Understanding Electrical Emergencies

What qualifies as an electrical emergency?

An electrical emergency is any unexpected issue that poses an immediate risk to safety, property, or critical infrastructure. This can include live wires, smoke from outlets, sparking appliances, or complete power loss in certain conditions. These situations often require urgent response from a licensed professional to prevent further damage or danger.

Unlike routine electrical faults, emergencies can escalate quickly. For instance, a minor smell of burning near a switchboard could signal overheating wires—a fire risk that can’t wait until morning. If there’s any risk of electrocution, fire, or extensive equipment failure, it’s essential to treat the situation as an emergency and call an emergency electrician immediately.

Common scenarios in Greater Sydney

Greater Sydney experiences a wide range of weather conditions and infrastructure challenges that contribute to common electrical emergencies. These include storm damage, flash flooding, fallen trees and branches during high winds, and aging residential switchboards. Local blackouts, especially in older suburbs or fringe areas, are also not uncommon.

Urban density, especially in inner Sydney and high-rise suburbs, increases the likelihood of shared circuit overloads and faults caused by neighbouring units. Construction activity near homes and streets can also affect underground cables or overhead powerlines, leading to unexpected outages or safety hazards requiring urgent repair.

Power outages

While a simple power outage may not always seem urgent, it can quickly become a safety risk—especially at night, during extreme temperatures, or if residents rely on electricity for medical equipment. In some cases, outages are isolated to a single property, suggesting a fault at the meter, fuse box, or within the building’s wiring.

Widespread outages are often due to faults in the local grid, storm damage, or planned maintenance by energy providers. In either case, it’s important to remain calm, use battery-powered lighting, and confirm whether the issue is local or broader. If you’re unsure or suspect a fault within your property, it’s safest to call an emergency electrician.

Storm and flood-related damage

Sydney storms often bring lightning, strong winds, and flash floods—each of which can impact electrical systems. Water ingress can cause outlets or switchboards to short circuit, while lightning strikes can lead to sudden voltage surges that damage appliances or wiring.

Floodwaters create added risk as water conducts electricity. If water reaches power outlets, appliances, or live wires, it poses a serious electrocution hazard. Turning off your power at the main switch and avoiding contact with affected areas is essential until an emergency electrician can assess the damage.

Fallen trees or powerlines

High winds and storms regularly bring down branches or entire trees in Sydney suburbs, often landing on overhead powerlines. This can disrupt electricity supply and, more dangerously, leave live wires exposed on roads, driveways, or lawns—posing a serious public safety threat.

If you see a fallen tree near or on powerlines, never approach it. Even if the wires appear inactive, they may still carry voltage. Stay well clear and call 000 if there’s a fire risk, or the NSW SES on 132 500 to report the hazard. Emergency electricians or Ausgrid technicians are equipped to handle the risk safely.

Smoke or burning smells from outlets

A burning smell near outlets or your switchboard is a red flag. It could indicate overheating wires, faulty connections, or overloaded circuits—all of which can result in electrical fires. This issue is often triggered by storms or power surges that damage internal components without tripping the breaker.

In rare cases, a lightning strike can create a surge that arcs inside your home’s wiring, melting insulation or shorting circuits. If you notice smoke, charring, or a persistent smell of burning plastic, evacuate the area and call an emergency electrician. Do not attempt to use any nearby switches or appliances.

Sparking switchboards or appliances

Sparks coming from your switchboard, wall outlets, or appliances can signal a serious electrical fault. This could be caused by water infiltration from rain, lightning strikes, aging components, or overloaded circuits. In many cases, faulty insulation or exposed wires are to blame.

During storms, when humidity levels are high or water leaks occur, even a small spark can escalate into a fire. Never ignore flickering lights or a buzzing switchboard—they’re often early signs of trouble. Turn off power at the main switch if it’s safe to do so and call a licensed emergency electrician without delay.

Why you should never attempt DIY fixes

Electrical systems are complex, and DIY repairs can lead to serious injury or property damage. Without proper licensing and training, even a simple attempt to reset a circuit breaker or rewire a switch can result in electrocution, fire, or permanent damage to your electrical system.

NSW laws are clear: only licensed electricians can carry out electrical work. If you’re unsure whether something is safe, always err on the side of caution. A professional emergency electrician can diagnose and resolve the issue safely, using tools and techniques designed to prevent risk.

What to Do When the Power Goes Out

Check your switchboard and safety switch

The first step in any unexpected power outage is to check your switchboard. Look for any tripped circuit breakers or a safety switch that’s been triggered. If your safety switch has turned off, it could indicate a fault in a particular appliance or a circuit overload. Try resetting the switch — but only once. If it trips again immediately, leave it off and contact a licensed electrician.

