Power cut or tripped circuit? What to check first
By the ProVolt team12 June 2026 3 min read
A calm, step-by-step checklist before you call anyone — and the signs that mean you should call straight away.
First, look outside. If neighbours and streetlights are dark too, it's a network power cut — call 105 to report it to your local network operator.
If only your home is affected, check the consumer unit. If a switch has dropped, unplug everything on that circuit, then reset it. If it stays on, plug appliances back in one by one to find the culprit.
If it trips again immediately with everything unplugged, or you notice burning smells, heat, crackling or scorch marks, leave it off and call an electrician.
Never open the main fuse or the meter — those belong to your supplier. Our emergency line is answered 24/7 if you need us.