Trip switch identification in Exeter
Professional trip switch identification services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
20-30 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Consumer unit switches identified and clearly labeled so you know what each one controls. No more flipping random switches hoping for the right one.
When Your Fuse Box Is A Mystery
You need to turn off power to change a light fitting. You open the consumer unit and... twelve identical switches with no labels. Or labels from 20 years ago that bear no relation to your current house layout.
Time to switch random ones and see what happens? Or get them labeled properly?
💡 Pro tip: Properly labeled consumer unit switches aren't just convenient - they're a safety issue. In an emergency you need to know which switch to hit fast.
Common Consumer Unit Problems
| ❌ Before | ✅ After |
|---|---|
| No labels at all | Every switch clearly marked |
| Faded pencil scribbles | Proper printed/written labels |
| Wrong labels from previous layout | Current accurate labels |
| "Upstairs" and "Downstairs" (useless) | Specific: "Bedroom 1 lights", "Kitchen sockets" |
What You Get
🔧 Full Identification
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Test | Switch off each circuit and identify what it controls |
| Document | Note which switch does what |
| Label | Clear labels fitted to each switch |
📦 You're Left With
- Labeled consumer unit
- Written list as backup
- Know what you're isolating
- Safer electrical work
What It Costs
Our minimum callout: £60 (covers first hour).
Identifying and labeling switches takes 20-30 minutes depending on how many circuits you've got. You'll pay £60. Can combine with other electrical/small jobs if needed.
💡 While testing: If I find any switches that trip unexpectedly or circuits that behave oddly, I'll let you know - might indicate an electrical issue worth investigating.
Perfect For You If...
✅ No labels - consumer unit never been marked up
✅ Moved house - previous owner's labels don't match
✅ Renovation - wiring has changed, labels now wrong
✅ Safety - want to know what you're doing electrically
Why Choose Us for Trip switch identification in Exeter?
Every switch clearly labeled
Know what you're isolating
Safer electrical work
No more guesswork
What to Expect
Step 1: Survey The Consumer Unit
Count how many switches (MCBs/RCBOs), check if there are any existing labels, plan the testing approach.
Step 2: Systematic Testing
Turn off one switch, walk around the house checking what's lost power. Label it. Switch it back on. Move to the next one. Methodical but necessary.
Step 3: Label Everything
Fit proper labels to each switch. I'll also write you a list as backup (stick it inside the consumer unit door or nearby).
🔧 DIY Tips
You can identify your own consumer unit switches:
🔧 What you'll need
- Notepad and pen
- Torch (for when you turn lights off)
- Label maker or stick-on labels
- Helper (makes it much quicker)
🔍 Testing process
- Number all your switches (1, 2, 3... from left to right)
- Turn off switch 1
- Check every room - what lights don't work? What sockets are dead?
- Write it down
- Turn switch 1 back on
- Repeat for every switch
📝 Labeling tips
- Be specific: "Kitchen sockets" not "Downstairs"
- Note the room: "Bedroom 2 lights" not just "Lights"
- For sockets, test them all - sometimes half the house is on one circuit
- Cooker, shower, immersion heater usually have their own switches
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Not testing thoroughly (missing things)
- Vague labels that don't help
- Using masking tape that falls off
- Not making a written backup list
💡 Pro trick: Take photos of your labeled consumer unit on your phone. Then if labels fade or fall off, you've got a reference.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎨 While I'm there: If I'm testing your circuits anyway, mention any electrical quirks you've noticed - lights that flicker, sockets that don't work. I can often spot what's wrong while labeling.
Modern vs old consumer units: Newer units (post-2000s) have individual RCBOs (one switch per circuit). Older ones might have a main switch plus several MCBs. Both get labeled the same way, just different layouts.
Outbuildings: If you've got a garage, shed, or garden office with power, those should be labeled too. Sometimes they're on a separate switch, sometimes shared with house circuits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I need my trip switches labeled?
So when you need to turn off power to work on something (change a light fitting, add a socket), you know which switch to flip. Most consumer units either have no labels, wrong labels (from previous owner), or scribbled labels you can't read. Proper labeling means you're not guessing.
How do you work out what each switch controls?
Turn off one switch at a time, then check what's lost power. Lights, sockets, cooker, shower - methodical testing. Takes time but it's the only reliable way. Then I label each switch clearly with what it controls.
Can you do this without turning my power off?
I need to turn off one circuit at a time to test it, but your whole house won't go dark. One switch off, check what's affected, label it, switch it back on, move to the next one. Your fridge stays on, internet router stays on - I work through them systematically.
What if some switches control multiple things?
Common in older houses - one switch might do downstairs lights AND upstairs sockets, for example. I'll label it with everything it controls. If your wiring is really messy, might recommend getting an electrician to check it.
Will the labels stay on or fall off?
I use proper circuit labels (little plastic tags or stickers designed for consumer units). They last years. Better than masking tape and biro that falls off after a month.
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Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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