Electrical Fault Finding & Repairs in Ramsgate & Thanet
Tripping switches, flickering lights, dead sockets or a smell of burning. We track down the cause and fix it properly.
Starting from £80 + VAT
5.0from over 130 Google reviewsElectrical faults are frustrating because the cause is usually hidden. A breaker trips, a socket stops working or a light flickers, and there's no obvious reason why. Finding the fault takes the right test equipment and a methodical approach.
We're a family-run NICEIC Approved Contractor based in Thanet, and we find and fix faults in homes and businesses across Ramsgate, Margate, Broadstairs and the rest of Thanet. If you smell burning or see scorch marks, treat it as an emergency and call us straight away on 07897 710370.
Tripping RCDs and breakers
A breaker or RCD that trips is doing its job. It has detected something wrong and cut the power to protect you. The real job is finding out why.
Common causes include a faulty appliance, water getting into an outside socket or light, a cable damaged by a nail or screw, or an overloaded circuit. We test circuit by circuit, including insulation resistance tests, to narrow it down.
Before you call, try unplugging everything on that circuit and resetting it. If it stays on, plug things back in one at a time to find the culprit. If it trips with nothing plugged in, leave it off and call us.
Flickering or dimming lights
A single flickering LED is often just the bulb, or a dimmer switch that isn't designed for LEDs. If lights flicker across a room or the whole house, or dim when a big appliance switches on, there may be a loose connection somewhere. Loose connections can overheat, so it's worth having them checked.
If your neighbours are seeing the same thing, the problem may be with the supply. That's one for UK Power Networks, and you can reach them by calling 105.
Dead sockets and lights
If a socket or light has stopped working, check the consumer unit for a tripped switch first. If nothing has tripped, the fault could be a loose or burnt connection, a failed switch or socket, or a damaged cable. A dead socket can also point to a problem at another socket on the same circuit.
We trace the fault, repair it and test the circuit before we leave.
Burning smells and scorch marks
A burning or fishy smell near a socket, switch or consumer unit usually means something is overheating. Stop using it, switch off that circuit if it's safe to do so, and call us. If there's smoke or fire, get out and call 999.
How it works
- 1
Tell us the symptoms
Call or message us and describe what's happening, when it started and anything that seems to set it off. A photo of your consumer unit helps.
- 2
Make safe
If anything is dangerous, we isolate it first, so the rest of the property can stay on where possible.
- 3
Find the cause
We test methodically, circuit by circuit, until we've found the fault.
- 4
Repair and test
We explain what we found and agree the repair with you. Then we fix it and test the circuit before switching it back on.
What customers say about us
Jan F. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. On finding myself with an electrical emergency, I had the daunting task of finding an electrician. As a senior person it was a task I dreaded, who to trust?? On reading many, many reviews, I kept coming back to TKM and as they were local I gave them a call. Best thing I did, their reviews say it all, Tyler & Jamie were so professional, courteous & helpful. They sorted my emergency, and will be back to do more work, with bacon sarnies on the menu!! Thank you boys 🤗
Thomas M. Ty has done a fantastic job helping get my house safe and sorted. It needed quite a bit of work to bring everything up to scratch, and he’s handled it all brilliantly. The team have been responsive, efficient, and everything’s been done to a really high standard. They’ve been easy to work with clear communication and totally dependable. I’ll definitely call on for any future electrical work and would absolutely recommend.
Common questions
Why does my electricity keep tripping?
A faulty appliance is one of the most common causes, especially kettles, washing machines and outdoor equipment. Water in an outdoor socket or light, damaged cables and overloaded circuits are other usual suspects. Unplug everything on the circuit and reset it. If it holds, add appliances back one at a time. If it still trips with nothing connected, call us.
Why do my LED lights flicker?
Often it's the dimmer. Many older dimmer switches weren't designed for LED bulbs, and the mismatch causes flicker or buzzing. A cheap or failing bulb or driver can do it too. If several lights flicker together, or they dim when appliances switch on, there may be a loose connection, which should be checked because it can overheat.
Why has one socket stopped working?
First check the consumer unit for a tripped switch, and try a different appliance in case the plug is the problem. If neither helps, the likely cause is a loose or burnt connection at that socket or another one on the same circuit. Please don't take the socket apart yourself. We can find the fault and repair it safely.
Is a burning smell from a socket dangerous?
Yes, treat it as urgent. A burning smell usually means a connection or component is overheating, which can lead to a fire. Stop using the socket, switch off the circuit at the consumer unit if it's safe, and call us. If you see smoke or flames, leave the property and call 999.
Can you find faults that come and go?
Yes, although they can take longer to track down, because the fault isn't always there when we test. It helps to note when it happens, such as in wet weather, when a certain appliance is on or at a particular time of day. Those clues often lead us to the cause much faster.
Related services
24 Hour Emergency Electrician
Electrical problems don't keep office hours. If something is unsafe at your home or business, you can call us any time on 07897 710370.
Find out more
Consumer Unit (Fuse Box) Replacement
Swap an old fuse box for a modern consumer unit with proper RCD protection, fitted, tested and certified by a NICEIC Approved Contractor.
Find out more
EICR & Electrical Safety Certificates
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) tells you whether the electrics in a property are safe. We carry them out for landlords, homeowners, buyers and businesses across Thanet and the wider Kent area.
Find out more
Fault Finding across Kent
Ready to book, or need advice first?
Call us or send a message and we'll talk it through. Quotes are free and there's no obligation.