01
Network power cut or property fault?
If the loss of electricity appears to affect the wider area, the electricity network operator is the appropriate contact. In Great Britain, 105 connects callers to their network operator for power-cut reporting and information. If only your property or part of it is affected, an installation fault may need an electrician. Visible damage, smoke or fire requires immediate safety action.
Guidance: UK Power Networks: power cuts and 105
02
Which rooms or circuits have lost power?
Describe which rooms, sockets, lights or fixed equipment have stopped working. Note whether the loss was sudden or followed a change such as appliance installation or building work. Do not assume that working lights mean the sockets are safe to investigate: different parts of the installation can behave differently.
03
Investigating an internal power fault
Possible causes range from a supply interruption to a circuit or connection fault. A protective device may also have disconnected a circuit because of a problem elsewhere. These possibilities cannot be distinguished reliably from a short description alone. Professional assessment avoids replacing a fitting while leaving the underlying fault unresolved.
04
Planning power restoration work
For an internal fault, the electrician may need access to the distribution equipment and all affected areas. Repairs should follow the investigation findings. Ask how the initial visit, testing, any replacement materials and further work are scoped. Restoration time depends on the cause and available access, so avoid planning around an assumed duration.
05
Request power loss fault finding
Give the extent of the outage, when it began and whether equipment essential to the property is affected. Mention an outbuilding or separate distribution board if relevant. For a confirmed network outage, use the network route; for installation assessment, request quotes describing the actual symptoms rather than a guessed repair.
Electrical service questions
Questions about power loss
What if neighbouring properties also have no power?
Use the network operator’s power-cut information or call 105. A wider outage may be outside the property installation, although any separate signs of damage or danger still need attention.
Why do the lights work when the sockets do not?
Lighting and sockets may be on separate circuits. The difference helps describe the fault, but it does not establish which component has failed or justify DIY testing.
Can an electrician investigate power loss in an outbuilding?
Yes, describe the outbuilding, how it is used and what has lost power. Its supply route, local distribution and equipment may all be relevant to the investigation.
