Unit 10, 10-12 Old Castle Hill Rd, Castle Hill NSW 2154
info@jaycabelectrical.com.au
0449 604 337
Mon-Fri 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Unit 10, 10-12 Old Castle Hill Rd, Castle Hill NSW 2154
Mon-Fri 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
0449 604 337
Contact Us
Electrical Faults
How To Find and Fix Faults Safely

Electrical faults are one of those problems you hope you never have — but when they happen, it’s important to act fast. Left unchecked, even a minor fault can lead to bigger (and more expensive) issues, including house fires.

At JayCab Electrical, we specialise in electrical fault finding for homes and businesses across Castle Hill and The Hills. 

Here’s what you need to know.

What is an electrical fault?

An electrical fault happens when there’s an abnormal flow of electricity in a circuit. This could be caused by damaged wiring, old appliances, water exposure, or even pests chewing through cables.

Common signs of electrical faults include:

  • Flickering or dimming lights
  • Frequent circuit breaker trips
  • Power points or switches that feel warm
  • Burning smells near outlets
  • Sudden loss of power in certain areas

If you notice any of these, it’s time to call a licensed electrician.

What are the 4 types of electrical faults?

There are several types of faults that can occur in electrical systems. The four most common are:

  • Open Circuit Faults: When the flow of electricity is interrupted, often by a broken wire.
  • Short Circuit Faults: When live wires touch each other, causing excess current to flow.
  • Earth Faults: When a live wire touches an earthed surface, creating a dangerous situation.
  • Overload Faults: When too many appliances are connected to one circuit, exceeding its capacity.

Each type can cause different symptoms and risks, which is why professional electrical fault finding is important.

How can electrical faults cause house fires?

Faulty electrical wiring is one of the leading causes of house fires in Australia. Here’s how it happens:

  • Overheating wires can ignite surrounding materials like insulation or timber
  • Sparks from exposed wires catch fire
  • Short circuits generate high heat very quickly

Regular inspections are key to preventing electrical faults from becoming a serious danger.

How to find an electrical fault

Wondering how to find an electrical fault in your home? While we always recommend calling a licensed electrician, here’s a basic idea of the process:

  • Visual inspection: Check for visible damage to wiring, outlets or appliances.
  • Circuit isolation: Test circuits one by one to find the faulty one.
  • Use of specialised tools: Electricians use multimeters and insulation testers for accurate diagnosis.

Important: electrical fault finding can be dangerous. Always leave the tricky work to a licensed professional to avoid electric shock or further damage.

How to fault find electrical circuits safely

If you’re curious about how to fault find electrical circuits, here’s what a licensed electrician would typically do:

  • Turn off the main power supply
  • Inspect the switchboard and fuses for obvious signs of issues
  • Test circuits individually using safe and approved testing equipment
  • Repair or replace damaged wiring, switches or outlets as needed

Our team at JayCab Electrical follows strict Australian safety standards on every call-out.

Are electrical faults covered by home insurance?

This can vary depending on your policy, but in general:

  • Sudden faults caused by events like storms may be covered.
  • Wear and tear or gradual deterioration usually isn't covered.
  • Resulting damage (like a fire caused by an electrical fault) may be covered even if the original fault isn't.

It’s worth checking with your insurer to understand exactly what’s included in your cover.

Steps to Clear an Earth Leakage Fault

1. Identify the Tripped Device

  • Check if the RCD (Residual Current Device) or ELCB (Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker) has tripped.
  • Note which circuit it protects (e.g., lighting, sockets, bathroom).

2. Unplug All Appliances

  • Go to the circuit affected.
  • Unplug everything (e.g., TV, microwave, water heater).
  • This helps determine if the fault lies in an appliance or fixed wiring.

3. Reset the Breaker

  • Switch the breaker back on.
  • If it stays on, plug in appliances one by one, checking after each.
  • The appliance that causes the trip is likely faulty.

4. Inspect for Obvious Issues

  • Burn marks or damaged cords.
  • Moisture near outlets (especially in kitchens or bathrooms).
  • Rodents that may have chewed wires.

5. Test with an Insulations Resistance Meter 

  • An electrician can use this to detect leakage in fixed wiring.

6. Fix or Replace the Faulty Item

  • If an appliance is the cause, stop using it and have it repaired or replaced.
  • If the issue is in the wiring, an electrician will need to repair or rewire the affected part.

If It Keeps Tripping Even With Everything Unplugged

The fault is likely in the fixed wiring. Call an electrician to inspect the cables, switches, or outlets for moisture, damage, or loose connections.

Why trust JayCab Electrical for fault finding and repairs?

When it comes to diagnosing and fixing electricity faults, experience matters. Here’s why customers trust us:

  • Fully licensed and insured electricians
  • Fast and accurate fault detection
  • Clear communication and upfront quotes

We use the latest tools and technology to find faults quickly and fix them properly, so you can have peace of mind.

Need help with an electrical fault?

If you suspect you’ve got an electrical fault at home or in your business, don’t leave it to chance.

At JayCab Electrical, we specialise in electrical fault finding for homes and businesses across Castle Hill and The Hills. Get in touch with us to troubleshoot, repair, and make sure your electrical systems are safe and compliant.

Whether it’s a blown fuse, faulty wiring, or mysterious power loss, we’ll diagnose and fix the issue quickly and safely.