When the power goes off, the first question is: is it just you, or the whole street? The answer decides who to call.
Is it just your home?
Look outside — are your neighbours’ lights on? Check your own consumer unit for a tripped main switch or RCD. If a switch has tripped, switch off your appliances, reset it once, then reconnect appliances gradually. If it won’t reset, you have a fault — call an electrician.
Is it the whole street?
If neighbours are also without power, it’s a network issue, not your wiring. In Great Britain you can call 105 free to report it and reach your local network operator — they’ll tell you what’s happening.
Staying safe
- Use torches rather than candles.
- Keep the fridge and freezer closed to preserve food.
- Switch off or unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from a surge when power returns.
- Leave one light switched on so you know when supply is back.
When to call an electrician
If the power is off only in your home and your board won’t reset — or there’s a burning smell or sparking — that’s an electrical fault, not a network outage. Our emergency electricians are available 24/7 to make it safe.
Common questions
If your whole street is affected, call 105 free to reach your local electricity network operator. If it’s only your home and your fuse board won’t reset, call an electrician — it’s a fault, not an outage.
Check whether neighbours have power and look at your consumer unit. Neighbours off = network issue (call 105). Only you affected, with a tripped board = a fault on your installation.
A closed fridge keeps food safe for around 4 hours and a full freezer for around 24–48 hours. Keep the doors shut and check temperatures once power returns.
Power off in just your home?
If your board won’t reset, it’s a fault — we’re available 24/7 across East London.
Call 020 7473 7807