What to do in an electrical emergency at home

Electrical emergencies happen fast: a shock from an appliance, a power point that sparks or smells like burning plastic, a fire near the switchboard, or a powerline brought down in a storm. Knowing the first few steps can keep you and your family safe until help arrives. This guide covers what to do, who to call, and when to book a licensed electrician.

Step 1: look first, don't touch

The most important rule is to protect yourself. healthdirect puts it simply: look first, don't touch. A person who is still in contact with an electric current can pass that current on to you.

Water makes things more dangerous, because it conducts electricity. Take extra care in bathrooms, laundries, outdoors and anywhere there's a puddle or wet floor.

Step 2: turn off the power, if it's safe

If you can reach your switchboard safely, switch off the main switch. healthdirect also suggests turning off power points and unplugging cords before you approach someone who has had a shock.

Don't go near the switchboard if it is sparking, smoking, buzzing or wet, or if you'd need to walk through water to reach it. Leave the area and call for help instead.

If someone gets an electric shock

The NSW Government's electric shock first aid guide says to switch off the electricity first where possible. If the power can't be turned off, it advises freeing the person using something that doesn't conduct electricity, such as a dry stick, board or plastic pipe, and never touching them with bare hands or anything metal or wet. That advice applies to household voltage only. Never attempt a rescue near fallen powerlines.

Once it's safe:

1. Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
2. Check whether the person is responsive and breathing. If they aren't breathing normally, start CPR. The operator can talk you through it.
3. Treat any burns as you would other burns. Better Health Channel recommends cooling the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes and covering it loosely with a non-stick dressing or cling wrap.

Even a shock that seems minor should be checked. healthdirect recommends seeing a doctor after any electric shock, because it's important to get the heart checked.

If you feel a tingle from a tap, shower or appliance

A small tingle is a warning sign, not something to live with. The NSW Government advises treating a "tingle" or slight shock as a warning and not touching that appliance again until it has been repaired.

If the tingle comes from a tap, shower or the plumbing, Energy Safe Victoria advises calling your electricity company immediately and getting a licensed electrical contractor to check the wiring throughout the property. Keep everyone away from that area until it has been checked.

If a power point sparks, smells or feels hot

Sparks, a burning smell, scorch marks, crackling or a power point that's hot to touch can all point to a wiring fault or overloaded circuit.

• Stop using the power point, switch or appliance.
• If it's safe, switch off that circuit or the main switch at the switchboard.
• Don't touch, open or try to repair the fitting yourself.
• Book a licensed electrician to find the cause.

Energy Safe Victoria warns that trying to solve electrical issues or do repairs yourself is unsafe and illegal, and recommends always using a licensed electrician.

If there's an electrical fire

If there is smoke or flame, get everyone out and call triple zero (000). Never throw water on an electrical fire.

Only try to put out a very small fire if you feel confident and have the right equipment. Fire and Rescue NSW's extinguisher guide lists powder (BE or ABE), carbon dioxide and vaporising liquid extinguishers for fires involving energised electrical equipment, such as a fuse box. If it's safe, turn off the electricity at the main switch.

If powerlines are down

Treat every fallen powerline as live. Ausgrid says to stay at least 8 metres, or two car lengths, away from fallen wires or powerlines, and to call 000 if anyone's life is at risk.

Don't try to move branches or trees tangled in wires, and keep away from anything the line may be touching, such as a fence, car or puddle. Report it to your local electricity distributor. In NSW, for example, the NSW SES lists which distributor covers each region. Other states have their own distributors, so check their websites for fault numbers before storm season.

Our storm season checklist covers more ways to get your home ready.

After a storm, flood or power outage

When the power goes out, switch off appliances, particularly heaters and cooking appliances, so they don't start a fire when power returns. If your safety switch has tripped and won't reset, Energy Safe Victoria advises calling a licensed electrician rather than forcing it.

If water has reached power points, appliances or the switchboard, the NSW SES says they should be inspected by a licensed electrician before you use them again. It also warns never to connect a portable generator to your home's wiring unless an electrician has installed a changeover switch.

If you're renting

Tell your landlord or agent straight away. In NSW, the NSW Government's urgent repairs list includes a dangerous electrical fault. Rules differ between states, so check your state's tenancy authority for what to do if your landlord can't be reached.

Finding an electrician for urgent work

Once everyone is safe, you'll need a licensed electrician to find and fix the fault. You can search our electricians directory or look by area, such as electricians in Sydney or electricians in Melbourne. Call-out and after-hours charges vary, so ask about them when you call.

When the job is done, ask what compliance paperwork you'll receive. Our guide to electrical compliance certificates explains what to look for. It's also worth asking the electrician to check your safety switches, which are designed to cut power quickly when a fault is detected.

Find electricians in your area

Frequently asked questions

This guide is general information only, not legal or financial advice. Rules change, so check the official sources linked above for your state.