Short answer: If someone is hurt, being shocked, or there’s fire or smoke, call 000 first. Don’t touch a person who’s still in contact with electricity. Switch off the power at the main switch if you can do it safely. Stay at least 8 metres (two car lengths) away from fallen powerlines and report them to Ausgrid on 13 13 88. For faults inside your home, such as burning smells, sparking or a safety switch that won’t reset, turn off the affected circuit and call a licensed electrician.
Electrical emergencies are rare, but when they happen you need to act quickly and in the right order. This guide gives you the steps for the most common situations, with official advice from Ausgrid and NSW agencies. It’s worth reading now, before you need it.
The three numbers to know
| Who | Number | When |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency services | 000 | Anyone injured, being shocked, unconscious, or fire or smoke |
| Ausgrid (Inner West electricity network) | 13 13 88 (24/7) | Fallen powerlines, street outages, shocks and tingles, supply faults |
| A licensed electrician | Your electrician | Faults inside your home: burning smells, sparking, tripping, damaged outlets |
Ausgrid’s emergency page says to call 000 in a life-threatening situation and report electrical faults and emergencies to Ausgrid on 13 13 88.
Someone is being electrocuted
- Don’t touch them if they may still be in contact with the electricity source. You could become part of the circuit.
- Switch off the power at the main switch if you can reach it safely.
- Call 000.
- Once the person is clear of the electrical source, start first aid if you’re trained, and follow the 000 operator’s instructions.
Even if someone seems fine after a shock, get medical advice. Electrical injuries aren’t always visible.
Fallen or damaged powerlines
- Stay at least 8 metres away, about two car lengths, as Ausgrid advises.
- Assume every fallen line is live, even if it isn’t sparking.
- Keep others and pets away.
- Call Ausgrid on 13 13 88, or 000 if there’s immediate danger.
- If a powerline falls on your car while you’re in it, stay inside if it’s safe to do so and call 000.
Shocks or tingles from taps, appliances or fittings
A tingle from a tap, shower, appliance or metal fixture isn’t normal. Ausgrid treats shocks and tingles as electrical emergencies. Its advice: don’t touch or re-test the location, keep everyone away, call 000 if anyone is in danger, and call Ausgrid on 13 13 88. A licensed electrician may also need to check your installation.
Smoke, sparks or a burning smell
- Smoke or flames: get everyone out, close doors behind you, and call 000. Don’t use water on an electrical fire.
- Burning smell or sparking with no fire: switch off the appliance or outlet if it’s safe, turn off the circuit or main switch, and call an electrician. See burning smell from a power point.
Water and electricity
Floods, burst pipes and roof leaks can bring water into contact with wiring.
- Don’t walk through water that may be in contact with power points, appliances or cords.
- If you can reach the switchboard without standing in water, switch off the main switch.
- Don’t use appliances that have been wet until a licensed electrician has checked them.
- After a storm or flood, have your installation checked before you turn the power back on.
Power out
- Whole street dark: it’s likely a network outage. Check Ausgrid’s outage information or call 13 13 88.
- Just your home, or part of it: check the switchboard for a tripped safety switch or breaker. See power out in part of the house.
- Lights dim or unusually bright, appliances acting strangely: this can be a neutral or supply fault. Switch off sensitive appliances and call Ausgrid.
Things that can wait until morning (and things that can’t)
Emergency call-outs cost more after hours, so it helps to know what’s genuinely urgent.
Call now:
- burning smell, scorching, sparking or smoke
- a shock or tingle
- exposed or damaged live wires
- water near wiring or the switchboard
- no power at all, if it’s not a street outage and someone relies on medical equipment, or there’s risk to food or safety
Usually OK until business hours, once made safe:
- one circuit off because of a faulty appliance you’ve unplugged
- a dead light fitting or power point with no heat or smell
- a safety switch tripping that stays on once you’ve unplugged the faulty appliance
If you’re unsure, call and describe what’s happening. A good electrician will tell you honestly whether it can wait. See our guide to electrician call-out fees.
Be prepared
- Know where your switchboard is, and make sure the main switch is easy to reach.
- Keep a torch near the switchboard.
- Test your safety switches regularly.
- Keep your smoke alarms working.
- Save 000, Ausgrid’s 13 13 88 and your electrician’s number in your phone.
Electrical emergency at home? Once it’s safe, call us. We handle emergency call-outs across the Inner West, including Marrickville, Ashfield, Croydon and Croydon Park. See our emergency electrician page, or call 0421 772 661.
Frequently asked questions
Who do I call for a fallen powerline in the Inner West?
Call Ausgrid on 13 13 88, or 000 if there’s immediate danger. Stay at least 8 metres away and keep others away.
Should I call Ausgrid or an electrician?
Call Ausgrid for problems on the network: street outages, fallen lines, and shocks or tingles. Call a licensed electrician for faults inside your home, such as tripping, burning smells or damaged outlets.
Is a tingle from a tap an emergency?
Yes. Ausgrid treats shocks and tingles as electrical emergencies. Don’t touch it again, keep people away, and call Ausgrid on 13 13 88, or 000 if anyone is hurt.
Can I turn the power back on after a flood?
Not until a licensed electrician has checked your installation and any wet appliances. Water can damage wiring and create shock risks.