Electricity: it’s one of those things we all take for granted — until something stops working. Whether it’s a plug socket that’s gone dead or lights flickering for no reason, electrical issues can be frustrating… and sometimes dangerous.
At EPM, we’re called out to these kinds of faults all the time across Exeter and the surrounding areas. Some issues are simple fixes. Others? They need a qualified professional to keep your home safe and compliant.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common electrical problems we see, what causes them, and what you can (and shouldn’t) do to sort them.
1. Dead Plug Sockets
The problem: One or more sockets suddenly stop working.
Possible causes:
- A tripped breaker or blown fuse
- Loose wiring behind the socket
- Moisture ingress (especially in kitchens and bathrooms)
What you can do:
- Check your consumer unit (fuse box) for any tripped switches.
- Try plugging in a known-working device.
- Don’t start removing faceplates unless you’re qualified — it’s not worth the risk.
✅ If it’s just one socket, we can usually fix or replace it quickly. If it’s multiple, it may point to a bigger wiring issue.
2. Flickering Lights
The problem: Your lights dim or flicker randomly.
Possible causes:
- Loose bulbs or fittings
- Old or failing light switches
- Voltage fluctuations in your wiring
What you can do:
- Tighten or replace the bulb.
- Try a different bulb type — especially if you’re using LEDs.
- If multiple lights are affected, get it checked — flickering can be a sign of loose wiring, which is a fire hazard.
3. Burning Smell or Scorch Marks Around Sockets
The problem: You notice a faint burning smell or discolouration around a socket or switch.
This is urgent. It usually means:
- Overheating due to loose connections
- Overloaded circuits
- Damaged wiring
Turn off the power to the affected circuit at the consumer unit and call an electrician immediately. This is not one to DIY.
4. Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping
The problem: You reset the switch, and it trips again straight away.
Likely causes:
- Faulty appliance plugged into that circuit
- Overloaded circuit (too many devices drawing power)
- A fault in the wiring (often insulation damage or age-related wear)
What to do:
- Unplug all devices from the affected circuit.
- Reset the breaker.
- Plug items back in one by one — if it trips again, you’ve likely found the culprit.
If it still trips with everything unplugged, it’s time to give EPM a ring — we’ll test the circuit safely and trace the fault.
5. Chewed or Damaged Wires (Yes, Really)
You might be surprised how often we come across rodent damage — especially in older properties or lofts.
Mice and rats love chewing through cables. (we have encountered this in our office recently, chewing through our computer cables!) If your electrics start acting up and you’ve noticed droppings or strange smells in the loft or under floors, this could be the cause.
Do not attempt to repair chewed wires yourself. This is a serious fire and safety risk. Call a professional, and possibly a pest control expert too.
6. Water and Electricity Mixing
If you’ve had a leak from upstairs and suddenly lights or sockets below stop working, it could be due to moisture affecting the circuit.
Always treat water-damaged electrics as dangerous. Even if the power’s back on, corrosion or faults could appear weeks later.
At EPM, we can test and replace affected fittings safely — and work alongside your plumber, or one of ours, if needed.
7. Outdated Consumer Units (Fuse Boxes)
Still got an old-style fuse box with no RCD protection? You’re not alone — we still see loads across Exeter.
These systems:
- Aren’t up to current UK safety standards
- Don’t trip quickly in the event of a fault
- Can be a red flag for home buyers and insurers
Upgrading your consumer unit is one of the best safety improvements you can make — and often adds value if you’re planning to sell.
Final Thoughts from EPM
Some electrical problems are minor. Others are signs of something more serious. The key is knowing the difference — and acting fast when safety’s at risk.
If you’re not 100% confident, always call a qualified electrician. It’s just not worth the gamble with electrics.
We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across Exeter and Devon stay safe, compliant, and shock-free. If you’ve got a concern — even a small one — give us a call. We’ll give you straight answers and never upsell you something you don’t need.
📞 Call EPM today or enquire online.
