Power cuts and tripping breakers
Lights out, or a breaker that will not stay up? An English-speaking electrician finds the fault and fixes it safely.
Signs you need an electrician
- The power goes off when you switch on the oven, the kettle or the heater
- The breaker or the RCD (diferencial) trips again as soon as you push it up
- Half the house has power and the other half does not
- The power trips when it rains
- Lights flicker or dim on their own
What the electrician does
- Finds which circuit or appliance causes the trip
- Tests the wiring and the earth for leaks to earth
- Replaces a worn breaker or RCD in the fuse box
- Tells you if your contracted power (potência contratada) is too low
Before the electrician comes
Check whether the street has power. If your neighbours are out too, it is a network fault: call E-REDES on 800 506 506.
Unplug everything on the circuit that tripped, then push the breaker up again. If it holds, plug things back one by one.
If it trips straight away with nothing plugged in, leave it down and do not force it.
What it costs
Every electrician sends a written price, with IVA, before any work starts. You can compare up to three.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my RCD keep tripping?
The RCD (diferencial) switches off when current leaks to earth. Common causes are a faulty appliance, damp in an outdoor socket or light, or old wiring. An electrician tests each circuit to find it.
Is it my problem or the network's?
If only your home is off and the main switch in your fuse box is down, it is usually your installation. If the street is off, it is the network: call E-REDES on 800 506 506, free, day and night.
How much does it cost?
Finding and fixing a tripping fault usually comes to €60 to €150 before IVA. Replacing a breaker or an RCD adds the part, often €20 to €80. Urgent call-outs at night or at weekends cost more.
Can an electrician come today?
Use Urgent: electricians near you are alerted at once, and you see who is coming and when.
Describe the job once
Up to three checked electricians send a written quote. It is free for you.