​I always recommend calling a licensed electrician if you have electrical issues. Never attempt to carry out electrical work yourself, it can be dangerous and potentially fatal. There are however a few simple checks you can do to identify some minor problems.
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Power point not working

More often than not, it's the actual appliance that's faulty - not the power point. Find another appliance that you know is working (a lamp is good), and plug that in to test the power socket. If it works, then you need an appliance repairer (or just a new appliance).

My lights are on but I have no power at the power points. What is the problem?

The most likely problem is that your safety switch has tripped. To check if this is the problem you need to identify your safety switch in the switchboard. Your safety switch will have a ‘test’ button on the front of it. Reset the safety switch. If it trips again immediately then follow the below steps: (If you don't have a safety switch call a licensed electrician)

1. Unplug and remove from the power point (simply switching off the power point will not work) the last electrical appliance that you were using and try to reset the safety switch. If this resolves the problem then call an appliance specialist or simply get a new appliance. 
2. If step 1 does not fix the problem then unplug ALL appliances in the house from their power points (simply switching off the power point will not work). Ensure that you also unplug the fridge, dishwasher, pool equipment (don’t worry about hard wired items) and if you live on acreage, the grey water pump and mains pressure water pump if applicable. Try to reset the safety switch again. If step 2 has resolved your problem then plug in a radio and turn it up so that you can hear it throughout the house. Plug the appliances in one by one. The faulty appliance will trip the safety switch and the radio will go silent. Unplug that item. Reset your safety switch, you have found the fault - Give me a like on Facebook :)
3. If step 2 does not rectify the problem then check to ensure that ALL appliances are unplugged (simply switching off the power point will not work) and try step 2 again. If you cannot find the fault then call a licensed electrician and request an urgent service call. 

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A light isn't working

Check that the bulb hasn't blown. Yes this sounds really obvious, but you'd be surprised how often it happens. Modern CFL and LCD bulbs don't always show visual signs that they're blown like the old style incandescent bulbs did. Try a new bulb in the light fitting. If the light is still not working call a licenced electrician to have the fitting checked.
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Blown fuse

Most homes shouldn't have fuses any more. The old style porcelain fuse is susceptible to many issues including over-heating and over-loading. If your home still has this style of switch board I recommend you upgrade to a modern switchboard with two or more safety switches and circuit breakers for the safety of your home and it's occupants.  

If the power is off in your home you can:

• Check the street and your neighbours houses to ensure there isn't a blackout in your area.
• If it's just your house try the safety switch - flick the switch back to the 'on' position. If the switch resets you're back in business. Please note - if the safety switch is tripping regularly get a licensed electrician in to check your electrical systems.
• If the switch does not reset follow the instructions above from step 2.
• Should the switch still fail to reset after all appliances are unplugged call in a licensed electrician

Ben Watson
Electrician Batemans Bay
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