Tripping circuits and RCDs
When a circuit breaker or RCD drops, resetting it without testing can cause further damage. Systematic testing isolates the faulty leg or appliance.
Fault finding cost in Banstead
Most electricians near Banstead charge around £105 for fault finding. TMB Electrics charges £80.
Most local firms£105usually £95–£130
TMB Electrics£80 per hourprice published up front
Save up to 38%
£25–£50 less than most firms
24% below the typical £105 price for fault finding round here.
Book fault finding — £80What changes the price of fault finding
Investigating tripping circuits, power loss or damaged fittings is charged at an hourly rate for testing and diagnostic work on site.
- Covers electrical testing, circuit tracing and diagnostic work on site.
- Materials or replacement accessories required to complete a permanent repair are itemised separately.
Fault finding prices in each town we cover
What other firms charge changes from town to town. Our price is the same wherever you are.
| Town | Other local firms | TMB Electrics | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banstead | £85–£120 (5 firms) | £80 per hour | £30–£40 cheaper |
| Sutton | £115–£165 (6 firms) | £80 per hour | £40–£85 cheaper |
| Wallington | £95–£110 (5 firms) | £80 per hour | £20–£30 cheaper |
| Reigate | £95–£150 (8 firms) | £80 per hour | £35–£70 cheaper |
| Purley | £115–£165 (7 firms) | £80 per hour | £50–£85 cheaper |
| Epsom | £90–£260 (4 firms) | £80 per hour | £95–£180 cheaper |
| Kingswood, Surrey | £90–£130 (7 firms) | £80 per hour | £20–£50 cheaper |
| Coulsdon | £95–£130 (nearby towns) | £80 per hour | — |
| Tadworth | £70–£100 (3 firms) | £80 per hour | £5–£20 cheaper |
| Ewell | £95–£110 (5 firms) | £80 per hour | £20–£30 cheaper |
| Horley | £85–£110 (5 firms) | £80 per hour | £15–£30 cheaper |
| Burgh Heath | £100–£175 (10 firms) | £80 per hour | £60–£95 cheaper |
| Chipstead, Surrey | £95–£150 (5 firms) | £80 per hour | £20–£70 cheaper |
| Worcester Park | £95–£130 (nearby towns) | £80 per hour | — |
| Ashtead | £70–£120 (6 firms) | £80 per hour | £25–£40 cheaper |
Other firms' figures are what they advertise publicly, not quotes for your job — use them to sanity-check what you are offered. Ours is fixed once we have seen the property.
What our price covers
Fault finding focuses on locating electrical defects safely and establishing what work is required to correct them.
Included
- Insulation resistance testing on affected circuits
- Continuity testing of protective conductors
- Visual inspection of switches, sockets and joint boxes
- Isolating faulty components or cable sections safely
- Testing at the consumer unit and meter position
Priced separately
- Major full-house rewiring within the initial diagnostic testing window
- Supply-side repairs owned by the electricity network operator
- Plastering or structural repairs following cable replacement
Start with the symptom, not a guess
Electrical faults usually show up as persistent circuit breaker trips, RCD failure, dimming lights or isolated socket loss across homes in Banstead, Reigate and Sutton.
Intermittent power loss
Intermittent failures often stem from loose terminal connections, thermal degradation or moisture ingress in outdoor lighting and joint boxes.
Damaged or scorched fittings
Heat discolouration around switches, downlights or socket plates indicates high resistance joints that need immediate physical inspection and repair.
What happens during the visit
Access to your consumer unit, socket outlets and light fittings helps keep diagnostic testing straightforward.
Initial check and safety isolation
I speak with you about when the issue occurs, then turn off power to the affected circuits before opening accessories or testing at the board.
Circuit testing and isolation
Using test meters, I measure loop impedance, insulation resistance and circuit continuity to pinpoint the exact fault location.
Action plan and resolution
Once the fault is located, I either repair it on the spot if straightforward or explain the exact steps required for a complete fix.
What you receive
Every fault finding visit ends with clear findings and a safe electrical installation.
Evidence-led diagnosis
Clear explanation of the exact cause of the fault based on test instrument readings and physical inspection.
A safe immediate position
The faulty circuit or component is repaired, or isolated safely if further parts or rewiring are required.
Repair or clear quote
Immediate repair using stocked fittings where possible, or an itemised cost for additional rectification work.
Relevant test or certificate record
Documentation or test readings recorded for minor works or replaced electrical components where appropriate.
Fault finding price questions
How much does fault finding cost in Banstead?+
In Banstead, fault finding typically costs around £105, with most local firms publishing between £95 and £130 across 13 towns. TMB Electrics charges £80 per hour — the rate we quote from, confirmed on survey, not a lead-generation estimate.
How much to change a socket front?+
Our rate for this work is £80 per hour. The price moves with access, the age and condition of the existing installation, and how much making good the job leaves behind — all of which we confirm before work starts.
What should I do if my RCD keeps tripping?+
I recommend unplugging appliances on that circuit first to check if a faulty device is responsible. If the switch still drops with appliances disconnected, leave the circuit off and book a fault-finding visit so I can test the fixed wiring.
How long does fault finding usually take?+
I find most domestic faults within one to two hours of testing at the board and accessories. Complex issues across extended circuits or older additions may take longer to trace systematically.
Will my power be switched off during testing?+
Power to the affected circuit or the whole consumer unit is turned off during dead testing to allow accurate resistance readings and ensure safe working conditions.
Can an old consumer unit cause regular tripping?+
Older consumer units without individual RCBO protection can trip due to cumulative background earth leakage from modern electronics rather than a single direct short.
Why do prices differ between towns round here?+
Local housing stock is the main reason. 1930s bay-fronted semis around Winkworth Road and Ferndale Road, most now on their second or third fuse board Older or harder-to-access properties take longer, and that time is what a quote is mostly made of.
Independent electrical safety guidance
Independent guidance on domestic electrical safety and owner responsibilities.
Book fault finding with TMB Electrics
£80 per hour, fixed once we have seen the property. No call-out charge to get a price.