What should I do if an electrical socket or light fitting stops working?

If a socket, switch or light fitting stops working, report it through maintenance. Do not try to open, rewire or repair fixed electrical equipment yourself.

Safe checks

• If only a lamp has stopped working, check the lamp or replace a suitable light bulb where you are responsible for it.
• Check whether other sockets or lights in the room still work.
• Look for a wider power outage notice.
• Tell us if the fitting feels hot, makes a noise or shows visible damage.
• If you know how & it is safe, follow only the basic consumer-unit guidance in your resident information.

Burning smells, sparks, exposed wires or water near live equipment are urgent safety concerns. Keep away from the affected area, avoid using the circuit & contact emergency support. Call the emergency services where someone is in immediate danger.

Provide the room, fitting location & a description of the fault. We will arrange a suitably qualified contractor for fixed wiring & electrical installations.