What to Do If the Power Goes Out: A Tenant's Guide

Experiencing a power outage can be both inconvenient and unsettling. While it's easy to panic, there are some simple steps you can take to diagnose and possibly resolve the issue before reaching out for professional help.

The first thing you should do is check your consumer unit, commonly known as the fuse box. Look for any switches that have moved to the 'off' position or appear different from the others. These are tripped switches.

• Resetting a Tripped Switch: To reset, simply push the switch back to the 'on' position. If it trips again immediately, leave it in the 'off' position and proceed to the next step.

1. Unplug All Devices: Unplug all electrical devices that are connected to the circuit that has tripped. This includes everything from kitchen appliances to phone chargers.

2. Reset and Test: Once all devices are unplugged, reset the tripped switch on the consumer unit. If the switch stays in the 'on' position, one of your electrical items may be faulty.

3. Identify the Culprit: Plug each device back in one at a time, checking the consumer unit each time. If the switch trips again, you've likely found the faulty item.

If you've followed the above steps and are still experiencing issues, it's time to report the problem. Use our Fixflo site to log the issue so that we have a record and can act accordingly.

While waiting for the issue to be resolved, refrain from using any electrical items that could be causing the problem. This is crucial for your safety and the safety of others in the property.

Power outages can be frustrating, but a calm and systematic approach can often resolve the issue quickly. Always remember, when in doubt, it's better to reach out for professional help.