Electrical Fault Finding & Repairs
Tripping RCDs, flickering lights, dead circuits, burning smells. Older western-suburbs homes have decades of wiring history — extensions, renovations, previous electricians with varying standards. I trace faults systematically and fix them properly.
Not just resetting switches and hoping for the best — finding the actual cause and fixing it so it doesn't come back.
Fault Finding Services
- RCD tripping diagnosis
- Circuit tracing
- Flickering light repair
- Dead outlet investigation
- Switchboard fault finding
- Cable damage location
Burning Smell or Sparking? Call Immediately
If you smell burning, see sparks, or notice smoke from any electrical fitting, turn off the main switch at your switchboard and call immediately. These are urgent safety issues that can't wait.
Common Electrical Faults
These are the symptoms I get called out for most often in older western-suburbs homes.
Tripping RCDs
Safety switches tripping repeatedly, sometimes immediately, sometimes randomly.
Flickering Lights
Lights dimming, flickering, or changing brightness — especially when other loads turn on.
Dead Circuits
Power points or lights that have stopped working entirely on one circuit.
Partial Power Loss
Some rooms working, others not — often indicates a tripped breaker or cable fault.
Burning Smell
Electrical burning odour from outlets, switches, or the switchboard. Requires urgent attention.
Hot Outlets
Power points or switches that feel warm or hot to touch — loose connections or overloading.
How Fault Finding Works
Describe the Symptoms
When does it happen? Which circuits? What were you using? Photos of the switchboard help.
Systematic Testing
I isolate circuits, test components, and trace the fault back to its source. Not guessing — testing.
Identify the Cause
Once found, I explain what's wrong and what's needed to fix it properly.
Repair
Fix the fault, test the circuit, and make sure it's working properly before leaving.
Describe Your Electrical Issue
SMS what's happening — when it started, which circuits, any patterns. Photos of the switchboard help. I'll reply with the next step.
SMS Fault DescriptionEC 9715 · $10 million public liability
Fault Finding FAQs
Why does my RCD keep tripping?
Common causes: faulty appliance, water ingress in outdoor circuits, degraded wiring insulation, or a worn-out RCD. I trace the fault systematically — unplug everything, test circuits one by one, and find the actual cause rather than just resetting it.
Why are my lights flickering?
Flickering can be loose connections, overloaded circuits, failing switches, or issues with the neutral. In older homes, it's often degraded connections at the switchboard or junction boxes. I trace back from the fitting to find the cause.
Half my house has no power — what happened?
Usually a tripped breaker or RCD, sometimes a damaged cable. Check your switchboard first — if a switch has tripped, try resetting once. If it trips again or nothing is obviously tripped, call me.
How do you charge for fault finding?
I charge hourly for fault finding because the time required depends on what I find. Most faults in residential homes take 1-2 hours to trace and fix. I'll give you an estimate when I understand the symptoms.
Got an Electrical Fault?
SMS what's happening. I'll reply with the next sensible step.
EC 9715 · $10 million public liability · Pensioner discounts available