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 electrical faults. Thankfully, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk of experiencing an electrical emergency.
The short version
- 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 them 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.
Emergency numbers
What to do in an electrical emergency
Some of the leading causes of an electrical emergency include:
- Faulty wiring
- Overloaded power boards
- Faulty power points
- 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.
1Always 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.
2Fallen powerlines
Powerlines can be damaged by falling trees, storms, car crashes and lightning strikes. Fallen powerlines can be deadly, even if they don’t look it, because they can still carry high electrical currents.
3Fire in the 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 000. We know how hard it is to stay put when your house is on fire, but the safest thing for everyone is to let the professionals do their job.
4Have the right fire extinguisher
Keep the right fire extinguisher on hand. Electrical fires are classed as Type E fires, which means a standard (water) fire extinguisher will not work and can make things more dangerous.
Instead, you’ll need an extinguisher that discharges carbon dioxide or powder:
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂)Usually marked with a black band.
- Dry powderUsually marked with a white band.
5Don’t panic
If you find yourself in a stressful situation where you have to deal with electrical equipment failure, high-voltage powerlines 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.
When to call an electrician
If you notice a problem with your power points, power cords or light fittings, do not try to fix the problem yourself, but contact an electrician straight away. For problems at the switchboard, such as repeated tripping or a burning smell, see our switchboard support service. If the power has gone out, read what to do in a power failure.
At Russo Electrical, we have over 25 years of electrician work experience in Sydney. We pride ourselves on consistently delivering honest and trustworthy advice.
Talk to a licensed Sydney electrician
Call us or request a quote to find out more. For fire, injury or immediate danger, always call 000 first.
Electrical emergency FAQs
What should you do first in an electrical emergency?
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.
Why is it important to unplug appliances when not in use?
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.
How far should you stay away from fallen powerlines?
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. Report them to Ausgrid on 13 13 88 or Endeavour Energy on 131 003.
What should you do if there is a fire in your home?
Immediately alert everyone and evacuate the house. Do not try to retrieve belongings. Once outside, call 000 and never re-enter the property.
What type of fire extinguisher is safe for electrical fires?
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.
Why is staying calm important during an electrical emergency?
Panicking can lead to poor decisions and increase the risk of injury. Staying calm allows you to think clearly and follow proper safety procedures.
Can you fix electrical problems yourself?
No. Electrical issues should always be handled by a licensed electrician. Attempting DIY fixes can lead to serious injury, fire hazards or further damage.
More from Russo Electrical
Official resources
- Fire and Rescue NSW (home fire safety)
- Ausgrid (outages and emergencies)
- Endeavour Energy (outages and emergencies)
- NSW Fair Trading (electrical safety)
In any emergency involving fire, injury or immediate danger, call 000.
Last Updated on 3 days ago by Lord Vincent Van Mendoza