01
Why does my consumer unit keep tripping?
Understand why an RCD, RCBO or circuit-breaker may operate and why repeated resetting is not a substitute for finding the cause.
Read about fault finding ›
Straightforward electrical guidance
Advice & Guides
Clear explanations covering common electrical questions, safety concerns, inspections, consumer units, fault finding and smaller household improvements.
Electrical work is not a subject most people deal with every day. These guides help you understand the issue, recognise when professional advice may be needed and make a more informed decision.
The information is practical and homeowner-friendly, without replacing an inspection or property-specific assessment.
Guide library
Common electrical questions explained
Select the subject closest to the issue or improvement you are considering.
02
What happens during an EICR?
Learn what is inspected and tested, why temporary power isolation may be required and what the final report contains.
Read about EICRs ›
03
Does an old fuse board need replacing?
Age alone does not determine the answer. Condition, protection, intended use and test results all matter.
Read about consumer units ›
04
What are RCDs, RCBOs and circuit-breakers?
A simple explanation of the protective devices commonly found in domestic electrical installations.
Understand circuit protection ›
05
Why do smoke alarms expire?
Understand why alarms have a defined service life and why an expired device may no longer provide dependable warning.
Ask about smoke alarms ›
06
Can an outside socket be added?
The circuit, cable route, earthing, RCD protection and outdoor installation method all need to be considered.
Read about small jobs ›
07
Why are sockets or switches becoming warm?
Heat, discolouration, buzzing or burning smells may indicate a poor connection or fault that should be investigated.
View warning signs ›
08
Will a small electrical job need testing?
Even a simple replacement or alteration may require appropriate inspection and testing to confirm safe completion.
Read about smaller work ›
09
What do C1, C2, C3 and FI mean?
Understand the classification codes used to describe observations recorded on an Electrical Installation Condition Report.
Understand EICR codes ›
Featured guidance
Two useful starting points for homeowners
Do not ignore heat, smell or repeated tripping
A fault may be hidden behind an accessory or elsewhere on the circuit. Investigation helps identify the cause rather than repeatedly treating the symptom.
View fault finding ›
Older does not automatically mean unsafe
A consumer unit should be considered in the context of its condition, protective arrangements, intended use and the wider installation.
Read about consumer units ›
How to use this information
Guidance first, then a property-specific assessment
1
Understand the issue
Use the guidance to recognise the likely subject and any warning signs.
2
Describe what is happening
Note what is affected and whether there is heat, smell, damage, tripping or loss of power.
3
Ask for practical advice
Send a short explanation and photographs where useful and safe.
Important
General guidance cannot confirm that an installation is safe
Electrical faults and installation conditions cannot normally be diagnosed reliably from appearance alone.
Photographs may help establish the next step, but inspection and testing may still be required.
Do not remove covers, touch exposed wiring or continue resetting a protective device that repeatedly trips.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about electrical guidance
Select a question below to reveal the answer.
Can you diagnose a fault from a photograph?
A photograph can provide useful context and may help identify
the next step, but electrical testing is often required to
establish the cause safely.
Are the guides a substitute for an inspection?
No. The guides explain general principles but cannot confirm
the condition or safety of a particular installation.
Can I carry out the work myself after reading a guide?
The guides are intended to help you understand the subject.
They are not step-by-step instructions for electrical installation,
fault diagnosis or repair work.
What information should I send with an enquiry?
Include a short description, when the problem occurs,
what circuits or equipment are affected and photographs
where useful and safe.
What should I do if I smell burning or see heat damage?
Stop using the affected accessory or equipment where it is safe
to do so, keep people away from any immediate danger and arrange
for the issue to be assessed.
Need an answer specific to your property?
Ask Cader Electrical
Send a short description and a few photographs where useful and safe. We can help identify the most appropriate next step.