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Two of the most common electrical faults – and what to check before calling an electrician
Electrical faults at home can often seem more serious than they actually are. Before calling an electrician, there are a few simple checks you can make yourself.
Every electrical panel should contain at least two types of protection: the main circuit breaker and an RCD (residual current device). Understanding which one has tripped can help identify the source of the problem.
Before doing anything, take a photo of the electrical panel so you can see which breaker has tripped and return everything to its original position if necessary.
1. The main circuit breaker trips
One of the most common reasons is simply that the electrical installation is being asked to supply more power than the contracted or available capacity allows.
For example, imagine your available power is approximately 3.3 kW.
You switch on an oven consuming around 2 kW, and at the same time an electric hob drawing another 2 kW is operating.
2 kW + 2 kW = 4 kW
Your available capacity is approximately 3.3 kW, so the load is too high and the protection may trip.
In this situation, check which high-power appliances are operating at the same time. If the problem occurs regularly during normal use, the installation or available power may need to be checked by a qualified electrician.
2. The RCD trips
If the RCD — normally the breaker with a small test button — trips, the situation can be more complicated.
A useful first step is to disconnect or switch off the circuits and then reset the RCD.
Next, switch the circuits back on one at a time.
If the RCD trips again after activating a particular circuit, you have probably identified the circuit where the fault is located.
Leave that circuit switched off and restore the remaining circuits if it is safe to do so. This can allow part of the property to remain powered until an electrician arrives.
Electrical faults can have many different causes, so any recurring problem should be inspected by a qualified electrician.
If you are on the Costa Blanca and need help diagnosing an electrical fault, Fenix Electricity can inspect the installation, locate the problem and recommend the appropriate solution.
