Hello, I’m Jack – a local electrician serving Reigate and the surrounding areas. Over the years, I’ve responded to a wide variety of emergency electrical situations across town. Whether it’s a power outage at 3am, a burning smell from a fuse board, or a flooded socket after a heavy downpour, I’ve seen it all. In this post, I’ll share some of the most common emergency callouts I attend in Reigate, offering real-life examples from my experience and a bit of insight into what to expect when you call an emergency electrician.
Electrical emergencies can strike at any time, and knowing what to look out for can make all the difference between a minor fix and a major hazard. Hopefully, this article gives you a clearer picture of the risks and the solutions – and if you ever need immediate help, you can always contact my emergency electrician service in Reigate.
Power Outages and Loss of Supply
One of the most frequent emergency callouts I receive in Reigate is for power outages. While some are caused by broader grid issues (which I always advise checking first via UK Power Networks), others are localised to a specific home or building.
For example, I was recently called out to a home on Chart Lane where the family had suddenly lost all power late in the evening. They assumed it was a street-wide issue, but upon inspection, I found that water from a leaking boiler had dripped into the consumer unit. The moisture had tripped the RCD, shutting down the entire system. I was able to isolate the fault, dry out the board, and safely restore power – and recommend a plumber immediately.
In another instance, a customer living near Reigate Hill had an overloaded circuit due to multiple space heaters running on an already stretched ring main. After a quick diagnosis, I split the load over two circuits and replaced a melted socket to prevent further damage.
Burning Smells and Overheating Components
A burning smell coming from an electrical source is always a red flag – and definitely a reason to call in an emergency electrician. Reigate’s mix of older and modern properties means I often encounter outdated wiring, which can overheat under today’s demands.
One callout in the Priory area involved a charred smell coming from a bedroom socket. The homeowner had noticed it getting warm over the last few days, and then it suddenly stopped working. When I removed the socket faceplate, the insulation on the wires had completely melted. This could easily have caused a fire if left any longer. I replaced the unit, checked the wiring continuity and earthing, and inspected the rest of the sockets as a precaution.
Over the years, I’ve found that loose terminals are often the culprit. Even a slightly loose wire can generate heat under load. In emergency situations like these, the top priority is always to prevent escalation – and make sure the installation is safe for continued use.
Blown Fuses and Tripping RCDs
Another extremely common issue is a fuse blowing or an RCD that keeps tripping. While this can sometimes be fixed with a simple reset, repeated tripping is a clear indication of an underlying fault. This is where an experienced electrician comes in.
Last winter, I was called out to a terraced house off Lesbourne Road where the power to the kitchen kept cutting out. The RCD would trip within seconds of resetting. After a systematic check, I found a faulty kettle with a shorted element. Replacing the kettle resolved the issue, and I gave the client a full explanation so they could understand the importance of unplugging appliances when diagnosing a trip.
Another memorable case involved a garden office in Reigate Park where a water ingress had reached an outdoor junction box. The water had corroded the terminals, causing earth leakage. I replaced the junction box with a weatherproof IP-rated enclosure and rerouted the cable run to avoid future exposure.
Flood and Water-Related Emergencies
Flooding is surprisingly common in parts of Reigate, particularly after heavy rainfall. I’ve attended numerous emergency callouts where water has reached sockets, appliances, and even consumer units.
One time, a basement flat near Reigate Station had a severe flood due to blocked drains. The water reached several wall sockets and caused multiple breakers to trip. I disconnected the affected circuits and used moisture meters to assess how far the damage had spread. After allowing time to dry out and testing the insulation resistance, I restored the unaffected areas and advised replacing the damaged outlets.
Water and electricity do not mix – and in any situation where there’s been flooding, it’s crucial to have a professional inspect the system before using it again. If you’re ever in doubt, contact me for emergency electrical help in Reigate.
Faulty Consumer Units and Fuse Boards
Older fuse boards are another frequent source of emergency calls. Many homes in Reigate still use rewirable fuses or early-generation consumer units with no RCD protection. These systems are not only outdated but often dangerous.
I remember a job on Nutley Lane where the homeowner reported a loud pop and the lights going out. On arrival, I found a scorched main switch and significant heat damage to the terminals inside the fuse board. The issue had been caused by a loose main neutral connection that had arced over time. I replaced the consumer unit with a modern 18th edition-compliant unit and issued a full EIC for the work.
