Over the years, electrical fires and other electrical accidents have caused property damage, injuries and, in some extreme cases, death. A significant cause of house fires in Australia is due to electrical faults. Thankfully, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk of experiencing an electrical emergency.
Key Takeaways
- Unplug appliances when not in use: Prevent accidental shocks, short circuits, and damage—especially during storms or when away.
- Stay clear of fallen powerlines: Keep at least 8 metres away and report immediately—they can still carry deadly currents.
- Prioritise safety during fires: Evacuate immediately, alert others, and never re-enter a burning property.
- Use the correct fire extinguisher: Only carbon dioxide or dry powder extinguishers are safe for electrical (Type E) fires.
- Stay calm and call a professional: Avoid panic and never attempt DIY electrical fixes—contact a licensed electrician.
What to Do in an Electrical Emergency?
Some of the leading causes of an electrical emergency include faulty wiring, overloaded powerboards, faulty powerpoints and overheated light fixtures. Unfortunately, most people do not notice a problem with their wiring, which is why electrical fires are so dangerous and can occur completely out of the blue without any warning signs.
1) Always Unplug Power Cords
Ensure that you unplug the power cords from the outlets when working on appliances or electric devices. Although it’s easier to leave them plugged in, things can go wrong if you accidentally cut a power cord or short out an electrical appliance. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Also, always be sure to unplug electrical cords and turn off the electrical outlets in the event of a storm or if you go away on holiday.
2) Fallen Powerlines
Powerlines can be damaged by falling trees, storms, car crashes and lightning strikes. If you come across downed powerlines, stay at least 8 metres away or two car lengths away from the line and call Ausgrid on 13 13 88 to report it. Fallen powerlines can be deadly, even if they don’t look it; this is because they can still carry high electrical currents even if they’re not visible.
3) Fire in Home
If there’s a fire in your home, alert everyone in your household immediately and get out of the house without trying to get anything. Your safety always comes first. Once you’re out of the house, use a mobile phone or a neighbour’s phone to call for help and remember never to enter a burning building – even if it looks like the fire has calmed down. We know how hard it is to stay put when your house is on fire, but the safest thing for everyone is if you let the professionals do their job.
4) Have a Fire Extinguisher
Keep the right fire extinguisher on hand. Electrical fires are classed as a ‘type E’ fire, which means a standard fire extinguisher will not work. Instead, you’ll need a fire extinguisher that discharges carbon dioxide or powder (usually featuring a black or white band) for an electrical fire.
5) Don’t Panic
If you find yourself in a stressful situation where you have to deal with electrical equipment failure, high voltage power lines, or another electrical emergency, the key thing to remember is to try not to panic. Panicking can lead to mistakes being made and injury or worse. Always listen to an electrician’s advice and do your best to stay calm. Most importantly, don’t try to fix the problem yourself.
If you notice a problem with your electrical outlets, power cords, or light bulbs, do not try to fix the problem yourself, but contact an electrician straight away. At Russo Electrical, we have over 25 years of electrician work experience in Sydney. We pride ourselves on consistently delivering honest and trustworthy advice. If you have an electrical problem, please contact us on 0478 740 546 to find out more.
Electrical Emergency FAQs
The first thing you should do is stay calm and assess the situation. If there is immediate danger such as fire or exposed wiring, evacuate and call for help. Avoid touching any electrical source and never attempt DIY fixes.
Unplugging appliances helps prevent accidental shocks, short circuits, and electrical fires. It is especially important during storms or when leaving your home for extended periods.
You should stay at least 8 metres away (or about two car lengths). Even if they appear inactive, fallen powerlines can still carry deadly electrical currents.
Immediately alert everyone and evacuate the house. Do not try to retrieve belongings. Once outside, call emergency services and never re-enter the property.
Only carbon dioxide (CO₂) or dry powder extinguishers are safe for electrical fires (Type E). Using the wrong extinguisher can make the situation more dangerous.
Panicking can lead to poor decisions and increase the risk of injury. Staying calm allows you to think clearly and follow proper safety procedures.
No. Electrical issues should always be handled by a licensed electrician. Attempting DIY fixes can lead to serious injury, fire hazards, or further damage.