Electrical Hazards at Home: Warning Signs and What to Do Next

What This Article Covers

A quick overview before you dive in:

• The warning signs that point to an electrical hazard, from flickering lights and hot power points to a buzzing switchboard or a safety switch that keeps tripping, and what to do about each one.
• When a hazard becomes an emergency: fire, smoke, an electric shock or fallen power lines, and who to call first.
• How to switch off the power at the main switch, and when to leave the switchboard alone.
• How to check that the electrician you call holds a NSW licence.
• What an after-hours call-out costs with us, and the conditions behind that price.

An electrical hazard doesn't always announce itself with sparks. Flickering lights, a power point that feels hot, a burning smell or a safety switch that won't stay on can all mean something is wrong. If you notice one, stop using whatever is affected and have it checked. If there's smoke, fire or an electric shock, call triple zero (000) first.

This guide comes from Impulse Electrical Enterprise. We're licensed and insured, and our director, Matthew Neil, supervises every job.

Warning Signs of an Electrical Hazard

Lights That Flicker or Dim

A light that keeps flickering can point to a loose connection or a fault in the fitting or circuit. Have it checked rather than waiting to see whether it settles down. If it comes with a burning smell, buzzing or heat, don't touch the light switch: switch off the main switch if it's safe to reach, then call an electrician.

Sparks, a Burning Smell or a Hot Power Point

Sparks from a power point, a burning smell or a power point that's hot or scorched can mean a loose or overheating connection, and can be an early warning of a fire. Stop using it. If you can safely reach your switchboard, switch off the main switch, then call an electrician. Don't touch anything that is scorched, melted or wet.

A Buzzing, Hot or Scorched Switchboard

A switchboard shouldn't buzz, smell of burning or give off heat you can feel when you're near it. If yours is sparking, seems hot or shows scorch marks, don't touch it or open it: keep everyone away and call an electrician from a safe distance. If it's smoking, get everyone out and call triple zero (000). If it's only buzzing, switch off the main switch if it's safe to reach, then call an electrician.

A Safety Switch That Keeps Tripping

A tripping safety switch means it has found a fault, such as a faulty appliance or a problem in the wiring. If there's no burning smell, sparking or heat, you can switch it back on once. If it trips again straight away, leave it off and call an electrician.

Water, Storm or Rodent Damage

Storms, water leaks and rodents can all damage fittings and cables. If water has reached a power point or light fitting, keep everyone out of the area. Switch off the main switch only if the switchboard is dry and you can reach it with dry hands, without standing in water. If water has reached the switchboard, or the area is flooded, don't go near the switchboard: keep everyone away and call an electrician. Leave the power off until an electrician has checked it. For storm or flood help that isn't life-threatening, call the NSW SES on 132 500. If anyone is in immediate danger, call triple zero (000).

When It's an Emergency: Fire, Smoke, Shock or Fallen Lines

• Fire or smoke. Get everyone out, stay outside and call triple zero (000). Do the same if a smoke alarm is going off. Don't go back in, and don't try to put out an electrical fire with water.
• Someone has had an electric shock. Don't touch them while they could still be in contact with the electricity. Switch off the power only if you can do it safely, without putting yourself at risk. Call triple zero (000) for a serious shock, or if they collapse or have trouble breathing. Once the electrical danger is gone, follow the operator's first aid directions, including CPR if needed. Even with no visible injury, they should have a prompt medical check.
• Fallen power lines. Stay at least 8 metres away, about two car lengths, keep others clear and never assume a fallen line is switched off. Call Ausgrid on 13 13 88 or Endeavour Energy on 131 003, depending on which network supplies your area. If anyone's life is in danger, including someone in contact with a fallen line, don't go near them: call triple zero (000), then the network, and wait until the line has been made safe.

Once everyone is safe, the electrical fault can be dealt with. Our guide to what to do first in an electrical emergency walks through those first minutes in more detail.

Switching Off the Power Safely

Your switchboard is a metal or plastic box with a row of smaller switches and one larger main switch. Switching off the main switch cuts power to the whole home, which is the safer choice when you're not sure which circuit is affected. If your home has solar panels or a battery, tell the electrician when you call. Solar panels, their DC equipment and batteries can stay live even after the main switch is off, so don't try to inspect or repair them.

Only do it if your hands are dry, you're not standing in water, and the switchboard is dry and undamaged and isn't sparking, smoking or hot. If it is, leave it alone, keep everyone away and call for help from a safe distance. Once the power is off, leave it off until an electrician has found the fault, and keep children and pets away from the problem area.

Check Your Electrician Is Licensed in NSW

In an emergency it's tempting to book the first person who answers, but anyone doing electrical wiring work in NSW must hold a licence. You can check a tradesperson's licence with Service NSW. Ask for the licence number when you call; if they can't give you one, find someone who can. Our NSW Contractor Licence number is 389893C.

When you call, have the details ready that help the electrician come prepared. Our guide on the details to give an electrician when you call lists them.

What an Emergency Call-Out Costs

With us, an after-hours emergency call-out is $250 + GST, and that price applies in every suburb we attend. We confirm it on the phone before we send anyone, and public holiday rates may apply. When the electrician arrives, they make the fault safe first. Further fault-finding, repairs and parts are discussed on site and quoted for you to approve, and nothing goes ahead until you do.

Questions About Electrical Hazards at Home

Is a flickering light dangerous?

It can be a sign of a loose connection or a fault, so it's worth having checked. If it comes with a burning smell, buzzing or heat, switch off the main switch if it's safe to reach and call an electrician.

Can I keep using a power point that feels warm?

No. A warm or hot power point can mean an overheating connection. Stop using it, and if it's hot, scorched or smells of burning, don't touch the plug: switch off the main switch if it's safe to reach instead. Have an electrician check it before it's used again.

Spotted a Warning Sign?

If there's smoke, fire or an electric shock, call triple zero (000) first. For the electrical fault, our phones are answered 24/7, including public holidays. Call 0481 228 836 and tell us what you've spotted, or read more about our emergency electrician service. For a warning sign that can wait, request a free quote.