How to check your trip switch and fuses

• First check that you have a trip switch. It is also known as a RCD (residual current device) or an ELCB (earth leakage circuit breaker). This will be on or near the fuse box.
• If you are not sure, have a look at the fuse box. The fuse box will be no further than three metres away from your electricity meter. If you have a trip switch, you will be able to see a 'push to test' button, bar, or a 'reset' button.
• Not all properties have a trip switch.

If the trip switch is on

• Turn the trip switch off and back on again. This is because the mechanism may trip inside the box but not trip the external switch.
• If the supply is not restored, push the 'test' button. If the switch trips, you have a problem with your wiring or an appliance. This is because the 'push to test' button can only trip the switch if your local network operator's supply is healthy. The trip will now be in the 'off' position.
• If the trip switch is on and the 'push to test' button does not trip the switch, then there is no incoming supply. Click here for a list of Emergency phone numbers.

If the trip switch is off

• Try to switch it back on. If it stays on but the supply is still off, check you have not turned off the main switch on the fuse box.
• If the trip switch trips immediately you have a fault with your wiring, an appliance or the fuse box.
• If you have a separate fuse box and trip switch, turn the fuse box off and turn the trip switch back on. The trip should then stay on.
• If the trip switches to the 'off' position again then you have a fault with the fuse box or the trip switch itself.