Electrical Emergencies: What to Do Before a Electrician Arrives

Electrical emergencies don’t just cause inconvenience, they can be dangerous if not handled correctly. Whether it’s at home or in your business, knowing what to do in those first few moments can make all the difference. At Bamford Electrical, your trusted Melbourne electricians, we understand how stressful these situations can be. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on what to do in an electrical emergency before an emergency electrician arrives. Acting quickly and calmly can help protect your property, prevent accidents and keep you and your family safe.

1. Stay Calm and Put Safety First

When faced with an electrical emergency, your safety must always come first. Never try to repair or touch live electrical wiring, power points, or equipment. Step back from the hazard, stay calm, and make sure everyone nearby is out of danger.

If someone has suffered an electric shock, do not touch them until the power has been switched off at the main switchboard. Call 000 immediately for ambulance assistance. Once the area is safe, contact a licensed Melbourne emergency electrician like Bamford Electrical to attend and resolve the issue.

2. Turn Off the Power at the Switchboard

If it’s safe to do so, the first step in any electrical emergency is to cut the power at your main switchboard. This reduces the risk of fire, further damage or serious injury.

• Go to your main switchboard (usually located at the front or side of your property).

• Switch off the main switch to cut power to the entire property.

• If you know which area or appliance is affected, you may instead isolate that specific circuit breaker by switching it off.

⚠️ Before touching anything, always make sure the ground around the switchboard is dry and safe. If you’re unsure or it feels unsafe, step back and call a licensed emergency

electrician for immediate help.

3. Keep Away From the Hazard

In an electrical emergency, it’s crucial to stay clear of danger zones and prevent anyone else from getting close. Do not touch:

• Exposed or sparking electrical wires

• Wet switches, outlets or appliances

• Power points or fittings showing scorch marks, smoke, or a burning smell

Keep children, pets and others well away from the area until a licensed Melbourne emergency electrician has inspected the site and confirmed it is safe. Avoid trying to move or repair anything yourself, as this can make the situation far more dangerous.

4. Unplug Affected Appliances (If Safe)

If the electrical emergency is linked to a specific appliance, for example, a sparking toaster, tripping kettle or faulty heater. You should unplug it only after you’ve turned off the power at the main switchboard.

Removing the appliance from the circuit helps prevent further faults, damage or fire risk when power is restored. Once disconnected, leave the appliance aside until a licensed Electrician can safely test or replace it.

5. Fire Safety Precautions

If smoke or flames appear from an electrical source:

·  Never use water, water conducts electricity.

·  Only use a dry powder fire extinguisher if it is safe and you are trained.

·  If the fire is spreading, evacuate immediately and call 000!

6. Call a Licensed Electrician

Once the area is safe, call a qualified electrician. At Bamford Electrical, we are licensed and insured to work under AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring Rules and can provide an Electrical Certificate of Safety for all completed works.We offer fast, professional service across Melbourne to restore power and safety.

Common Electrical Emergencies in Melbourne Homes

Would you know what to do if an electrical fault happened in your home right now? Recognising the signs early can protect your family and property from serious danger. Some of the most common electrical emergencies in Melbourne households include:

• Power outages affecting only your property (while neighbours still have power)

• Safety switches or circuit breakers that trip repeatedly

• Burning smells, crackling or buzzing sounds from outlets or fittings

• Sparks, smoke or scorch marks around power points or switches

• Appliances that give a shock when touched

If you notice any of these warning signs, turn off power at the main switchboard and contact a licensed Melbourne emergency electrician such as Bamford Electrical straight away.

Stay Safe with Bamford Electrical

Electrical emergencies can strike without warning, and knowing what to do before a licensed electrician arrives is the key to keeping your family safe and minimising damage to your property.

At Bamford Electrical Pty Ltd, we provide fast, reliable emergency electrician services across Melbourne. If you ever experience sparks, outages, burning smells, or any other electrical emergency, call us immediately on 0424 745 063. Our qualified team will respond quickly, restore power safely and ensure all work is carried out to Australian Standards.

Don’t risk it... trust your local Melbourne emergency electrician to keep your home or business safe.