Never attempt to investigate inside your switchboard if there’s water nearby, you smell burning, or you hear buzzing sounds. These could signal a more serious fault. In these cases, do not touch anything and call an emergency electrician straight away.

Look outside: is it a neighbourhood-wide outage?

If your switchboard appears normal but your house is still without power, take a moment to check whether your neighbours are also affected. Streetlights out, houses darkened, and non-functioning traffic lights can all point to a local area outage rather than an issue within your home.

Knowing whether it’s a property-specific fault or a wider outage can help you determine your next steps. In a neighbourhood-wide event, you may not need to call an electrician straight away unless you have unique risks (e.g., medical equipment or compromised switchboards).

Use this NSW Energy guide to confirm outage locations

NSW energy providers offer outage maps and live updates through their websites. These resources can confirm whether there’s a known fault or scheduled maintenance in your area. Ausgrid and Essential Energy both provide real-time data and estimated restoration times for major regions of Sydney and NSW.

Use these tools to stay informed before making unnecessary calls. If your address is not listed or you suspect an issue specific to your home or unit, that’s when it’s appropriate to bring in an emergency electrician.

Call your energy provider or Ausgrid (131 388) or Essential Energy (132 080)

If your home is affected by an outage not listed online, contact your electricity provider to report it. They may already be aware of a fault in your street or be able to offer more information. Ausgrid services most of Greater Sydney, while Essential Energy handles regional NSW and some outer suburbs.

Energy providers can determine whether the problem lies on the supply side or inside your premises. If the issue is inside your home, you will likely be advised to contact a licensed emergency electrician to investigate further.

If in doubt, contact a licensed emergency electrician in Sydney

Even if your outage seems minor, it’s best not to take risks when safety is uncertain. A licensed emergency electrician can quickly identify whether your home is safe and restore power if the problem is isolated to your switchboard, wiring, or a faulty appliance.

Faraday Group’s licensed electricians are on call 24/7 across Sydney and can attend to power loss, storm damage, and switchboard faults—often within the same day. If you’re unsure, don’t wait: it’s always safer to have an expert assess the situation.

Storm, Wind and Flood Emergencies: Electrical Safety First

Risks of water near outlets and switchboards

Water and electricity are a deadly combination. If water enters your home during heavy rain or flooding, it can easily seep into electrical outlets, appliances, and switchboards. This creates a major electrocution hazard — not just for your household, but for emergency responders and electricians who attend the scene.

Even a small amount of moisture near power points can cause sparking, short circuits, and fire. Never attempt to unplug or switch off wet appliances. Instead, stay well clear and contact an emergency electrician who can safely isolate the supply.

Why you must turn off electricity during flood conditions

If floodwaters are approaching your property or have already entered, and it is safe to do so, turn off the electricity at the main switchboard. This can prevent electrocution and reduce the risk of fires or damage to your electrical system. However, never wade through water to access the switchboard — if it’s submerged or surrounded by water, wait for emergency services or an electrician.

The NSW SES strongly advises residents to treat all electrical installations in flooded areas as live and dangerous until confirmed otherwise by a qualified professional.

Electricity safety during floods – SES NSW

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) provides clear guidance for staying electrically safe during floods. This includes switching off the power before waters rise, avoiding all electrical appliances that may have been submerged, and waiting for a licensed electrician to inspect your home before switching anything back on.

They also advise against touching any outdoor electrical equipment that may have been damaged by storms, such as garden lighting or extension leads — these can pose ongoing risks even after waters recede.

Use waterproof torches—not candles

During blackouts or power disruptions, it’s tempting to reach for candles—but this can create additional hazards, especially during high winds or floods. A candle flame near leaking gas, wet wiring, or flammable materials can start a house fire in seconds.

Instead, use waterproof torches or battery-operated lanterns. These are safer, longer-lasting, and can be used hands-free in wet conditions. Keep a few in your emergency kit with spare batteries, and ensure they’re stored in an accessible location.

Keep phones charged ahead of weather warnings

Severe weather events are often forecast hours or even days in advance. If a storm or flood warning is issued for your area, one of the best safety measures you can take is to charge your phones, tablets, and power banks in advance.

A charged phone means you can contact emergency services, check weather alerts, or call your emergency electrician when needed. If power is lost, you’ll want to conserve battery life, so turn on low-power mode and avoid unnecessary app usage.

Fallen Powerlines and Tree Damage: Stay Well Clear

What to do if you see a tree on a line or sparking cables

Fallen trees and powerlines are common after strong winds or storms. If you see a tree resting on a powerline or cables sparking on the ground, stay at least 8 metres away — that’s about the length of a bus. Powerlines may still be live even if they appear inactive, and contact can result in serious injury or death.

Do not attempt to move debris or drive over powerlines. Warn others to stay away and immediately report the incident to emergency services. If there’s a fire risk or a danger to life, call 000. Otherwise, contact SES on 132 500 or your electricity provider.

