---
title: "Fault finding cost in Banstead — TMB Electrics"
description: "Fault finding in Banstead typically costs around £105 (£95-£130), based on prices local firms publish across 13 towns. TMB Electrics charges £80 per hour. What moves the price, and what you pay town by town."
canonical: "https://www.tmbelectrics.co.uk/costs/electrical-fault-finding"
last_updated: "2026-08-18T09:53:39.912Z"
---

# Fault finding cost in Banstead — TMB Electrics

> Fault finding in Banstead typically costs around £105 (£95-£130), based on prices local firms publish across 13 towns. TMB Electrics charges £80 per hour. What moves the price, and what you pay town by town.

Most firms near Banstead charge around £105 for fault finding, usually between £95 and £130. Figures are taken from prices local firms publish on their own websites across 13 towns, last updated 2026-08-16.

## What TMB Electrics charges

£80 per hour — published up front and fixed once the property has been seen.
That is £25–£50 less than most firms round here, up to 38% below the dearest local prices.

## Fault finding prices town by town

- **Banstead:** £85–£120 from 5 local firms; TMB Electrics £80
- **Sutton:** £115–£165 from 6 local firms; TMB Electrics £80
- **Wallington:** £95–£110 from 5 local firms; TMB Electrics £80
- **Reigate:** £95–£150 from 8 local firms; TMB Electrics £80
- **Purley:** £115–£165 from 7 local firms; TMB Electrics £80
- **Epsom:** £90–£260 from 4 local firms; TMB Electrics £80
- **Kingswood, Surrey:** £90–£130 from 7 local firms; TMB Electrics £80
- **Coulsdon:** no local figures; TMB Electrics £80
- **Tadworth:** £70–£100 from 3 local firms; TMB Electrics £80
- **Ewell:** £95–£110 from 5 local firms; TMB Electrics £80
- **Horley:** £85–£110 from 5 local firms; TMB Electrics £80
- **Burgh Heath:** £100–£175 from 10 local firms; TMB Electrics £80
- **Chipstead, Surrey:** £95–£150 from 5 local firms; TMB Electrics £80
- **Worcester Park:** no local figures; TMB Electrics £80
- **Ashtead:** £70–£120 from 6 local firms; TMB Electrics £80

## What the price covers

- 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.
- **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.
- **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.

- [Electrical safety questions answered](https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/safety-advice/your-questions-answered/): Advice from Electrical Safety First on practical steps to take when electrical issues arise in your home.