Electrical fault findingin Cwmbran, traced to the cause,fixed properly
Stop resetting the same tripped switch. Thomas tests methodically to find the real cause of the fault, explains it clearly and puts it right, so the problem doesn't come back next week.
Over 15 years' experience · NAPIT Approved · 12-month guarantee
Over 15 years
In the industry
NAPIT Approved Contractor
Reg. no. 63450
Part P Registered
Via NAPIT scheme
£2m Public Liability
Fully insured
12-Month Guarantee
On workmanship
Service overview
Fault Finding: what it is and when you need it
What fault finding is
Fault finding is the process of locating the source of an electrical problem: a circuit that keeps tripping, sockets that have stopped working, lights that flicker or buzz, or an appliance that keeps knocking the power off. It relies on methodical testing rather than guesswork: isolating circuits, measuring insulation resistance and continuity, and narrowing the problem down until the exact cause is found.
Who it is for
Homeowners, landlords and businesses dealing with intermittent or persistent electrical problems. It is also for anyone who has had a fault 'fixed' before, only for it to return.
When you need it
When an RCD or breaker trips repeatedly, when part of the house loses power, when you notice burning smells, warm sockets or scorch marks, or when lights flicker without an obvious reason. Some faults appear only in wet weather or when certain appliances run: these are exactly the ones that need careful testing.
Why professional help matters
Electrical faults can be dangerous, and intermittent ones are easy to misdiagnose. Replacing parts at random costs money and leaves the real cause in place. An experienced, NAPIT-registered electrician uses the right test equipment to find the fault, and confirms the repair by testing afterwards.
What happens if it's ignored
The risks of putting it off
A tripping circuit is a warning, not an inconvenience. Ignoring it or working around it means the underlying problem keeps developing.
Damage gets worse
Water ingress, damaged cables and loose connections usually deteriorate over time, turning a small repair into a bigger one.
Overheating and fire
Loose or arcing connections generate heat. Scorch marks and burning smells should never be ignored.
Shock risk
Earth faults that trip an RCD are the protection working. Bypassing or disabling it removes that safety net.
Wasted money
Replacing appliances or accessories that aren't actually faulty adds cost without fixing anything.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Repeatedly resetting a tripping switch without finding the cause.
- Unplugging appliances at random and assuming the last one was to blame.
- Replacing a breaker with a higher rating to stop it tripping.
- Leaving outdoor sockets and lights exposed to weather after damage.
Our process
How the job is done, step by step
01
Describe the problem
You explain what happens and when; this often gives the first clues.
02
Isolation and testing
Circuits and appliances are isolated and tested to narrow down the cause.
03
Diagnosis explained
You're told exactly what was found and what the fix involves before work goes ahead.
04
Repair
The fault is repaired using suitable materials and methods.
05
Retest and guarantee
The circuit is tested again to confirm the repair, backed by a 12-month workmanship guarantee.
Benefits
What you get when it's done properly
Root cause, not symptoms
The actual fault is found, so you're not back to resetting switches in a week.
Safer home or premises
Dangerous faults are identified and removed.
No unnecessary parts
You only pay for what actually needs replacing.
Clear explanation
You understand what went wrong and why.
Confirmed by testing
Repairs are verified, not assumed.
Emergency help available
For serious faults or loss of power, emergency call-outs are offered.
In detail
Common electrical faults and how they're found
RCD tripping
An RCD trips when it detects current leaking to earth. Typical causes include a faulty appliance (kettles, washing machines and outdoor equipment are common culprits), moisture in outdoor sockets or lights, damaged cables, or a cumulative build-up of small leakages across several circuits. Testing identifies which circuit or appliance is responsible.
Breakers tripping on overload or short circuit
A breaker that trips when certain appliances run together may indicate overload; one that trips instantly may indicate a short circuit. The difference matters, and the fix is different for each.
