All categories

Power points & circuits

Dead GPOs, half-working outlets, and tripping circuits.

Power points & circuits

Power point (GPO) completely dead

Nothing plugged into a power point works, while other outlets are fine. A classic trace-it-back fault on a single GPO or the run feeding it.

4 causes3 test steps
ApprenticeMedium risk
Power points & circuits

Half the power points in the house not working

A group of outlets across several rooms is dead together while lights and other GPOs work — points at one power circuit's protection or a shared upstream fault.

4 causes3 test steps
ApprenticeMedium risk
Power points & circuits

Double power point — one side works, one doesn't

On a double GPO, one socket works and the other is dead — usually an internal fault in the outlet or a loose link between the two sockets.

3 causes2 test steps
ApprenticeMedium risk
Power points & circuits

Power point burnt, melted, or smells hot

A GPO is discoloured, melted, or gives off a burning smell — a serious fire-risk fault from arcing/overheating at the outlet, usually from a poor plug fit or overload.

4 causes3 test steps
QualifiedHigh risk
Power points & circuits

USB power point not charging devices

A GPO with built-in USB ports won't charge (or charges very slowly) while the normal sockets work — usually the USB module or a device/cable mismatch.

3 causes2 test steps
ApprenticeLow risk
Power points & circuits

Powerboard or extension lead not working

A powerboard or extension lead delivers no power, while the wall outlet it's plugged into is fine — usually the board's switch, its overload/reset, or a damaged lead.

4 causes2 test steps
ApprenticeMedium risk
Power points & circuits

An appliance trips the power the moment it's plugged in or switched on

Plugging in or switching on a particular appliance instantly trips the safety switch or breaker — strongly suggesting an earth fault or short in that appliance.

4 causes2 test steps
QualifiedHigh risk
Power points & circuits Premium

Smart switch not working (no neutral at the switch)

A smart/Wi-Fi switch won't power up, drops offline, or makes the light glow/flicker — commonly because there's no neutral at the switch, which many smart switches need.

4 causes2 test steps
QualifiedMedium risk
Power points & circuits

Three-phase outlet / appliance not working (one phase missing)

A three-phase outlet or appliance (welder, large machine, commercial kitchen gear) isn't working right — a missing phase at the socket leaves it under-powered or not starting.

4 causes2 test steps
QualifiedHigh risk
Power points & circuits

Commercial kitchen equipment has no power

A piece of commercial kitchen gear (oven, fryer, dishwasher, cool room) is dead — pointing at its dedicated circuit, isolator, an emergency-stop/gas-interlock, or the appliance.

4 causes2 test steps
QualifiedHigh risk