What to do if power points are not working, but lights stay on

 In most cases, if your lights are on but your power points are not working, the electrical safety switch has turned off.   Safety switches protect you from electric shock. They turn off the electricity within milliseconds when a current leak is detected. This can happen if a faulty power point, wiring or electrical appliance is being used.

If your power points are not working, we recommend taking the following steps:

• Think about what the problem may be:
  • Faulty appliance
  • High electrical load on circuit, caused by many appliances on at same time, ie kettle, toaster, tv, fridge, microwave, oven, washing machine
• Reset the safety switch
• If safety switch trips again, commence an isolation test:
  • Unplug the last appliance that was switched on. Turning off the appliance at the switch may not resolve the issue.
  • Turn safety switch back on. If safety switch trips again, unplug all appliances (including fridge, dishwasher and heater), reset safety switch, and plug appliances back in until the appliance tripping the switch is identified.
• If appliance keeps tripping, it may be causing too high an electrical load on the circuit, or it may need replacing.
• To be certain if the appliance is faulty, and not the powerpoint, plug another appliance into the powerpoint. If it’s the appliance, it may need to be replaced or checked by a competent person or the manufacturers authorized agent. 

If these steps do not resolve the issue, please contact our office on 07 3349 8844.  At this time please also send a photo of the meter box to email admin@bhre.com.au

Please note – If an electrician attends the property, and it is identified that the fault is the cause of the tenant’s appliance or misuse, the tenant will be responsible for the electrician’s fees and any associated agency after hours fees. 

It is recommended that you maintain all electrical appliances, powerpoint switches and extension leads in good working order.  Any appliances that are damaged, cracked or not working properly should be checked by a competent person or disposed of. 

Further information – Electrical Safety Queensland FAQ

Worksafe Queensland Video