—Safety and decisions
What to do in a power cut
A power cut is usually short and harmless. A few sensible steps protect appliances and help you know whether to call anyone.
First, find out whether the cut is outside the property or inside it. If neighbours, street lights and the building’s common areas are also dark, it is a supply outage and nothing at your board needs fixing. If they have power, check your board for a tripped main switch or RCD — see the guide on no power in the house.
Safety and decision guides are advice for the reader. They describe practice, not a service level.
During an outage, switch off large appliances such as AC units, water heaters, ovens and pumps, and unplug sensitive electronics. That avoids a heavy load and possible surges when power returns. Keep fridge and freezer doors closed. Use torches rather than candles where possible.
01In short
The points that matter most
Outside or inside?
Neighbours’ power tells you which.
Switch off big loads
Protects equipment when power returns.
Keep fridges closed
Food stays cold longer.
02Detail
When power returns
Bring loads back gradually
Switch AC units on one at a time rather than all at once.
Reset clocks and timers
Pump timers, water heater timers and outdoor lighting controls.
Check equipment
Routers, gate motors and alarms may need restarting.
Watch for trips
If a device trips as loads return, note which.
03Checklist
Be prepared
Torches and charged phones
Easy to find.
Know your board
Where it is and what each switch does.
Small UPS for the router
Keeps communication working through short cuts.
04Questions
Questions people ask
- Why did my AC not restart after the cut?
- Many units have restart delays or need resetting at the controller.
- Is food in the freezer safe?
- A closed freezer keeps food frozen for some time; check food safety guidance for longer cuts.
- Should I report a supply outage?
- If it is a supply outage, report it to the supply provider.
- Can I use a generator?
- Only through a proper changeover arrangement; see the backup power guide.
05Related
Related guides
- Electrical safety around young childrenA related safety point or decision.
- Using extension leads and adaptors safelyA related safety point or decision.
- Electrical work in a townhouseThe same work in a different kind of property.
- Electrical work in an apartmentThe same work in a different kind of property.
This guide sits under electrical work. All topics are on the guides page.
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