Power cut, but meters on.

[RobH1990]

Hi guys hope I've got the right section.
My power went off randomly this morning half way through a shower (electric shower but 12 months old).
No tripped fuses, I flicked them all off and back on, still nothing. The meter is on and the red lights on it. Any ideas please?

 

[James]

They do normally blink to show usage (the more power you are using, the faster they blink)
however, I have found that they can stay either constantly off or constantly on when you turn off the main isolator.

Problem is, this is not easy to determine if the fault is before or after the meter.

possible fault with the incoming supply or maybe even the isolator switch on the right hand side of the distribution board.

it is a case of getting someone out to have a look.

OPTION 1
get a local electrician out to have a look

advantages.
will be able to fix a fault if it is after the meter
will be able to test incoming supply and confirm if it is an internal fault or a fault with the network.

disadvantages
it is unlikely to be a free service.

OPTION 2
call out your local electricity supplier.

advantages
will be able to repair or organise a repair if it is an electricity supply problem.
may well be a free service,

disadvantages
could charge you for the call out if the problem is not with there equipment.

 

[static zap]

Cheers for useful info .
I like Rustons diagnosis , also mention outage during storm to DNO .

 

[freddo]

The light on most meters is designed remain permanently lit as a sort of indicator that power is present when no load is being drawn. I'm going to suspect a fault in the consumer unit here. If the neutral was disconnected at the supply the meter would be 'shorted' by the connected loads making all terminals a.t the meter live which would mean no indicators at all would show. Definitely a fault for an electrical professional to check.

 

[RobH1990]

Our main wire burnt out. We were lucky house didnt go up! Loose connection apparently. Thanks guys

 

[littlespark]

3 words... but I only need 2

"Bloody Hell!"

Im surprised you never mentioned the atrocious smell in your OP

 

[James]

I agree with some of that.
the light is an indicator of power used, so many pulses per so many kw/h
I do agree that there would be a very low voltage across L to N if the N was disconnected before the meter.
but you can get some strange things happening with supply faults.
currents can pass from live to earth
currents can pass from N to earth
enough of a difference in voltage can be generated to light up an led.

A spark with some simple test equipment would take 5 minutes to work out where the problem lies but it would be unwise to advise where it is without seeing and testing.

DEFINATLEY A FAULT FOR A PROFESSIONAL TO CHECK☑

 

[littlespark]

I agree with some of that.
the light is an indicator of power used, so many pulses per so many kw/h
I do agree that there would be a very low voltage across L to N if the N was disconnected before the meter.
but you can get some strange things happening with supply faults.
currents can pass from live to earth
currents can pass from N to earth
enough of a difference in voltage can be generated to light up an led.

A spark with some simple test equipment would take 5 minutes to work out where the problem lies but it would be unwise to advise where it is without seeing and testing.

DEFINATLEY A FAULT FOR A PROFESSIONAL TO CHECK☑

Check post #19. Problem solved

 

[James]

They do normally blink to show usage (the more power you are using, the faster they blink)
however, I have found that they can stay either constantly off or constantly on when you turn off the main isolator.

Problem is, this is not easy to determine if the fault is before or after the meter.

possible fault with the incoming supply or maybe even the isolator switch on the right hand side of the distribution board.

it is a case of getting someone out to have a look.

wow, i'm good!!

 

[RobH1990]

3 words... but I only need 2

"Bloody Hell!"

Im surprised you never mentioned the atrocious smell in your OP

My girlfriend said she smelt something like fish, which was the burning plastic. An hour before I cooked bacon so I just assumed it was the bacon fat. I feel so lucky. It could have been devastating!

 

[DPG]

My girlfriend said she smelt something like fish, which was the burning plastic. An hour before I cooked bacon so I just assumed it was the bacon fat. I feel so lucky. It could have been devastating!

At least you've got it sorted.