Updated
Sockets Not Working But Lights Are Fine
Your plug sockets have stopped working but all the lights in the house are still on.
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What's happening?
In UK homes, lighting and socket circuits are separate. When sockets stop working but lights remain on, it means the socket ring circuit (or radial circuit) has a fault while the lighting circuits are unaffected.
What usually causes it?
- MCB protecting the socket circuit has tripped
- RCD has tripped affecting only socket circuits
- Break in the ring circuit (loose connection or damaged cable)
- Faulty socket causing the circuit to trip
- Overloaded socket circuit
Is it dangerous?
Not immediately dangerous, but a tripped circuit indicates a fault. If the MCB trips repeatedly, there could be a short circuit or earth fault that needs professional attention. Do not bypass the protection by using higher-rated fuses.
Can I fix it myself?
Check your consumer unit for a tripped MCB or RCD. Try resetting it. If it stays on, the problem may have been a temporary overload. If it trips again, unplug everything and try again. If it still trips with nothing plugged in, you need an electrician.
When should you call an electrician?
Call an electrician if the MCB trips with nothing plugged in, if resetting does not restore power to sockets, or if only some sockets on the circuit are affected (suggesting a break in the ring).
What will the electrician actually do?
- Identify which socket circuits are affected
- Test ring circuit continuity (R1, Rn, R2 tests)
- Locate any breaks in the ring or loose connections
- Test insulation resistance to find earth faults
- Repair connections and replace any damaged sockets or cables
What will it cost to fix?
£80–£250
Ring circuit testing and repair is standard work. Costs increase if cables need replacing behind walls.
Find an electricianFrequently asked questions
We’re happy to answer all your questions.
Why do lights work but sockets do not?
Lights and sockets run on separate circuits in UK homes. A fault on the socket circuit does not affect lighting, and vice versa.
What is a ring circuit?
Most UK socket circuits are wired as a ring — the cable starts at the consumer unit, loops through all the sockets, and returns to the consumer unit. This allows a higher current capacity than a radial circuit.
Can I plug into a lighting circuit instead?
No. Lighting circuits are not designed for socket loads and this would be dangerous. Get the socket circuit repaired.
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