In short
If there is fire or someone is injured, call 000 first. If it is safe to reach, turn off the main switch at the switchboard. Never touch a person who is still in contact with electricity, and never touch anything electrical with bare or wet feet. Then call a licensed emergency electrician; Ambient answers 24 hours a day on 0415 684 120.
When it cannot wait, Ambient Electrical is a 24/7 emergency electrician in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.
Signs that need attention now
Electricity gives little warning. You rarely sense a problem until it is already an emergency, so treat any of these as urgent (and read what counts as an electrical emergency):
- Sparks or arcing at a power point, light, switch or the switchboard
- A burning, smouldering or melting-plastic smell
- Buzzing or crackling from a power point, light fitting or the switchboard
- A switch, power point or cord that is hot to touch, or scorch marks around it
- Water near power points, lights or the switchboard
- Anyone getting a shock or a tingle from a tap, appliance or fitting
What to do
- If there is fire, smoke or anyone is hurt, call 000.
- If it is safe to reach, turn off the main switch at the switchboard. That cuts power to the whole installation.
- Keep everyone, including pets, away from the affected area.
- Call a licensed emergency electrician.
- Do not turn the power back on until the fault has been found and fixed.
What not to do
- Do not touch a person who is being electrocuted, or anything conductive they are touching, such as metal tools, a switchboard or a balustrade. Cut the power first; the faster it is off, the better their chance.
- Do not touch power points, switches or cords barefoot or with wet hands. Rubber-soled shoes, even joggers, are far safer than bare feet or thongs.
- Do not throw water on an electrical fire.
- Do not open the switchboard, check fuses or try a repair yourself.
After someone has had a shock
Once the power is off, call 000 for advice. Anyone who has had a significant electric shock should be checked by a medical professional, even if they seem fine. Then have the installation inspected before anyone uses that circuit again.
This is no time to start practicing your new found knowledge of electricity. Pick up the phone and call your qualified Sydney emergency electrician.
Sources
Ambient Electrical is an electrician in Bronte, Bondi and Randwick, and works across Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.
