Stop if there is heat, burning, arcing, exposed parts or damaged supply equipment
Do not remove consumer-unit covers, open electricity meters, disturb sealed cut-outs or touch exposed conductors. Leave affected equipment off and contact a registered electrician, supplier or network operator as appropriate.
MOST LIKELY CAUSES
Start with these
Symptom variations Match the exact pattern before testing. ⌄
- Every light and socket is dead
- Meter display is blank
- Neighbours also have no power
- Power returns when one large switch is reset
- Power failed after a smell, bang or buzzing
Quick checks Safe checks using front-panel controls and visible information only. ⌄
- Check whether the whole property or only certain rooms are affected.
- Look for a wider local outage.
- Inspect the consumer unit for a tripped breaker, RCBO, RCD or main device.
- Check the electricity meter display and prepayment status where applicable.
- Attempt one controlled reset only if there are no danger signs.
Fix 1 — Check whether the outage is wider Follow this check without opening live or sealed electrical equipment. ⌄
Process
Look at neighbouring properties, street lights and your network operator's outage information.
Fix 2 — Check the consumer unit Follow this check without opening live or sealed electrical equipment. ⌄
Process
Look for a tripped main switch, RCD or RCBO and attempt one reset only if safe.
Fix 3 — Check the meter and credit Follow this check without opening live or sealed electrical equipment. ⌄
Process
Confirm the display, supply status and prepayment balance where applicable.
Common causes explained Why the power or supply may fail. ⌄
A complete loss of power may come from a local electricity outage, tripped main protective device, meter or prepayment issue, failed consumer-unit component or a serious installation fault.
Power loss can originate inside the property, at the meter, or on the electricity network. Identifying which protective device operated and how much of the property is affected is the quickest way to narrow it down.
Advanced diagnostics Technician-level testing for a competent electrician. ⌄
- Confirm incoming supply at the meter and consumer unit.
- Inspect supply tails and main switch for heat damage.
- Test RCDs, main devices and installation insulation resistance.
- Check meter isolator and supplier equipment boundaries.
- Coordinate with the electricity network operator where supply loss is suspected.
Parts that may need replacing Components commonly linked to this fault. ⌄
- Main switch
- RCD or RCBO after testing
- Consumer-unit component
- Supply connection
- Meter or prepayment equipment by the supplier
When to call an electrician or supply provider Conditions that should end DIY troubleshooting. ⌄
- The fault remains after one controlled reset.
- There is burning, heat, buzzing, crackling or visible damage.
- The main switch, RCD or breaker will not stay on.
- The meter or sealed supply equipment appears damaged.
- Lights become unusually bright or voltage appears unstable.
- Only your property is affected and no internal protective device has operated.
Frequently asked questions Common questions about supply faults. ⌄
Who should I call for a complete power outage?
Check whether neighbours are affected. A wider outage belongs to the electricity network operator; a fault limited to your installation may need an electrician.
Can a faulty appliance cut power to several rooms?
Yes. One appliance can trip an RCD that protects several circuits.
Should I repeatedly reset the main switch or RCD?
No. One controlled reset is enough to establish whether the fault remains.