What should I do if I smell burning from a socket or switch? +
Switch off the circuit at the consumer unit immediately and unplug everything from the affected socket. Do not use the socket again until it has been inspected by a qualified electrician. A burning smell from electrical fittings usually indicates overheating caused by loose connections, overloaded circuits, or deteriorated wiring — all of which are fire hazards. Call an emergency electrician in Aghadowey straight away.
What is the difference between an RCD and an MCB? +
An MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) protects against overcurrent and short circuits — it is the modern equivalent of a fuse. An RCD (Residual Current Device) protects against earth leakage, which is what can kill you if you touch a live wire. Modern consumer units use RCBOs, which combine both functions into a single device per circuit, giving you the best protection. If your consumer unit still has rewirable fuses, it is overdue for an upgrade.
What should I do if I have a complete power cut in Aghadowey? +
First, check whether your neighbours also have no power — if so, it is likely a supply fault and you should call your local distribution network operator (DNO), not an electrician. If it is only your property, check your consumer unit for tripped switches. If the main switch will not stay on, or keeps tripping immediately, do not keep resetting it — call an emergency electrician in Aghadowey as there may be a serious fault on one of your circuits.
What should I do if a socket is sparking? +
Stop using the socket immediately and switch off the circuit at the consumer unit. Sparking when plugging in can sometimes be normal (a brief blue flash), but persistent sparking, blackening around the socket, or a crackling sound indicates a serious wiring fault. Do not attempt to remove the socket faceplate yourself — call a qualified electrician in Aghadowey to inspect and repair it safely.
How often should I have my electrics inspected? +
The IET Wiring Regulations recommend an electrical inspection (EICR) every 10 years for owner-occupied homes, every 5 years for rented properties (this is a legal requirement for landlords), and every 5 years for commercial premises. If your home was built before 1980 or has never been inspected, it is worth booking an EICR sooner. The inspection will identify any deteriorated wiring, missing earthing, or outdated components.
Is a tripping circuit breaker dangerous? +
A circuit breaker that trips occasionally is doing its job — protecting you from overcurrent. However, frequent or immediate tripping indicates an underlying fault such as a short circuit, overloaded ring main, or deteriorated cable insulation. Do not simply keep resetting it, as this bypasses the protection that is keeping you safe. Have an electrician in Aghadowey diagnose the cause before using the circuit again.