Upgrading a fuse board is not just about safety during an emergency – it also helps prevent emergencies in the first place. Modern consumer units include RCD and RCBO protection that shuts off power when a fault is detected, potentially saving lives.
Lighting Faults and Flickering Issues
Lighting faults can be more than a nuisance. Flickering, buzzing, or non-functional lights can all indicate a deeper electrical issue. I’m often called out to investigate lighting circuits that have failed entirely or are behaving erratically.
In one property off Wray Common Road, the upstairs lighting kept cutting out intermittently. After isolating the circuit, I found a junction box in the loft where the connections were barely twisted together, with no proper terminals used. It was a miracle the wires hadn’t caused a short or fire. I rewired the affected parts of the circuit using Wago connectors and a maintenance-free enclosure, resolving the issue permanently.
Electric Showers and Hot Water Systems
Electric showers are another common point of failure – especially in emergency callouts. A failed shower switch or tripped circuit breaker can leave homeowners without hot water, and in many cases, the issue needs fixing fast.
I recently helped a young family on Dovers Green Road whose electric shower had stopped working in the middle of winter. The pull cord switch had burned out internally due to a poor connection. I replaced it with a higher-rated unit and inspected the entire cable run to ensure no further overheating had occurred.
Whenever an electric shower develops a fault, I always recommend isolating it at the pull switch or breaker and not using it until checked – overheating and water ingress are both potential fire risks.
Emergency Lighting Failures in Commercial Properties
It’s not just homes I attend in Reigate – local businesses and commercial premises also require emergency assistance, especially when it comes to emergency lighting and safety systems.
One evening I was called out to a small restaurant near Bell Street after they lost power to their emergency lights during a health inspection. The battery packs in several fittings had failed, and their system had not been tested in months. I was able to temporarily restore key lighting to keep the premises operational and returned the next day to carry out a full inspection and replacement of faulty fittings.
Emergency lighting is often overlooked, but it plays a vital role in safety during power loss. Business owners should be scheduling regular tests – and calling in a professional as soon as problems arise.
Electrical Fires and Immediate Safety Risks
Though less common, I’ve responded to several electrical fires in Reigate – usually small-scale, but every bit as dangerous. In many of these cases, the fire was already extinguished by the time I arrived, but the damage to the electrical system was significant.
In one shocking example, a faulty plug-in heater had caused a small fire in a home near Reigate Grammar School. The extension lead it was plugged into had melted, igniting the carpet beneath it. The fire brigade had put out the flames, and I was called in to assess the wiring. Luckily, the main installation was intact, but it was a stark reminder of how easily an appliance can trigger a life-threatening event.
In such cases, once the fire is out and the scene is safe, it’s critical to have a qualified electrician inspect all affected areas, check for unseen damage, and make repairs to restore full safety.
Unexplained Noises or Sparks
Hissing, crackling, buzzing, or visible sparks from sockets, switches or consumer units are never normal – and are often signs of urgent electrical failure. These are among the most worrying types of callouts I attend, as they often indicate poor connections, failing insulation, or even exposed conductors.
At a job in Reigate Heath, a homeowner heard a faint crackling behind a kitchen wall switch. I traced the noise to an overloaded backbox with insulation that had broken down due to heat. Thankfully, we caught it early – it could have led to arcing and eventually fire. I replaced the entire switch unit and provided advice on electrical load management going forward.
Why Trust a Local Emergency Electrician in Reigate?
Living and working in Reigate means I understand the local properties, the types of installations common in the area, and the specific risks residents face. I’m not just a name on a search engine – I’m part of this community, and my goal is always to provide fast, safe, and honest help when it’s needed most.
Whether it’s late at night, over the weekend, or during a bank holiday, I’m on call for urgent electrical help. My van is fully stocked with parts, tools, and testing equipment so I can solve most issues in a single visit. And I’m always happy to explain what went wrong and how to prevent it in future.
Need an Emergency Electrician in Reigate?
If you’re experiencing any of the problems I’ve mentioned – or anything else that doesn’t seem right – don’t wait. Electrical faults can escalate quickly. I’m available 24 hours a day to respond across Reigate and the surrounding areas. Click here to reach out to my emergency electrician service in Reigate and I’ll be with you as soon as possible.