Fault Finding

Electrical faults can show up in many ways — a circuit breaker that keeps tripping, lights that flicker, a burning smell from a power point, or a section of your home that's lost power entirely. The tricky part is that the symptom and the cause are often in different places. A tripping safety switch in the switchboard might be caused by a damaged cable buried in a wall cavity two rooms away.

We approach fault finding methodically, starting at the switchboard and working through each circuit to isolate the problem. We use insulation resistance testing, earth loop impedance testing, and where helpful, thermal imaging to detect hotspots behind walls without cutting holes. This systematic approach means we find the actual cause rather than just treating symptoms, which prevents the same fault from coming back next week.

Hobart's older homes present unique fault-finding challenges. Wiring in pre-war homes in areas like Battery Point, South Hobart, and West Hobart can include a mix of original and retrofitted circuits, sometimes with junction boxes hidden in roof spaces or under floors. We're experienced with these older systems and know where to look. Once we've found the fault, we'll explain what's causing it, what needs to be done, and give you a clear price before we start the repair.

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