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- Troubleshooting Minor Issues
Troubleshooting Minor Issues
Troubleshooting Minor Issues | Electrical Repair | Electrical | Lancing
When a light flickers, a socket stops working, or your consumer unit won’t stop tripping, it’s tempting to ignore the problem—until it turns into a major headache. HEP’s local engineers in Lancing respond fast, arrive with fully stocked vans, and use clear, jargon-free explanations so you know exactly what’s going on. From tracing nuisance RCD trips to replacing damaged faceplates, we isolate the fault, fix it safely, and leave your home as tidy as we found it; that’s what we call true electrical repair peace of mind.
All work is backed by our workmanship guarantee, and you’ll see the price before we pick up a screwdriver. Whether you need us this afternoon or would rather schedule a convenient time next week, our friendly office team will get you booked in and keep you updated every step of the way. Discover why households and small businesses across Lancing trust HEP to keep the power flowing, safely and affordably.
FAQs
What should I check if a single outlet in my Lancing home suddenly stops working?
First, plug a known-working lamp or phone charger into the outlet to confirm it’s dead. Then check the GFCI outlets in the same room and the consumer unit (breaker box) for a tripped breaker. Many kitchens, bathrooms and garages in Lancing homes are protected by a GFCI upstream; pressing the “RESET” button can restore power. If no GFCI is tripped, switch the relevant breaker fully OFF and back ON. Still out? The problem could be a loose wire or a worn receptacle, in which case turn the breaker off and call a qualified local electrician.
Why do my light bulbs keep burning out quickly, and what can I do about it?
Frequent bulb failure is usually caused by one of three issues: (1) Over-voltage – the circuit may be delivering more than 240 V; (2) Vibration – common with ceiling fans or garage door openers; (3) Poor bulb quality or incorrect wattage. Start by using good-quality LED lamps rated for 240 V and the correct fitting. If bulbs still fail, use a multimeter to measure supply voltage or have an electrician in Lancing perform a load test. High voltage often points to a loose neutral or supply fault and should be corrected professionally.
My circuit breaker keeps tripping when I use the kettle; is that a serious problem?
Kettles draw 2–3 kW, so they can reveal weaknesses in the circuit. Repeated tripping means the breaker is doing its job: preventing overheating of wires or protecting against a short. First verify the kettle and its cord aren’t damaged. Next, try the kettle on a different outlet on another circuit; if it trips there too, replace the kettle. If only one circuit trips, you may have too many high-load appliances on that ring or a loose connection in the socket or junction box. A licensed electrician can perform a load balance check and tighten or replace faulty terminations.
Can I replace a broken light switch myself, or do I need a professional electrician in Lancing?
Replacing a like-for-like light switch is permitted DIY work under Part P of UK Building Regulations, provided you follow safe isolation procedures: turn off the circuit breaker, verify dead with a voltage tester, and note wire positions before removal. Use a switch with the same rating and ensure conductors are firmly clamped. However, if the wiring colours don’t match current standards, the back box is metal without an earth, or you encounter multiple cables you’re unsure about, stop and call a qualified electrician. Incorrect wiring can cause shocks or fires and may void home insurance.
What causes a buzzing sound in my electrical panel?
A mild hum from the consumer unit’s main breaker is normal, but a noticeable buzzing, crackling or sizzling indicates trouble. Common causes include a loose breaker, failing RCD, overloaded circuit or a damaged busbar. These issues create arcing that generates heat and can lead to fire. Turn off the main switch, avoid touching internal components, and contact a certified electrician in Lancing for an immediate inspection. Do not ignore the noise; early intervention is usually quick and inexpensive compared to repairing fire damage later.
How can I safely test if a wire is live before attempting a minor repair?
1) Isolate the circuit by turning the breaker OFF and locking it if possible. 2) Use a non-contact voltage tester to check for voltage on the wire insulation; it should not light or beep. 3) Remove the accessory (switch, outlet) and test the conductors directly with both a two-probe voltage tester and your non-contact tester to confirm zero volts between live-earth and live-neutral. 4) Re-test on a known live circuit to verify your tester still works. Following this ‘test before touch’ protocol, mandated by BS 7671, is the safest way to confirm dead. If any reading shows voltage, stop work and consult a professional.