Electricity powers our homes and workplaces—but when things go wrong, it can cause inconvenience, damage, or even danger. At RCD Electrical, we’re called out daily across London to diagnose and resolve a wide variety of electrical faults, both in domestic and commercial properties.
This guide explores the most common electrical issues that arise in London homes and businesses, how to identify them, and how our certified electricians safely and effectively resolve them.
1. Tripping Circuit Breakers
One of the most frequent complaints we receive at RCD Electrical is that of tripping circuits. This occurs when your consumer unit detects an electrical overload or short circuit and automatically cuts the power to prevent danger.
Common causes of tripping include:
Our NICEIC-approved electricians trace the source using diagnostic tools and safely restore functionality without compromising safety.
2. Flickering or Dimming Lights
Flickering lights aren’t just annoying—they can be a sign of a deeper issue. If your lights flicker when an appliance turns on, or they dim unpredictably, you may have loose wiring, faulty fittings, or voltage fluctuations.
We fix issues such as:
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Faulty lamp holders or bulbs
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Loose wiring behind switches
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Inconsistent current flow
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Circuit overloads
Our team ensures lighting systems are correctly wired and stabilised to prevent future flickering or failure.
3. Buzzing or Hot Sockets and Switches
No electrical outlet or switch should ever feel warm to the touch or make noises. A buzzing sound or overheated socket could mean loose terminals, overloading, or faulty internal components.
This is a red flag for:
RCD Electrical will isolate the faulty outlet, replace any damaged parts, and test the circuit for safety.
4. Frequent Light Bulb Blowouts
If you’re constantly replacing bulbs—especially LED or halogen ones—there may be a fault with the circuit or fixture, not the bulbs themselves.
Underlying causes may include:
Our electricians will test the voltage and check fittings for compatibility and damage.
5. No Power in a Room or Circuit
Sudden power loss in a single room is another common issue. Often the result of a localised fault, this might involve a blown fuse, a failed circuit breaker, or even rodent-damaged cables in the wall.
We’ll investigate and resolve:
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Dead sockets
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Isolated circuit failure
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Faulty breakers
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Localised wiring damage
We work methodically to identify the fault and get the power safely restored.
6. Electric Shocks or Tingles from Appliances
Even a mild tingle from a metal appliance is not normal and should never be ignored. This suggests a fault in the earthing system or a leakage of current.
It may point to:
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Poor or missing earth connections
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Faulty appliance insulation
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Incorrect wiring during installation
Our electricians will test for earth continuity and insulation resistance, replacing or repairing faulty components.
7. Overloaded Circuits and Extension Leads
In older London properties, it's common for one circuit to serve too many appliances, especially in kitchens. This often results in overheating plugs, melted adapters, or frequently blown fuses.
RCD Electrical offers:
We help future-proof your electrical setup for modern usage demands.
8. Old or Damaged Wiring
Many London homes, especially period properties, still contain original wiring—some over 40 years old. Cracked insulation, exposed copper, or worn sheathing can all pose fire or shock risks.
Signs of old wiring include:
We provide rewiring services and fuse board upgrades, modernising your system for compliance and safety.
9. RCD Keeps Tripping
If your Residual Current Device (RCD) keeps tripping, it’s likely detecting current leakage somewhere in your system. This can be tricky to diagnose without the right tools.
We check for:
Our specialists methodically test each circuit to find the root of the problem.
10. Sparking When Plugging In Appliances
Sparking when you insert a plug could mean:
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Worn contact points
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Overloaded circuits
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Poor quality plug wiring
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Faulty socket wiring
While a small spark may be harmless in some cases, it’s always best to have a professional inspect it.
Why Choose RCD Electrical to Fix These Issues?
Every property in London has its own unique quirks—from Victorian wiring to modern-day circuit overloads. RCD Electrical understands local architecture and how to tackle faults safely and efficiently.
We offer:
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Fully NICEIC-certified electricians
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Transparent pricing and free advice
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Emergency and same-day response
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20+ years of combined experience
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Residential and commercial expertise
Get Help from RCD Electrical Today
Don’t ignore electrical problems—they won’t fix themselves and may worsen with time. Whether it’s a flickering light or a full circuit failure, our friendly electricians are here to help across London.
Call Us: 02034882928
Email: info@rcdelectrician.co.uk