Lost Power in Glasgow? What to Do While Waiting for an Emergency Electrician

Step 1: Check If It's a Local Power Cut First

Before assuming there's a fault inside your home, check whether it's a wider power cut in your area. In Glasgow, power cuts affecting the local network are managed by SP Energy Networks (Scottish Power). You can:

• Check if your neighbours also have no power
• Look out of the window for street lights — if they're off, it's likely a wider cut
• Call SP Energy Networks on 105 (free 24/7 power cut helpline for Scotland)

If neighbours are also affected, the fault lies with the network, not your property. SP Energy Networks will send engineers to restore supply — you do not need an electrician.

Step 2: Check Your Consumer Unit (Fuse Board)

If only your property has no power, go to your consumer unit (usually located in a cupboard, hallway or under the stairs). Look for:

A tripped MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker)

MCBs are the row of switches on your board. A tripped one will be in the middle or "OFF" position. Try pushing it back to "ON". If it stays on, you have likely overloaded that circuit — unplug some appliances and reset again. If it trips immediately after resetting, there is a fault on that circuit. Stop resetting and call us.

A tripped RCD

RCDs are the larger switches (often labelled "RCD" or with a test button). If an RCD has tripped, it has detected a dangerous earth fault. Try switching it back to "ON". If it trips again, there is a potentially dangerous fault — do not keep resetting it.

The main switch is off

If the large switch at the top of the board is in the "OFF" position and you haven't switched it yourself, this could indicate a serious fault. Call an electrician before switching it back on.

Step 3: Identify Whether It's a Partial or Total Loss

Try to establish what exactly has stopped working:

• Lights only — the lighting circuit may have a fault
• Sockets only — the ring main or a spur may have a fault, or a specific appliance may be faulty
• One room only — a single circuit breaker has likely tripped
• Whole house — the main switch or main fuse may have operated

If you can isolate the problem to a specific area or circuit, let the electrician know when you call — it helps them come prepared.

When to Call an Emergency Electrician Immediately

Do not attempt any further investigation yourself. Call 07719 557314 immediately if you notice any of the following:

• A burning smell from sockets, switches or the consumer unit
• Visible sparks or scorch marks on sockets or the board
• A buzzing, crackling or humming sound from your electrics
• An RCD that will not stay on after resetting
• Water is near or affecting your electrical installation
• A hot socket, plug or cable
• Someone has received an electric shock — also call 999

These are signs of a potentially dangerous fault. Switch off the main power if safe to do so and call our 24/7 emergency electrician service straight away.

What NOT to Do During an Electrical Emergency

• Do not use candles near electrical equipment
• Do not touch exposed wires or open junction boxes
• Do not keep resetting a tripping circuit breaker — investigate first
• Do not use water near electrical faults
• Do not assume it is safe because the lights come back on — intermittent faults can be more dangerous
• Do not use a generator indoors — this causes carbon monoxide poisoning

What to Expect When Our Emergency Electrician Arrives

When our Glasgow emergency electrician arrives, they will:

1. Carry out an initial safety assessment
2. Isolate any dangerous sections of the installation
3. Use test equipment to identify the root cause of the fault
4. Explain what they have found and what remedial work is needed
5. Provide a clear price before starting any repair
6. Carry out the repair and restore power safely
7. Issue the appropriate electrical certification on completion

We aim to resolve the majority of emergency faults in a single visit. Our vans carry a full range of electrical parts for common repairs so we can get your power back on as quickly as possible.