Total loss of power / no electric to the property

Please note you should never attempt to undertake any electrical repairs yourself; this includes any alterations to electrical fixtures and fittings e.g., replacing a socket, switch, light fitting or altering any wiring.

Our self-help information is intended to help you get your power back on where there is an easy fix, diagnose an electrical issue, or isolate a potentially dangerous area.

Do you have a pre-payment meter with credit on?

If you have a pre-payment meter, first check if there is any credit left on it. To see this, go to your meter and check it doesn't say debt next to the amount of money. If there is debt on the meter you need to clear the amount shown. Most electric meters have an emergency allowance on them if you can’t top up it up straight away.

Are any other properties affected?

You might need to ask your neighbours or if it’s dark you should be able to see if other properties don’t have any lights on.

If this is the case, please contact your energy provider for advice.

Have you checked your fuse board?

Fuse boards are normally in a cupboard or can sometimes be found in pantries or at high level in hallways.

What is the difference between main switch, RCD, and trip switch?

The RCD is short for Residual Current Device. They are a safety feature on your fuse board that is designed to protect you from any dangerous electrics. They disconnect a circuit if they find a fault.

You will have several trip switches on your fuse board that are covered by one RCD. You might have one RCD circuit that covers all your downstairs trip switches and another one with all your upstairs switches.

The trip switches will be labelled underneath the switch itself, for example “kitchen socket”, “shower”, “hob”. The RCD will be labelled at one end of the line of the trip switches. The main switch is also labelled and usually at the end of the rows. This provides the main source of power and will turn everything off in the house.

Has anything on the fuse board tripped?

First, turn all trip switches off in the down position and follow the steps in order. It can sound complicated, but these are easy steps you can take to help you get the power back on yourself.

If an RCD has tripped, before turning anything back on you need to unplug every appliance and turn off every switch on the affected circuit. If it’s not clear which circuit is affected, then everything in the property should be unplugged and turned off.

One by one, turn the main switch, RCDs, and trip switches back on, in the up position. Does the power come back on? Check this by trying a light or plugging appliances back in.

If the power is tripped by plugging something back in, this is what is causing the issue. You will need to repeat the process to reset the trip switches and RCD’s and get rid of the faulty appliance.

If a single circuit has tripped or just one of the switches is in the down position, click here.

I need to report a repair.

Having no power is classed as a priority repair so give us a call on 0300 456 2531 to report it so we can get one of our electricians out ASAP.

If you think there is a problem with your electricity meter itself, you need to contact your electricity supplier directly.