A power cut at a domestic property in Poole can have several distinct causes, and identifying whether the loss of supply is internal or external is the first practical step. If neighbouring properties have also lost power, the cause is likely a fault on the local distribution network and the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) should be contacted.
The electricity distribution network for the Dorset and Poole area is operated by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN). An outage affecting one property can still originate in the network supply or service cable.
Other possible causes include a tripped protective device, meter or service-fuse fault, or internal wiring defect. Call 105 for a suspected network fault.
Do not open the consumer unit or disturb sealed meter or service-fuse equipment. Do not reset a device if there is heat, burning, water ingress, sparking or visible damage.
Where there are no warning signs, follow the manufacturer's safe user instructions and disconnect suspected appliances only if safe. If a device trips again or will not hold, leave it off and obtain qualified help rather than repeatedly resetting it.
Do not attempt to interfere with the sealed cut-out or meter equipment, as these are the property of the network operator and energy supplier respectively. A loss of power affecting only part of the property, such as a single room or a group of sockets, is often caused by a tripped circuit breaker or RCD protecting that circuit.
The pattern alone does not prove that the fault is internal. Call 105 if a supply fault is suspected or the cause is unclear; internal wiring and appliance faults need a qualified electrician once supply responsibility is established.
Emergency electrical assistance covers situations where loss of power affects safety or essential equipment in the property. For a suspected network outage, contact 105.
For a life-threatening emergency call 999 or 112. For internal electrical work, use the enquiry form to describe the fault; submitting a form does not confirm attendance or supply restoration.