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 The inspection will identify any deteriorated wiring, missing earthing, or outdated components.
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 Ashby-de-la-Zouch straight away.
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 Ashby-de-la-Zouch diagnose the cause before using the circuit again.
What should I do if I have a complete power cut in Ashby-de-la-Zouch? +
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 Ashby-de-la-Zouch as there may be a serious fault on one of your circuits.
My RCD keeps tripping — what should I do? +
An RCD that keeps tripping is detecting an earth leakage fault, which could be a sign of damaged wiring or a faulty appliance. Start by unplugging all appliances on the affected circuit, then reset the RCD. Plug each appliance back in one at a time to identify the culprit. If the RCD trips with nothing plugged in, the fault is in the fixed wiring and you need an electrician in Ashby-de-la-Zouch to trace and repair it.
Will the electrician give me a quote before starting work? +
Yes — a professional electrician will diagnose the fault and provide a clear quote before beginning any repair work. For emergency call-outs, they will explain the call-out fee upfront and then quote for the repair once the fault has been identified. You should receive a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate or full Electrical Installation Certificate depending on the scope of the job.