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. ⌄
- RCD trips during or after rain
- Power returns when weather dries
- Outdoor lights trigger the fault
- Shed or garage loses power
- Fault worsens after heavy rain
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 — Disconnect outdoor portable equipment Follow this check without opening live or sealed electrical equipment. ⌄
Process
Unplug pumps, extensions and garden appliances.
Fix 2 — Leave wet circuits off Follow this check without opening live or sealed electrical equipment. ⌄
Process
Do not repeatedly reset circuits exposed to moisture.
Fix 3 — Identify the outdoor circuit Follow this check without opening live or sealed electrical equipment. ⌄
Process
Switch off the suspected outdoor circuit using front controls only.
Common causes explained Why the power or supply may fail. ⌄
Rain-related power loss usually means moisture is entering outdoor equipment, lights, sockets, junctions, sheds, garages or damaged cables and causing RCD operation.
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. ⌄
- Inspect IP-rated enclosures and cable glands.
- Test outdoor-circuit insulation resistance.
- Open and inspect junctions after safe isolation.
- Check buried, clipped and SWA cable damage.
- Test pond pumps, lights and fixed outdoor equipment individually.
Parts that may need replacing Components commonly linked to this fault. ⌄
- Weatherproof socket
- Outdoor light fitting
- Junction box
- Cable gland
- Outdoor cable
- Pump or transformer
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.