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POWER LOSS & SUPPLY FAULT GUIDE

Power Keeps Cutting Out

Repeated power cuts can come from intermittent RCD or breaker operation, overloaded circuits, faulty appliances, loose connections, meter issues or a local supply fault.

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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

Intermittent appliance fault Heaters, pumps and motors may fail only during certain cycles.
RCD or breaker operation A protective device may be reacting to leakage or overload.
Loose connection Supply or circuit connections can fail as load changes.
Network or meter fault External supply equipment can cause repeated dropouts.
◫ Symptom variations Match the exact pattern before testing. ⌄
  • Whole house cuts out then returns
  • Only one circuit cuts out
  • Power fails when a large appliance starts
  • Cutouts happen at random times
  • Lights flicker before power disappears
✓ Quick checks Safe checks using front-panel controls and visible information only. ⌄
  1. Check whether the whole property or only certain rooms are affected.
  2. Look for a wider local outage.
  3. Inspect the consumer unit for a tripped breaker, RCBO, RCD or main device.
  4. Check the electricity meter display and prepayment status where applicable.
  5. Attempt one controlled reset only if there are no danger signs.
If power returns: reconnect or restore loads gradually and monitor the supply.
If the fault remains: leave affected circuits off and arrange the correct professional response.
1 Fix 1 — Track the pattern Follow this check without opening live or sealed electrical equipment. ⌄

Process

Record time, weather and appliances running.

Success looks like: A repeatable cause becomes visible.
Failure means: No pattern means professional monitoring may be needed.
2 Fix 2 — Reduce heavy loads Follow this check without opening live or sealed electrical equipment. ⌄

Process

Disconnect portable heaters, dryers and other high-power appliances.

Success looks like: The cutouts stop with one load removed.
Failure means: If not, the supply or fixed circuit needs testing.
3 Fix 3 — Check which device operates Follow this check without opening live or sealed electrical equipment. ⌄

Process

Observe the consumer unit after a cutout.

Success looks like: A tripped device identifies the affected protection.
Failure means: If no device trips, suspect supply or connection faults.
⌁ Common causes explained Why the power or supply may fail. ⌄

Repeated power cuts can come from intermittent RCD or breaker operation, overloaded circuits, faulty appliances, loose connections, meter issues or a local supply 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. ⌄
  • Monitor supply voltage and interruptions.
  • Measure load current and leakage.
  • Inspect supply tails, main switch and neutral connections.
  • Test appliances during operating cycles.
  • Coordinate with the supplier or network operator if internal devices remain set.
▣ Parts that may need replacing Components commonly linked to this fault. ⌄
  • Faulty appliance
  • RCD or RCBO after testing
  • Main switch
  • Supply connection
  • Meter equipment by 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.