Power Circuits
Author Kerry

Do you have a faulty light or power point?

Try these DIY checks before calling an Electrician

If you have circuit breakers or safety switches installed in your switchboard, then you will be able to follow these processes which could save you money in unnecessary call out fees. Learn how to:

  • Identify if the issue is with a power point (in which case you’ll need an Electrician) or your electrical appliance.
  • Identify which light switch is tripping your power and try replacing the bulb (you can DIY), otherwise it could be a faulty light fitting (you’ll need an Electrician).

Power Point or Appliance - which one is faulty?

  1. Identify which power points are not working by plugging in a known working appliance like a desk lamp or 240 volt tool.
  2. Be sure to check in cupboards, under the house or possibly in the roof space as there could be points there for services like TV signal boosters or alarm systems. If you’re not confident or are concerned about the wiring in these areas DO NOT go in there. Call a qualified electrician from Chris Wood Electrical to assist you.
  3. Unplug everything from the power points that have been identified as not working
  4. Attempt to turn the circuit breaker or safety switch back on
  5. If it fails to turn on, then you have an issue with the circuit and the problem will need to be diagnosed and rectified by a qualified electrician at Chris Wood Electrical.
  6. If the circuit does turn back on, that’s great as the problem is most likely an appliance and not a wiring issue.
  7. One by one, plug all the appliance back in until you find the appliance that is causing the circuit breaker to turn off.
  8. Leave that appliance out to be replaced and plug everything else back in and your good to go!

Which Light is the faulty one?

  1. Switch off all your light switches
  2. Attempt to turn the circuit breaker or safety switch back on
  3. If it fails to turn on, then you have an issue with the circuit and the problem will need to be diagnosed and rectified by a qualified electrician at Chris Wood Electrical.
  4. One by one, turn the light switches back on until you find the light that causes the circuit to switch off.
  5. If the fault can be rectified by replacing a globe, then great! If the light fitting itself needs replacing then you will need an electrician from Chris Wood Electrical to replace it for you.

Need an Electrician? If you live in Sydney or Northern Beaches, give the team at Chris Wood Electrical a call on 02 95387923 or email us.

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