Persistent breaker tripping
RCDs or circuit breakers that fail to reset often indicate degraded insulation or a short circuit in domestic wiring across older Victorian villas in Westbourne or modern builds in Canford Heath.
Fault finding cost in Poole
Tripping switches, power loss or flickering lights point to electrical faults that require professional testing. MX2 Electrical investigates circuit problems, damaged wiring and failing components across Poole, Bournemouth and Broadstone. Our NAPIT registered electricians locate the issue and carry out safe domestic repairs to restore power.
MX2 Electrical
£70 per hour
Published up front and fixed once we have seen the property. What it covers is set out below.
Book fault finding — £70What changes the price of fault finding
Diagnostic work begins with testing your circuits to isolate the underlying cause. Our published hourly rate covers the labour for initial testing and fault tracing on site.
- Hourly charges cover on site testing, circuit tracing and diagnostic labour using calibrated test instruments.
- Replacement accessories, cabling and specialist hardware are priced separately once the specific fault has been identified.
- Complex faults requiring extensive remedial rewiring or board alterations receive a separate itemised estimate.
Fault finding prices in each town we cover
Every town we cover for this work.
| Town | Other local firms | MX2 Electrical | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bournemouth | — | £70 per hour | — |
| Broadstone | — | £70 per hour | — |
| Wimborne Minster | — | £70 per hour | — |
| Wareham | — | £70 per hour | — |
| Parkstone | — | £70 per hour | — |
| Ferndown | — | £70 per hour | — |
| Christchurch | — | £70 per hour | — |
| Canford Heath | — | £70 per hour | — |
| Westbourne | — | £70 per hour | — |
| Andover | — | £70 per hour | — |
| Fordingbridge | — | £70 per hour | — |
| Salisbury | — | £70 per hour | — |
| Sherborne | — | £70 per hour | — |
| Weymouth | — | £70 per hour | — |
| Blandford Forum | — | £70 per hour | — |
| Swanage | — | £70 per hour | — |
| Dorchester | — | £70 per hour | — |
Other firms' figures are what they advertise publicly, not quotes for your job — use them to sanity-check what you are offered. Ours is fixed once we have seen the property.
What our price covers
Our fault-finding process isolates issues systematically across your fixed electrical installation.
Included
- Insulation resistance and continuity testing on affected circuits
- Physical inspection of accessible switches, sockets and junction boxes
- Consumer unit and protective device testing
- Isolation of unsafe components to restore partial power safely
- Minor rectifications achievable within the initial diagnostic time
Priced separately
- Supply-side issues originating from the regional electricity distributor network
- Extensive plaster chasing or structural access works
- Complete circuit rewires identified during testing
Start with the symptom, not a guess
Electrical faults present in various ways across domestic and commercial properties. We locate the root cause across Poole, Parkstone, Bournemouth and nearby areas.
Intermittent loss of power
Sockets or light fittings that stop working unpredictably usually stem from loose terminations, thermal damage or moisture ingress in detached homes in Ferndown and Wareham.
Burning smells or discolouration
Scorched faceplates, buzzing consumer units or warm switches require immediate isolation and professional testing to prevent thermal damage to property wiring.
What happens during the visit
We follow a methodical diagnostic procedure to locate faults safely and clearly explain what is required.
Gathering symptom history
We ask about what was running when the trip occurred and inspect the consumer unit to identify the affected protective device.
Instrument testing
We disconnect loads and run dead and live instrument tests to trace short circuits, earth faults or low insulation resistance.
Safe resolution or quotation
Where a straightforward component failure is found, we repair it directly or make the circuit safe before outlining any larger remedial work.
What you receive
Every fault-finding visit concludes with clear information on your installation status and any necessary next steps.
Evidence-led diagnosis
A clear explanation of why the circuit failed, backed by calibrated meter readings rather than guesswork.
A safe immediate position
Any dangerous circuit or damaged fitting is safely isolated from the rest of your installation so unaffected areas remain usable.
Repair or clear quote
An immediate fix if achievable within the allocated visit, or an itemised quotation for required replacement parts and labour.
Relevant test or certificate record
Documented test results or minor works certification where required under BS 7671 standards for alterations completed.
Fault finding price questions
How much does fault finding cost in Poole?+
MX2 Electrical charges £70 per hour — the rate we quote from, confirmed on survey, not a lead-generation estimate.
How much to change a socket front?+
Our rate for this work is £70 per hour. The price moves with access, the age and condition of the existing installation, and how much making good the job leaves behind — all of which we confirm before work starts.
Can you tell me what is wrong before visiting my home?+
I need to connect test equipment directly to your circuits to trace the fault accurately. Visual symptoms like a tripping RCD can result from damaged cables, failing appliances or damp ingress, so on-site testing is necessary to confirm the exact source.
Will you have to turn off the power to my whole house?+
I usually isolate only the specific circuit undergoing tests. However, brief full isolations are sometimes necessary when testing main switches or consumer unit busbars to ensure safe working conditions.
Why does my circuit breaker trip again as soon as I flip it up?+
A breaker that trips instantly is responding to a direct short circuit, a dead earth fault or a heavy overload. Forcing the switch to stay up can damage the wiring and create a fire hazard, so it should be left switched off until tested.
Do you carry spare parts for immediate repairs on the visit?+
Standard components such as common MCBs, RCBOs, backboxes, switches and socket faceplates are stocked in our vehicle, allowing straightforward replacements during the initial investigation.
Why do prices differ between towns round here?+
Local housing stock is the main reason. Victorian and Edwardian houses and conversions Older or harder-to-access properties take longer, and that time is what a quote is mostly made of.
Independent electrical safety guidance
Official safety guidance for domestic electrical installations.
Book fault finding with MX2 Electrical
£70 per hour, fixed once we have seen the property. No call-out charge to get a price.