RMP Electrical: Services
Fault finding & repairs
Diagnose tripping breakers, dead circuits and intermittent faults, then fix them.
Electrical faults range from nuisance trips that are easy to trace to persistent or intermittent problems that need systematic testing to find. We deal with both. If something has stopped working, is tripping repeatedly, or is showing signs of a problem, it needs attention.
Common fault types
Tripping RCD. The most frequent call we get. An RCD trip indicates either a genuine earth fault on a circuit or an appliance. We isolate circuits and test to find which one is causing the trip, then trace it further to identify the source.
Dead circuit. A single circuit has stopped working but nothing has tripped. Often caused by a loose connection, a failed MCB, or a break in the cable. We test the circuit systematically to find the break.
Intermittent fault. The circuit works most of the time but fails occasionally. These are harder to find because the fault may not be present when we attend. We carry out insulation resistance testing and thermal checks to identify deteriorating connections or cable.
Burning smell or scorch marks. Treat this as urgent. Burning smells from a socket, switch, or consumer unit indicate overheating, which is a fire risk. We attend, isolate the relevant circuit, and identify the cause before advising on repair.
Flickering lights. Usually a loose connection, a failing lamp, or a problem with the dimmer. We trace it from the fitting back to the circuit.
How we trace a fault
We work methodically: visual inspection first, then electrical testing using insulation resistance, continuity, and loop impedance measurements. For intermittent faults, we use thermal imaging to identify connections that are running hot under load. We do not start replacing parts until we have established what the fault is.
When to call rather than wait
Some faults can wait for a scheduled visit. Others should not. Call us promptly if:
- The consumer unit is making a buzzing sound or has visible scorch marks
- There is a burning smell from anywhere in the installation
- A circuit keeps tripping and you cannot keep it on
- There is evidence of water ingress near electrical fittings
- An appliance has caused a trip and will not stay off the circuit
What we leave you with
Once the fault is found and repaired, we test the affected circuit to confirm it is performing correctly. If the work is notifiable (for example, a new section of cable installed as part of the repair), we issue the appropriate certificate. If it is minor work, we issue a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate.
We do not charge for time spent looking at a problem and then deciding it is beyond our scope. If we attend and the fault is something we cannot safely address on that visit, we will tell you why and what the next step is.
Common questions
- What causes an RCD to keep tripping?
- Current leaking to earth on one of the circuits it protects. Common causes: a faulty appliance, damaged cable insulation, or moisture in an outdoor or bathroom fitting. The fault needs diagnosing before the RCD can be left on safely.
- How do you locate a fault?
- We isolate circuits individually and test with a calibrated multifunction tester to identify both the nature and location of the fault. Most faults are located within an hour.
- When is a fault urgent?
- A burning smell, a circuit that trips immediately when reset, visible scorch marks on sockets or fittings, or the loss of power to multiple circuits at once. These should be treated as same-day jobs. A single tripped circuit with no obvious cause is less urgent but still worth looking at promptly.
- Do you carry parts to fix faults on the day?
- We carry the most common parts: MCBs, RCDs, socket components, and connection hardware. For unusual faults requiring specific parts, we will source them and return as quickly as possible.
- What paperwork comes with a fault repair?
- A Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate for most repairs. If the repair involves a new circuit or a significant modification to the installation, an Electrical Installation Certificate.
From our guides
Why Does My Fuse Box Keep Tripping?
A breaker that trips once is doing its job. One that trips repeatedly is telling you something is wrong on that circuit. Here is how to narrow it down before you call anyone, and what we check when we arrive.
Why Are My Lights Flickering?
Flickering lights range from a bulb that dislikes its dimmer to a loose connection that is quietly heating up. Here is how to tell the harmless kind from the kind that needs attention today.
Areas we cover
West London, Berkshire and beyond.
How quoting works
No hourly rates.
Fixed prices.
Every job is quoted individually so you know exactly what you're paying before any work starts.
Tell us about the job
Drop a quick message with what needs doing. A few details, a photo if you have one.
Get a fixed quote
We reply within the hour with a clear, fixed price. Quoted in writing. Locked in.
Price locked. Work starts.
Once you're happy, we book a time. The price you agreed is the price you pay.
Quotes are always free. All notifiable work properly certified to current Building Regulations.
What people say
Trusted across the Thames Valley.
“Electrics kept tripping out and we lost power of half the house. Called Ryan and he was with me within the hour and fixed the problem. Would recommend to anyone.”
Karen Parkins
Response from RMP Electrical
Thank you Karen.
“Needed some outside lights added and was recommended RMP through a friend. Fast response and very well priced. Would use again.”
Shay K
Response from RMP Electrical
Thank you Shay!
“On time and went above and beyond to help with anything asked! Would highly recommend”
Bradley cranham
Response from RMP Electrical
Appreciate it, thanks Bradley.
“Needed an urgent call out on the weekend as all appliances in kitchens stopped working - Ryan was here to fix within 2 hours. Highly recommended”
Alex Suwan
Response from RMP Electrical
Thanks Alex, any time!
“Had a great experience with Ryan when he came to fit some lighting at mmm beauty, my beauty studio in Brackley. Honest and professional from start to finish. Highly recommended.”
Meghan Meehan
Response from RMP Electrical
Thank you Meghan. I wish you all the best with your beauty salon going forward.
“excellent experience with EMP Electrical. changed an old tube light to a new LED strip, good price. would you use again.”
Chris Corthine
Response from RMP Electrical
Thanks Chris!
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