Stop and get help for serious warning signs
Burning smells, smoke, visible arcing, melted fittings, exposed live parts, electric shocks or repeated protective-device operation can indicate a dangerous condition. Keep people away. If it is safe and you know how, isolate the affected circuit or main supply; do not touch damaged equipment. Call the appropriate emergency service if there is fire or immediate danger.
Do not repeatedly reset a tripping circuit
A circuit breaker or RCD that will not remain on may be responding to a real fault. Repeated resetting can hide useful symptoms and may expose the property to further risk. Note which circuit label is affected and what was operating at the time.
Information that helps an electrician
- The full postcode and property type
- What happened immediately before the fault
- Which rooms, sockets, lights or appliances are affected
- Any breaker or RCD label that has operated
- Photos taken from a safe distance, without removing covers
What not to do
Do not remove a consumer-unit cover, open fixed wiring accessories, improvise fuses, bypass protective devices or rely on online advice as proof that a circuit is safe.