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There are lots of different reasons why there might be no electricity in your house - from power cuts to faulty wiring.

Here, we'll walk you through what to do when your house loses power – and when you might need the help of a professional.

Why is my power out?

Some of the most common causes of power outages include:

• Tripped switch in the fuse box

• Faulty wiring

• Equipment failure

• Storm damage

• Power grid problems

The steps you need to take to get your electricity back up and running will depend on the cause of the issue. Which brings us onto...

What to do if your electricity has gone off

Luckily, there are some straightforward checks you can do to get to the bottom of why your power has gone off and find a solution.

Here are the questions to ask.

1. Has a fuse tripped?

First things first, head to your consumer unit (also known as your fuse box) to check whether one of your fuses has tripped:

• Check if it is in the 'off' position (pointing downwards)

• If it is, push the switch back up into the 'on' position to get the power back on

• If the fuse trips again, this might be because of an overloaded circuit (too many appliances are drawing power from the same circuit)

• Try unplugging some of the appliances or moving them over to another circuit to see if that solves the problem

• If not, there could be a bigger issue to deal with, such as faulty wiring or your RCD is tripping

It's important to get issues checked as soon as possible by a certified electrician.

2. Is there a power cut?

If the electricity has gone off but the fuse box hasn't tripped, check to see whether your neighbours have also lost power:

• Take a look outside to see whether neighbours' lights are on

• If several homes are all experiencing a power outage, your local area may have lost its electricity supply

• You can check whether the National Grid is aware of any issues on their website, and report the power cut if not

Alternatively, you can call these numbers to report the issue and get updates:

• England, Wales & Scotland – dial 105

• Northern Ireland – dial 03457 643 643

• The Republic of Ireland – dial 1800 372 999

3. Fault with your prepayment meter?

Topped up your prepayment meter, but still no electricity? Your meter might be faulty.

Contact your landlord or energy supplier to get it fixed.

When to call an electrician

Carried out the checks above and still have no electricity in your house - and no clear answers?

It's time to call in an electrician if:

• Only your property is affected

• Your fuse box keeps tripping

• You notice burning smells, sparks, or buzzing

• Power is partially working in your home

These are signs of an internal electrical fault that needs professional attention, as it could be dangerous.

Find an emergency electrician near you

Find a certified emergency electrician near you with Checkatrade by searching with your postcode below.

How to stay safe during a power cut or outage

Here are some important steps to follow while you're waiting for your electricity to come back on.

• Contact the emergency services (if there is a danger)

• Report any power cuts to The National Grid (if it's affecting your whole street)

• Switch off electrical appliances, except for one light (this will help you to notice when the power has been restored)

• Avoid using gas appliances or paraffin heaters to heat your home (accidents can happen in unfamiliar circumstances)

• Opt for a torch rather than candles if possible

• Keep fridges and freezer doors shut to avoid food spoiling

How to find a good local electrician near you

First time you've needed to hire an electrician? Take a quick look at our electrician hiring guide to make sure they are certified and up to the job.

Then, search your postcode below to compare checked, reviewed electricians near you with Checkatrade and request quotes with confidence.

How much does an electrician charge?

An electrician's rate will vary depending on their experience, where in the UK you are based, and whether it's an emergency call-out. As a guide:

• Electricians tend to charge between £45–£60 per hour or £400 per day

• A 24-hour electrician might charge an emergency callout fee of between £80–£100

Discovered your old fusebox was the cause of the power cut, and now you need a new consumer unit?:

• The cost of a 10-way populated consumer unit (MCBs) is around £120 for supply only

• Meanwhile, the cost of a 10-way populated consumer unit (RCBOs) is around £250

Checklist (no electricity in the house)

• Your first step should always be to check if a fuse has tripped

• If your neighbours have also lost power, it's likely a power cut - report the issue to National Grid

• If only your house is affected and there's no tripped fuse, contact an electrician to help

• Always prioritise your safety when there's no electricity, while you wait for help to arrive

FAQs about what to do when there is no electricity in your house

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