What to do in an electrical emergency at home

You don’t have to wait for an electrical emergency to strike before you take action. That’s because electricity is one of those things we often take for granted — until something goes wrong. And when it does, it can be both frightening and downright dangerous.

You know the drill: flickering lights, sparking sockets, full power outages or electric shocks. Knowing how to stay calm and respond correctly can protect your property, prevent injury—and even save lives.

What qualifies as an electrical emergency?

Not every electrical problem is an emergency. But certain issues require immediate action because of the risk of fire, injury or extensive property damage. In Australia, common household electrical emergencies include:

Electric shocks — even mild ones
Burning smells or smoke coming from outlets or appliances
Sparking sockets
Power outages affecting specific areas of your home
Overheating switchboards
Circuit breakers tripping repeatedly
Flickering or dimming lights that won’t stabilise
Water-damaged electrical systems

If you’re ever unsure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Treat anything unusual with urgency.

First steps in an electrical emergency: Stay calm and think safety first

So, what do you do in an electrical emergency? First, stay calm and prioritise safety. That means never touching exposed wires, burnt outlets or wet electrical devices—even if the power seems to be off.

Turn off the power (if safe)

“If you can, cut off the main power to avoid any further electrical hazards”, says Mr Emergency Electricians. Head to your main switchboard and shut off the electricity supply. Most modern homes in Australia have circuit breakers or safety switches that you can toggle.

This is especially important if:

There’s smoke or fire near an appliance or switch
A power point is buzzing
Someone has received an electric shock
Water has come into contact with electrical wiring

Do not touch the switchboard if it’s wet, damaged or emitting smoke. Instead, move everyone to a safe distance and call emergency services immediately.

What to do if there’s an electrical fire

When there’s a fire due to an electrical fault, never throw water on it. Water conducts electricity and can make things worse.

Use a Class C or multi-purpose dry chemical fire extinguisher if the fire is small and manageable.
Extinguish from a safe distance — but only if you’re confident.
If there’s any doubt, evacuate immediately and call 000.

Responding to electric shock

If someone has been shocked:

Do not touch them while they’re still in contact with the electrical source.
Turn off the power at the main switch or move the source away using a dry, non-conductive object (like a wooden broom handle).
Once they’re free, call 000 for emergency medical help.
Begin CPR if they’re not breathing and you’re trained to do so.
Keep them lying down and still until help arrives.

Electric shocks can cause both internal and external injuries—even if symptoms don’t appear right away.

Call a licensed electrician after the emergency

Once the immediate danger has passed, call a licensed electrician. They’ll inspect your system, identify the issue, and carry out any repairs in compliance with Australian electrical standards.

You can find a local, qualified electrician through:

Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council (ERAC)
NSW Fair Trading
Energy Safe Victoria
Queensland Electrical Safety Office

How to prevent future electrical emergencies

Preventing future emergencies is easier than you might think. Here’s what you can do to protect your home:

Schedule regular electrical inspections

Especially important for older homes, inspections help spot outdated wiring, corroded switchboards, and potential fire hazards.

Install and maintain safety switches

Also known as RCDs, safety switches cut power instantly if a fault is detected. They’re mandatory in new homes and should be tested every three months.

Don’t overload power points

Avoid using double adapters or plugging multiple high-wattage devices into a single outlet.

Everyday habits that keep you safe

Electrical safety at home isn’t just for emergencies. Small habits can prevent major problems:

Watch for frayed or damaged cords
Avoid using loose plugs or sparking sockets
Look for scorch marks around power points
Replace anything suspicious right away
Use extension leads as temporary solutions only

Be extra careful during storms

Storms can bring power surges, lightning strikes, and even floods. These can wreak havoc on your home’s electrical systems.

Use surge protectors to shield electronics.
If you lose power, unplug sensitive devices before it returns.
Avoid using wired electronics during heavy lightning activity.

When to call 000 vs an electrician

Call 000 if:

There’s an electrical fire
Someone has been seriously shocked
There is visible damage to power lines
You see smoke or sparks coming from outlets or fixtures

Call a licensed electrician if:

Circuit breakers keep tripping
You get minor shocks from appliances
Lights are flickering regularly
There’s a burning smell with no visible fire

Final thoughts: Stay aware, stay safe

Electrical emergencies can escalate quickly. But with a clear head, fast action and the right knowledge, you can reduce harm and protect your home and family.

Keep your safety switches tested and maintained.
Don’t ignore early warning signs like flickering lights or tripping breakers.
And never hesitate to call a licensed professional when something doesn’t feel right.

Your home’s wiring might be hidden behind walls, but your awareness doesn’t have to be. A little preparation now can make all the difference in a true moment of crisis.