01
First: is anyone in danger?
If there is a fire, someone is injured, or there's an immediate threat to life, call Triple Zero (000) straight away. Your safety comes before anything else, including the property.
02
Sparking, burning smells or smoke
If an outlet, switch, light or appliance is sparking, smoking or giving off a burning smell, don't touch it. If you can do so safely, turn off the main switch at your switchboard to cut power to the house. Keep everyone away from the area and call a licensed electrician.
Never use water on an electrical fire. If a fire starts, get everyone out and call 000.
03
Someone has received an electric shock
Don't touch the person if they may still be in contact with the electrical source. Turn off the power at the main switch if it's safe to do so, then call 000. Anyone who has received an electric shock should be assessed by a medical professional, even if they feel fine, as some effects aren't immediately obvious.
After the incident, have an electrician find out what caused the shock before power is restored to that area.
04
Fallen power lines
Fallen or damaged power lines are extremely dangerous. Always assume they are live.
- Stay at least 8 metres away and keep others away.
- Never try to move a line, even with something that seems non-conductive.
- Call your network distributor's emergency line: Ausgrid 13 13 88, Endeavour Energy 131 003 or Essential Energy 13 20 80.
- If someone is injured or there is a fire, call 000.
05
Water and electricity
If water has entered your switchboard, power points or light fittings, from a leak, storm or flood, don't enter flooded rooms while the power is on. Turn off the main switch if you can reach it safely without standing in water. Have the installation checked by a licensed electrician before turning power back on.
06
Power out but no visible danger
Check whether your neighbours have power. If the whole street is out, it's likely a network outage, and your distributor's website will show outage information. If it's just your home, check your switchboard for a tripped safety switch or breaker. If it won't reset, or keeps tripping, call an electrician to find the fault.
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Emergency Electrician in Sydney
No power, burning smells, sparking or hot switch plates. Call us straight away.
This guide is general information for NSW homeowners and isn't a substitute for advice about your specific property. Electrical work in NSW must be carried out by a licensed electrician.