Call 000 if there’s fire risk; otherwise call SES (132 500)

If a powerline has fallen and ignited grass or trees, or is sparking dangerously near homes or roads, call 000 immediately. Fire and Rescue NSW are equipped to handle electrical fires and will coordinate with energy providers to safely shut off power in the area.

For non-life-threatening situations like tree limbs resting on lines or lines hanging low after a storm, call the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500. They can assist in securing the site until energy authorities or emergency electricians arrive.

SafeWork NSW powerline safety

SafeWork NSW reminds all NSW residents that powerlines can sag, snap, or sway after strong winds or tree falls. Even if a line hasn’t touched the ground, it could still be energised and dangerous. This includes powerlines around homes, businesses, and public areas.

Do not approach to inspect damage or take photos. Power can arc through the air in some cases, meaning even getting close can be dangerous. Always assume any fallen or low-hanging powerline is live.

Use the “Speak Up Save Lives” app to report hazards

If you witness unsafe conditions around powerlines — whether it’s after a storm or during clean-up works — you can report them quickly using the Speak Up Save Lives app developed by SafeWork NSW. The app allows you to send photos and descriptions directly to authorities, helping to prevent injuries or further damage.

This is especially important in public spaces or construction zones where damage may go unnoticed. Your quick action could save lives.

Staying Safe Until Help Arrives

Don’t touch wet switches or exposed wiring

In the aftermath of storms, floods, or electrical faults, water can find its way into outlets, switches, and appliances. Even small amounts of moisture can conduct electricity, turning ordinary surfaces into shock hazards. If you suspect water has entered electrical fittings, do not touch them. This includes any switches that feel damp, are located in flooded areas, or show signs of discolouration, warping, or humming.

If a device or switch was operating during the emergency and is now wet or damaged, leave it alone. Wait for a licensed emergency electrician to inspect and make safe before restoring power or touching anything.

Ventilate your home if you smell smoke

A burning or smoky smell — especially around power points, appliances, or light fittings — is a major warning sign. It could indicate overheating wires, a failing circuit, or internal fire within your walls. If the smell is strong or persistent, turn off the main power at the switchboard (only if safe), open windows and doors, and evacuate if needed.

Avoid using ceiling fans or HVAC systems to disperse smoke, as they may worsen the hazard. Call an emergency electrician and do not re-enter the affected area until it has been checked and cleared.

Keep children and pets away from affected areas

During electrical emergencies, one of the biggest risks is unintentional contact. Children and pets may not recognise danger signs — like exposed cables, fallen wires, or damaged appliances — and could be seriously hurt. Establish a “no-go zone” using physical barriers, closed doors, or supervision until help arrives.

Make sure all family members know which areas to avoid and why. If safe, turn off power to the affected circuits, but don’t delay calling an emergency electrician, especially if there’s visible damage or water intrusion.

Prepare a home emergency kit

Every household should have an emergency kit ready in case of outages or evacuation. This includes essentials like torches, spare batteries, a first aid kit, drinking water, and critical documents. Electrical emergencies can strike quickly, especially during bad weather, so preparation is key.

For guidance on how to build a complete kit, refer to the NSW SES Emergency Kit list. Keep your kit in a dry, accessible location and check it twice a year.

What to Include in an Emergency Kit

When power outages or electrical emergencies strike, being prepared with an emergency kit can make all the difference. Your kit should be easy to access, waterproof if possible, and updated regularly. Below is a breakdown of what to include:

Must-Haves

• Torch and spare batteries – Essential for visibility during power outages. Avoid candles due to fire risk.

• Battery-powered or wind-up radio – To receive updates during storms or outages.

• First aid kit – For treating minor injuries while waiting for emergency help.

• Mobile phone power bank – To keep communication lines open even if the power is out.

• Essential medications – At least a 3-day supply for all family members.

• Drinking water – Minimum of 3 litres per person per day.

• Copies of important documents – Insurance policies, medical information, ID.

Good to Have

• Gloves and sturdy shoes – To protect against hazards if you need to leave your home.

• Cash – EFTPOS and ATMs may be unavailable during outages.

• Whistle or emergency alert tool – For signalling in case of entrapment or low visibility.

• Hand sanitiser and basic hygiene items – For maintaining cleanliness if services are cut.

• Face masks – In case of smoke, dust, or poor air quality.

Other Useful Items

• Local area maps – Useful if GPS services fail.

• Notebook and pencil – To write down emergency numbers or instructions.

• Spare keys – For home and vehicles.

• Snacks or non-perishable food – Especially if supply chains are disrupted.

• Pet food and care items – Don’t forget your furry family members.

Keep your emergency kit stored in a clearly marked, accessible place and let all household members know where it is. Rotate food, medications, and batteries every few months to keep them fresh.

