What fault finding covers
Fault finding is tracking down why something electrical isn't working properly, then fixing the cause rather than the symptom. Common jobs around Wagga and the Riverina:
- a safety switch that keeps tripping, at random, after rain, or when one appliance goes on
- a breaker or fuse that won't stay on
- power points or lights that are dead on one part of the house
- lights that flicker or dim when something else starts up
- a power point, switch or plug that's warm, discoloured or smells like it's burning
- an outdoor light, pump or shed supply that stopped working after a storm
- power to a shed or farm building that's been off for a long time and needs bringing back
Some faults are obvious quickly. Others only show up at certain times, like when the irrigation pump starts or the ground is wet, and take patient testing circuit by circuit.
First: is it you, or the network?
Before you call an electrician, check whether it's just your place:
- Are the neighbours out too? If the whole street is dark, it's a network outage. Check Essential Energy's outage page at essentialenergy.com.au/outages or call 13 20 80.
- Has a safety switch or breaker tripped? Look at the switchboard. It's safe to switch a tripped breaker or safety switch back on once. If it trips again straight away, leave it off and call us.
- Is it one appliance? If a safety switch trips the moment you plug in or turn on one particular thing, unplug it and see whether the problem stops. That appliance may be the fault.
Our power outage guide goes through these steps in more detail, and why your safety switch keeps tripping covers the common causes.
After a shock or tingle report, Essential Energy sends a crew and the power is likely to be disconnected. If the fault is on the network side, they fix it free. If it's in your own wiring, a licensed electrician has to fix it at your cost, and the power stays off until that's done. That's where we come in. More in electric shocks and tingles.
What you shouldn't do
Don't open up power points, light fittings or the switchboard to have a look. The NSW Government says DIY electrical work is dangerous and illegal, and homeowners shouldn't do anything beyond changing a light globe. It can also void your home insurance. Pressing the test button on a safety switch and resetting a tripped breaker once are fine.
How Nelson finds faults
- Listen first. When does it happen? What was running? Has anything been added recently? Did it start after a storm or heavy rain? The pattern often points straight at the circuit.
- Isolate. Work out which circuit is affected and what's on it. On older homes where nothing is labelled, this can include tracing and labelling circuits as we go.
- Test. Testing each part of the circuit to find where the problem is, whether that's a damaged cable, water in an outdoor fitting, a failing appliance or a loose connection.
- Explain. You get told what the fault is and what fixing it involves before any repair work goes ahead.
- Fix and test. The repair is done, the circuit is retested, and a Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work (CCEW) is lodged where the work requires it.
If the fault turns out to be in an old switchboard with no room left, or in wiring that's breaking down, we'll tell you straight. Sometimes the honest answer is a switchboard upgrade or a partial rewire, and sometimes it's a single bad connection.
Rentals
In NSW any electrical fault in a rental is an urgent repair, and a faulty safety switch, or one that keeps detecting a fault, is specifically listed. Landlords must have urgent repairs done within a reasonable time, and tenants should report faults straight away. Property managers can call us directly.
Sheds and buildings that have been off for a while
If an installation has been de-energised for six months or more, NSW requires a qualified electrician to do a safety inspection before it's switched back on. The electrician completes an Electrical Installation Safety Inspection Certificate, which you give to your retailer. That can apply to farm sheds, pump sites and houses that have sat empty.
Cost
Fault finding is charged by the hour, plus any parts, because nobody can tell how long a fault will take to find until they're looking at it. A clear description of what trips, when, and what was running at the time often shortens the search. Repairs are only done with your OK. Travel is free close to Wagga and charged further out. Call Nelson or send the job through and he'll explain what to expect.
We don't advertise 24/7 emergency call-outs. Call Nelson on 0416 085 416 and he'll tell you when he can get there.
Common questions
Why does my safety switch keep tripping?
It's detecting current leaking to earth somewhere on that circuit. Common culprits are a faulty appliance, water in an outdoor fitting or damaged wiring. Unplug things to see if one appliance is the cause, then call us if it keeps happening.
Can I keep resetting a tripped breaker?
Reset it once. If it trips again straight away, leave it off and call a licensed electrician. It's telling you there's a fault.
How is fault finding charged?
By the hour, plus parts, and travel if you're further out from Wagga. Repairs only go ahead with your approval. Call Nelson for the current rate.
I got a tingle from the tap. What should I do?
Don't touch it again, keep others away, and call Essential Energy on 13 20 80 straight away. Call 000 for a serious shock.
Who fixes the fault, Essential Energy or an electrician?
Essential Energy fixes faults on the network, free of charge. Faults in your own wiring, switchboard or appliances need a licensed electrician at your cost.