Power out in your home: tripped switch or RCD, what to do step by step

No power in your home: what to do, step by step

⏱ 3 min read

Tripped switch, RCD, sparks. Below: what to do right away, what next, when to call 112 and what to avoid. The same instructions are in the free SurvivalZone.app and work without internet.

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First, right now

Check whether the power is out only at your place: look at the stairwell, your neighbours or the street lights. If the whole area is dark, it is a grid fault. Report it to your electricity network's emergency line (in Poland 991).
If only your home is affected, open the fuse box (consumer unit). Look for a switch in the down position: the RCD (it has a TEST button) or the circuit breaker of one circuit.
Before switching it back on, unplug the appliances in the rooms without power, especially those that were just running: kettle, oven, washing machine, heater. Then push the switch up.

Then

If it trips again straight away, do not keep flipping it. Unplug everything on that circuit and plug the appliances back in one at a time. The one that trips the switch is faulty. Stop using it until it is repaired.
If the RCD trips even with nothing plugged in, the fault may be in the wiring, for example damp in an outdoor or bathroom socket. Leave that circuit off, switch the others on and call an electrician.
Old screw-in fuses? Replace a blown fuse only with an identical one of the same amp rating. Never use wire or a stronger fuse.
Water on a socket or appliance? Switch off that circuit or the main switch first, then go closer.
When the power is back, label which switch controls which room and keep a torch next to the box.

When to call 112

You smell burning, see smoke or sparks from a socket or the fuse box, or someone has had an electric shock. After a shock, first cut the power at the main switch and do not touch the person while they are still in contact with electricity.

What not to do

Do not touch the box or sockets with wet hands or while standing on a wet floor.
Do not open the fuse box or sockets or repair the wiring yourself. That is a job for a qualified electrician.
Do not hold a switch up by force.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?

Usually because of overload, several powerful appliances on one circuit, or a faulty appliance. An RCD also trips because of damp or damaged wiring.

Who do I call if the whole street has no power?

Your electricity network's emergency or outage line. In Poland it is 991.

When should I call an electrician?

When the switch or RCD trips with nothing plugged in, you smell burning, or a socket is warm or discoloured.

Keep it on your phone

SurvivalZone.app is a free app for every emergency, with no account and no app store. It works without internet and shows the nearest shelters and help points, local radio, a 72-hour plan and a mountain trip planner.

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Thank you for reading. If this could help someone, send it to the people you care about. Getting ready takes a moment, and in a crisis every minute counts.

Coming soon: the app’s permanent address will be survivalzone.app.

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Sources

Official sources are checked automatically every day. Last check: 2026-11-04.

General guidance only; it does not replace the emergency services. If a life is in danger, call 112.