One room, a run of power points or the lights on one side of the house. Usually a tripped circuit, a failed connection or a damaged cable.Lights or power points that don't work
Dead outlets, lights that won't switch on, or a switch that no longer does anything.Flickering or dimming lights
Sometimes a loose connection or a failing fitting or LED driver. When several lights flicker together, the cause can be further back in the circuit.Damaged switches and power points
Cracked, loose or scorched switches and power points (GPOs) are replaced, and the circuit is tested before we leave.Faults that come and go
An appliance that trips the power, a buzzing sound, a tingle from an appliance, or a problem that only shows up some of the time.
Burning smells, heat or scorch marks are urgent. Stop using the fitting, switch it off at the switchboard if you can do it safely, and call (08) 6263 0585.
How we find the fault
A methodical process, so you pay for a fix rather than for trial and error.
Step 1: Tell us what's happening
When it started, what was running, which rooms are affected and whether it trips straight away or after a while. Photos help.Step 2: Make it safe
Before we test anything, we isolate whatever is dangerous.Step 3: Test, don't guess
We work through the circuits with proper test equipment (insulation resistance, continuity and safety switch tests) to narrow the fault down to the circuit, fitting or cable.Step 4: Explain the fix
We show you what we found and what the repair involves before we start.Step 5: Repair and re-test
We fix it and test it again. If the fix is new or altered wiring rather than a repair or like-for-like replacement, WA rules require an Electrical Safety Certificate, and you'll receive one within 28 days.
Quick checks before you book
Safe things you can try first. If any of them don't fix it, book us.
- Check the switchboard. Has a safety switch or circuit breaker tripped? Reset it once.
- If it trips again, unplug everything on that circuit, reset it, then plug things back in one at a time. If one appliance trips it, stop using that appliance.
- If it trips with nothing plugged in, or won't reset at all, leave it off and book us. If that leaves the property unsafe, call instead.
- Never fit a bigger fuse or wire, or tape or hold a switch on to stop it tripping.
Book a fault-finding visit
Tell us what's happening and our local Perth team will call you back within the hour to arrange a time.
Licensed electrical contractor EC016557 · Based in West Leederville, working across Perth from Two Rocks to Mandurah · Meet the team
When the switchboard is the problem
Old ceramic fuses, no safety switches, scorch marks, or a board that trips under normal use can mean the switchboard itself needs work. We'll tell you if that's what we find, and what a switchboard upgrade would involve.
Fault finding FAQs
Why does my safety switch keep tripping?
A safety switch (RCD) turns the power off when it detects current leaking to earth, which can be caused by a faulty appliance, moisture or damaged wiring. It's protecting you, so it's worth finding the cause rather than resetting it again and again.
What's the difference between a safety switch and a circuit breaker?
A circuit breaker protects the wiring from overloads and short circuits. A safety switch (RCD) greatly reduces the risk of a serious electric shock by cutting the power within a fraction of a second when it detects current leaking to earth. Many modern switchboards use RCBOs, which do both on each circuit.
How long does fault finding take?
It depends on the fault. A circuit tripped by one faulty appliance can be quick to find, while faults that come and go can take longer to trace. We'll keep you updated as we go.
Is it safe to keep using a power point that sparked?
No. Stop using it and switch that circuit off at the switchboard if you can do it safely. Sparking, scorch marks and heat are signs of a failing connection: call us.