What to Include in an Emergency Kit

When power outages or electrical emergencies strike, being prepared with an emergency kit can make all the difference. Your kit should be easy to access, waterproof if possible, and updated regularly. Below is a breakdown of what to include:

Must-Haves

• Torch and spare batteries – Essential for visibility during power outages. Avoid candles due to fire risk.

• Battery-powered or wind-up radio – To receive updates during storms or outages.

• First aid kit – For treating minor injuries while waiting for emergency help.

• Mobile phone power bank – To keep communication lines open even if the power is out.

• Essential medications – At least a 3-day supply for all family members.

• Drinking water – Minimum of 3 litres per person per day.

• Copies of important documents – Insurance policies, medical information, ID.

Good to Have

• Gloves and sturdy shoes – To protect against hazards if you need to leave your home.

• Cash – EFTPOS and ATMs may be unavailable during outages.

• Whistle or emergency alert tool – For signalling in case of entrapment or low visibility.

• Hand sanitiser and basic hygiene items – For maintaining cleanliness if services are cut.

• Face masks – In case of smoke, dust, or poor air quality.

Other Useful Items

• Local area maps – Useful if GPS services fail.

• Notebook and pencil – To write down emergency numbers or instructions.

• Spare keys – For home and vehicles.

• Snacks or non-perishable food – Especially if supply chains are disrupted.

• Pet food and care items – Don’t forget your furry family members.

Keep your emergency kit stored in a clearly marked, accessible place and let all household members know where it is. Rotate food, medications, and batteries every few months to keep them fresh.

Electrical Emergencies in Apartments vs. Standalone Homes

Electrical emergencies can look very different depending on whether you live in a high-rise apartment or a standalone home. Understanding these differences helps you respond quickly and call the right help when needed.

Common High-Rise Issues: Meter Box Access and Shared Circuits

In apartment buildings, one of the most common issues during an electrical emergency is gaining access to the meter room or main switchboard. These areas are often locked and controlled by strata or building management, which can delay emergency repairs. Shared circuits also mean that a fault in one unit can affect several apartments at once. If your power is out but your neighbours’ lights are still on, the problem is likely isolated to your unit and requires an emergency electrician to investigate internal wiring or your switchboard.

Why Strata and Tenants Should Have a 24 Hour Emergency Electrician Contact

Strata committees and property managers should maintain an up-to-date list of 24 hour emergency electrician contacts to handle faults quickly. Tenants should also have these numbers saved, especially for after-hours incidents when building management may not be available. Acting fast can prevent further damage and restore power more quickly, reducing disruption to residents.

Shared Responsibilities and When to Escalate

In apartments, it’s not always clear whether the tenant, landlord, or strata is responsible for organising repairs. As a rule of thumb, anything inside your unit (outlets, appliances, internal wiring) falls under the landlord or tenant’s responsibility, while issues with main switchboards or common wiring are typically managed by strata. If you smell burning, hear sparking, or see smoke in common areas, evacuate immediately and call 000 as well as building management. A licensed emergency electrician in Sydney should be dispatched as soon as possible to assess and secure the site.

How Faraday Group Responds to Electrical Emergencies

When you face an electrical emergency, the Faraday Group team is equipped to provide fast, reliable service to protect your home, business, and family. Their approach combines expert diagnosis, transparent communication, and swift action to restore safety as quickly as possible.

Licensed Level 2 Electricians

Faraday Group employs fully licensed Level 2 electricians who are authorised to work on live networks, repair damaged service lines, and reconnect power after outages. This means they can handle everything from minor faults to major infrastructure issues, including fallen powerline safety and repairs caused by electrical storm damage. With this level of qualification, they can also liaise with energy providers to ensure your service is restored correctly and safely.

Fast Response Across Sydney

Electrical emergencies don’t wait, and neither does the Faraday Group. Their team covers the entire Greater Sydney area, offering same-day electrician service Sydney wide to minimise downtime and risk. Whether you’re dealing with a power outage near me, storm-related damage, or urgent repairs, their dispatch system ensures a qualified electrician is on the way as quickly as possible.

Same-Day Electrician Service Sydney, What You Can Expect

When you call for help, you’ll receive a clear explanation of the steps involved, an estimated time of arrival, and immediate safety advice to follow while waiting. On arrival, the electrician will secure the site, identify the fault, and carry out necessary repairs to restore power and safety. In cases where the issue involves the main network, they will coordinate with Ausgrid or Essential Energy to ensure a proper reconnection.

Transparent Pricing and Upfront Communication

In an emergency, the last thing you need is confusion about costs. Faraday Group provides clear, upfront pricing before work begins so you know exactly what to expect. They also keep you updated throughout the repair process, explaining what happened, why it occurred, and how to avoid similar issues in the future.