Dead sockets and lights
When part of a circuit stops working, the cause is often a loose or failed connection at an accessory, a junction box or a damaged cable. Continuity testing helps trace exactly where the break is.
Flickering and buzzing
Flickering lights can be caused by incompatible dimmers and lamps, loose connections or problems further back in the installation. Buzzing from switches or sockets is a sign to get things checked promptly.
Commercial faults
In commercial premises, faults can affect equipment, lighting or whole areas of a building. Testing is planned to keep disruption to a minimum and get you trading again.
Preventing the fault coming back
Once a fault is repaired, the circuit is retested and you are told whether anything nearby is showing similar signs of wear. If a fault points to a wider issue, such as deteriorating cable or an overloaded circuit, you will be given honest advice on whether further work is worthwhile, or whether the repair alone is enough for now. The aim is to fix the problem once, not to keep coming back to the same symptom.
Intermittent and weather-related faults
Some faults only appear after heavy rain, overnight or when a particular combination of appliances runs. These are often caused by moisture in outdoor sockets, lights or junction boxes, or by a connection that breaks down only when it heats up. Tracing them means testing under the right conditions and, where needed, isolating circuits one by one until the pattern is clear. Telling Thomas when the fault happens is one of the most useful things you can do.
Appliance or installation?
A good part of fault finding is working out whether the problem is in the fixed wiring or in something plugged into it. Appliances with heating elements, such as kettles, ovens, immersion heaters, washing machines, are common sources of earth leakage. Separating the two means you don't pay for wiring repairs when the fault is in an appliance, or replace an appliance when the wiring is to blame.
Why VE Electrical
Fault Finding from the electrician who does the work
VE Electrical Services is owner-led. When you book fault finding with us, the person who quotes the job is Thomas Villars: the same fully qualified, NAPIT-registered electrician who carries it out, tests it and signs it off. There is no hand-off between a salesperson and a fitter, and no call centre between you and the answers you need.
Thomas has over 15 years' experience in the industry and set up the business eight years ago in Cwmbran. The business is a NAPIT Approved Contractor (registration no. 63450), Part P registered, carries £2 million public liability insurance and is a TrustATrader member. Every job is backed by a 12-month workmanship guarantee.
Quotes and site visits are always free. You get honest advice on what is needed, a clear price before work starts, and certification when the job is complete. For larger projects, trusted subcontractors are brought in, with Thomas remaining your single point of contact from start to finish.
FAQ
Fault Finding questions
How much does fault finding cost?
+
It depends on the nature of the fault and how long it takes to trace. You'll get a clear idea of cost before work begins, and you'll be told what the repair involves before it goes ahead.
How long does it take to find a fault?
+
Many faults are found within a visit. Intermittent faults can take longer because they need to be reproduced or narrowed down through testing.
My RCD keeps tripping. Is it faulty?
+
Sometimes, but more often the RCD is detecting a genuine fault on a circuit or appliance. Testing identifies which.
Can you come out in an emergency?
+
Yes. Emergency call-outs are offered for loss of power and dangerous faults. Call 07359 090416.
Is the repair guaranteed?
+
Yes. All work carries a 12-month workmanship guarantee.
Should I keep resetting the switch until you arrive?
+
If it trips immediately, leave it off and unplug appliances on that circuit. Repeatedly resetting a switch that won't hold isn't recommended.
Do you work on commercial premises?
+
Yes. VE Electrical works for both domestic and commercial clients.
Which areas do you cover for fault finding?
+
Cwmbran, Newport, Pontypool, Cardiff, Abergavenny, Monmouth, Pontypridd, Bristol and surrounding areas.
Related services
Areas covered
Fault Finding from our Cwmbran base across South Wales and Bristol.
Get the fault found and fixed
Call Thomas directly or request a callback, and stop resetting the same switch. Quotes and site visits are always free.
NAPIT Approved Contractor no. 63450 · £2m public liability · 12-month workmanship guarantee