Electrical faults are one of those problems that often start small — a flickering light here, a tripped breaker there — but can quickly develop into serious hazards if left unchecked. The good news? Most issues can be fixed quickly with the right diagnosis. The bad news? Many people try to figure it out themselves.
At LBA Electrical Services, fault-finding is something we deal with daily. In this post, we’ll explain what electrical fault-finding actually involves, how we diagnose problems, and why it’s safer (and often cheaper) to call in a professional.
🔎 What Is Electrical Fault-Finding?
Fault-finding is the process of identifying what’s gone wrong in an electrical circuit or system. The goal is to trace the problem back to its source and then recommend a safe, effective repair.
Common issues we diagnose include:
- Repeated tripping of RCDs or circuit breakers
- Lights flickering or failing to turn on
- Power sockets not working
- Buzzing or humming from outlets or fuse boards
- Partial or full power loss in certain areas
Electrical faults can be caused by damaged wiring, overloaded circuits, loose connections, water ingress, or ageing equipment — and the cause isn’t always obvious at first glance.
🧰 How Do Electricians Find Faults?
Fault-finding isn’t guesswork. Qualified electricians use specialised tools and years of experience to work through the problem methodically.
Some of the tools we use include:
- Multimeters to check voltage, continuity, and resistance
- Insulation testers to find breakdowns in cabling
- Socket testers to identify miswiring or earth faults
- Thermal cameras to detect overheating components
We also test circuits one by one, isolate problems safely, and inspect the installation for signs of wear, damage or poor workmanship.
⚠️ Why You Shouldn’t Try to DIY Fault-Finding
Attempting to diagnose or repair electrical faults yourself can be dangerous — not just to your safety, but to your home’s wiring and appliances.
DIY risks include:
- Electric shock or fire from incorrect testing or interference
- Worsening the fault, making repairs more expensive
- Voiding warranties or insurance cover by making unauthorised changes
- Non-compliance with UK wiring regulations (BS 7671)
Electrical faults aren’t just annoying — they’re often symptoms of a deeper issue that requires proper attention.
👷 Call the Experts
At LBA Electrical Services, we provide fast, accurate electrical fault-finding across Merseyside. Whether it’s a minor nuisance or a major concern, our experienced team will identify the problem and offer a safe, affordable solution.
- ✅ Fully qualified electricians
- ✅ Transparent pricing
- ✅ NICEIC approved
