Electricity is something most of us take for granted until something goes wrong. Electrical emergencies can strike without warning, often creating dangerous situations that require fast thinking and immediate action. From power outages and electrical shocks to burning wires or sparking outlets, knowing what to do during an electrical emergency can protect your life and property.
This guide covers how to identify different types of electrical emergencies, what immediate steps you should take, and when to call a licensed level-2 electrician in Sydney.
1. Understanding Electrical Emergencies
An electrical emergency is any situation where electrical systems pose a direct threat to safety, property, or essential services. Common examples include:
- Power outages affecting a single property or an entire area
- Electrical shocks or burns
- Exposed or live wires
- Sparking outlets or switchboards
- Burning smells or smoke from electrical devices
- Water contact with electrical circuits
- Blown fuses or tripped breakers that keep recurring
Each situation carries a risk of fire, electrocution, or major electrical failure. The key is to stay calm, stay safe, and act quickly.
2. Stay Calm and Disconnect Power (If Safe)
Your first step in an electrical emergency is to disconnect the power supply, but only if you can do so safely.
- If an appliance starts sparking or smoking, switch it off at the wall socket immediately.
- If the situation involves the switchboard or meter box, turn off the main power only if there is no visible damage, water, or smoke.
- Never touch wet electrical equipment or attempt to pull out cords with your bare hands.
If the area is unsafe to approach, step away and call for emergency assistance. It’s always better to wait for a level-2 electrician in Sydney than to risk electrocution.
3. Handle Electrical Shocks Properly
If someone receives an electrical shock:
- Do not touch the person directly while they are still in contact with electricity.
- Switch off the power source immediately. If you can’t, use a dry, non-conductive object (like a wooden broom handle) to separate the person from the source.
- Call 000 for emergency medical help right away.
- Once the power is off and it’s safe, begin CPR if the person is unresponsive and you’re trained to do so.
Electrical shocks can cause internal injuries even if there are no visible burns, so medical attention is essential.
4. What to Do During Power Outages
Power outages can be caused by severe weather, damaged power lines, or faults in your property’s electrical system.
Here’s what you should do:
- Check whether neighbouring properties are affected.
- If it’s just your home, it could indicate a tripped breaker, a blown fuse, or a fault in your main power distribution (MPD) unit.
- Avoid using candles as they pose a fire risk; use torches or battery-powered lights instead.
- Turn off sensitive electronics like computers and TVs to avoid damage from power surges when the electricity returns.
- Report widespread blackouts to your local electricity distributor.
If the issue lies within your property, a qualified level 2 electrician in Sydney can identify whether the problem involves your service lines, meter, or switchboard.
5. Burning Smells, Sparks, or Smoke
A burning smell or smoke from electrical devices or outlets is a serious warning sign. It could indicate faulty wiring, an overloaded circuit, or a damaged appliance.
- Switch off the power at the main switch immediately.
- Unplug affected appliances if it’s safe to do so.
- Never use water to extinguish an electrical fire. Instead, use a dry powder fire extinguisher if available.
Once the fire hazard is under control, contact an electrician to inspect your system. Ignoring these signs can lead to full electrical fires or severe damage to wiring and circuits.
6. Electrical Fires: Safety Comes First
Electrical fires can spread fast and often start behind walls or in switchboards.
If you suspect an electrical fire:
- Cut the power at the main switch (only if safe).
- Use a CO₂ or dry chemical extinguisher; never use water.
- Leave the area immediately and call emergency services.
After the emergency, a licensed electrician can inspect your system for wiring faults, defective appliances, or switchboard damage.
7. When to Call a Level 2 Electrician in Sydney
Not all electrical emergencies can be fixed by a standard electrician. Some situations require the expertise of a level 2 electrician, who is qualified to work directly on the electrical network.
You should call a level 2 electrician for:
- Defect notice repairs: When you’ve received a notice from your electricity provider for unsafe or non-compliant wiring.
- Main power disconnection or reconnection: Especially after storm damage or property renovations.
- Switchboard and meter upgrades: To handle increased load or replace outdated systems.
- MPD installations: When the main power distribution system needs replacement or repair.
- Single-phase to three-phase power upgrades: For homes and businesses using high-demand appliances or EV chargers.
8. Preventing Future Electrical Emergencies
The best way to handle an electrical emergency is to prevent one. Here’s how:
- Schedule routine inspections of your switchboard and wiring.
- Replace damaged cords and avoid overloading power points.
- Keep electrical devices away from water sources.
- Install safety switches (RCDs) for shock protection.
- Upgrade your power supply when adding heavy electrical loads.
A professional inspection once a year helps detect early signs of faults before they turn into emergencies.
9. Why Choose IZCO Electrical During Emergencies
When an electrical emergency strikes, you need a team that responds fast and knows exactly how to handle it. IZCO Electrical offers 24/7 emergency electrician services across Sydney for both residential and commercial properties.
Their licensed and accredited level 2 electricians are authorised to work on both private and network-side electrical systems, ensuring every repair or reconnection meets safety regulations.
IZCO specialises in:
- Fault-finding and urgent repairs
- Reconnecting and upgrading power supplies
- Repairing switchboards, meters, and MPDs
- Handling storm or fire-related electrical damage
- Responding to emergency defect notices
With years of experience and a reputation for reliability, IZCO Electrical has become Sydney’s go-to team for all types of electrical emergencies.
If you’re facing flickering lights, sudden outages, or burning smells, don’t risk it; call IZCO Electrical during an emergency for fast, professional help you can trust. Visit their website to learn more about their emergency and level 2 services or to request immediate assistance.
Stay safe, stay alert, and let professionals handle the voltage.
