Discover the 5 most common electrical issues in Brighton homes

 

 

Brighton is home to many beautiful Victorian and Edwardian properties — but with that charm often comes old wiring and outdated electrical systems. Electrical problems in Brighton homes are common and can become dangerous if ignored.
Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or tenant, it’s essential to understand the warning signs and know when to call a qualified electrician in Brighton.

In this article, we’ll cover the five most common electrical issues we see across the city, plus safety tips and solutions.

 

 

1. Flickering or Dimming Lights

Why it happens:
Flickering lights usually point to loose connections or voltage fluctuations. In older Brighton properties, this often comes from worn-out wiring or overloaded circuits.

What you can do:

• • Check the bulb is fitted correctly.

• • Try a replacement bulb to rule out a fault.

• • If multiple lights flicker, call a professional — it could be a wiring or fuse box issue.

Pro tip: Avoid ignoring persistent flickers — they can lead to electrical fires if left untreated.

 

 

2. Tripping Circuit Breakers

Why it happens:
Circuit breakers trip when they detect a fault or overload. With Brighton’s mix of old and new housing, it’s common for older fuse boxes to struggle with modern power demands.

What you can do:

• • Unplug unused appliances.

• • Avoid running high-power devices (like kettles and heaters) on the same circuit.

• • If trips happen often, your system may need an upgrade or new consumer unit.

Call-out tip: Ask your Brighton electrician to inspect your fuse box — upgrades to 18th Edition standards can improve safety and efficiency.

 

 

3. Buzzing Sockets or Switches

Why it happens:
A faint buzzing or crackling sound indicates loose wiring or poor connections. This can create heat buildup and eventually cause an electrical fire.

What you can do:
Turn off power at the mains immediately and contact a qualified Brighton electrician. Never try to tighten live fittings yourself.

 

4. Outdated or Damaged Wiring

Why it happens:
Many Brighton homes still use wiring installed over 30 years ago. Over time, insulation breaks down, and older materials (like rubber) become brittle.

What you can do:
If your wiring is old or discoloured, arrange a full electrical inspection and condition report (EICR).
A certified electrician can assess whether rewiring is needed — it’s a key step for home insurance and rental safety compliance.

 

5. Lack of Ground Fault Protection

Why it matters:
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) protect against electric shock in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Older properties in Brighton may lack this safety feature.

Solution:
Modern fuse boxes with built-in RCDs (Residual Current Devices) offer crucial protection.
If yours doesn’t have one, contact a local Brighton electrician to upgrade your consumer unit.

 

Final Thoughts

Electrical issues can escalate quickly — but most are preventable with regular maintenance and safety checks.
At Brighton Electricians, we offer reliable inspections, repairs, and 24-hour emergency service across Brighton, Hove, and surrounding areas.