An electrical emergency is any fault, damage, or warning sign that creates an immediate risk of fire, electric shock, or property damage. Call an emergency electrician immediately if you experience exposed wiring, burning smells from outlets or switchboards, sparking power points, water contact with electrical systems, or repeated circuit breaker trips.
If you smell burning or see smoke, turn the power off at the main switch (only if it is safe to do so) and call 000 immediately. For all other electrical emergencies in Melbourne, call Innovative Electrics on 0421 856 327. Our REC-licensed electricians respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
This guide covers the 7 most common electrical emergencies, the right action to take in each one, and what to expect when the electrician arrives.
The 7 Most Common Electrical Emergencies in Melbourne
1. Sudden Power Outage Not Caused by the Grid
If your property loses power and the rest of the street still has electricity, the fault is on your side of the meter. Causes include faulty wiring, an overloaded circuit, a tripped main switch, or a failed switchboard component.
What to do: Check the main switch and individual RCDs at the switchboard. If a circuit will not stay on, do not reset it repeatedly. Call an emergency electrician.
2. Exposed or Damaged Wiring
Damaged cable insulation, wires pulled out of fittings, or rodent damage in roof spaces can lead to electric shock, short circuits, or fire.
What to do: Do not touch any exposed wires. Switch off power to that circuit at the switchboard. Keep children and pets away from the area. Call an emergency electrician to repair or replace the affected wiring.
3. Burning Smell or Scorch Marks Near Outlets
A burning smell, melted plastic, or dark scorch marks around a power point, switch, or switchboard means there is overheating or electrical arcing inside the fitting. This is a serious fire hazard.
What to do: Switch off the affected circuit at the switchboard. If you can smell burning but cannot see the source, switch off the main and call 000 if you suspect a fire. Then call an emergency electrician.
4. Sparks, Crackling, or Buzzing from Outlets
Sparks when plugging in an appliance, persistent buzzing, or crackling sounds from a switch indicates loose wiring, a failed contact, or an overloaded circuit.
What to do: Unplug the appliance, switch off the outlet at the switchboard, and stop using the circuit. Call an emergency electrician for inspection.
5. Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips
Circuit breakers protect your system by cutting power when there is an overload or fault. A breaker that trips repeatedly, immediately on reset, or for no clear reason indicates a deeper issue such as a faulty appliance, damaged wiring, or earth leakage.
What to do: Stop resetting the breaker. Identify which circuit is involved and unplug appliances on it. Call an emergency electrician to investigate.
6. Water Contact with Electrical Systems
Roof leaks, burst pipes, flooding, or storm water around a switchboard, light fitting, or power point creates a serious electrocution risk and can damage wiring.
What to do: Do not touch any electrical fitting. Switch off the main if it is safe and dry to do so. Evacuate the wet area. Call an emergency electrician immediately.
7. Malfunctioning or Outdated Switchboard
Ceramic fuses, no RCD protection, buzzing or hot switches, and visible burn marks on the switchboard all indicate the unit needs urgent inspection. Older switchboards in Melbourne homes built before the late 1990s often lack modern safety devices.
What to do: Avoid using high-load appliances. Do not attempt to replace fuses or work on the board. Call a licensed electrician for inspection or replacement.
What to Do Before the Electrician Arrives
If you have an active electrical emergency, take the following steps in order:
- Assess immediate danger. If you see flames, smoke, or someone has been shocked, call 000 first.
- Switch off the power. If it is safe to do so, turn off the main switch at the switchboard. Do not touch the switchboard if it is wet or damaged.
- Clear the area. Move people and pets away from any exposed wiring, damaged fittings, or water-affected zones.
- Unplug appliances on the affected circuit. This reduces load and prevents further damage when power is restored.
- Do not attempt DIY repairs. Working on a live or damaged circuit without a licence is illegal in Victoria and dangerous.
- Call Innovative Electrics on 0421 856 327. Have your address, a description of the fault, and any visible damage ready to relay.
Emergency Electrician Melbourne: Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as an electrical emergency?
An electrical emergency is any situation that creates an immediate risk of fire, electric shock, or significant property damage. This includes exposed wiring, burning smells, sparks from outlets, water contact with electrical systems, repeated circuit breaker trips, and switchboard faults.
How quickly can an emergency electrician arrive in Melbourne?
Response times for an emergency electrician in Melbourne typically range from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the time of day, suburb, and current job volume. Innovative Electrics services all of Greater Melbourne 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Is an emergency call-out more expensive than a standard appointment?
Yes. Emergency call-outs outside standard business hours include a higher call-out fee and after-hours labour rates. Pricing is provided upfront before any work begins.
What should I do if I smell burning from a power point?
Switch off the affected circuit at the switchboard. If the smell persists or you see smoke, switch off the main and call 000. Do not use the outlet, do not plug anything in, and do not attempt to remove the faceplate. Call a licensed electrician for inspection.
Can I reset a tripping circuit breaker myself?
Resetting a breaker once after a known cause (such as an overloaded outlet or a faulty appliance) is fine. A breaker that trips repeatedly, immediately, or for no clear reason indicates a fault. Stop resetting and call an electrician.
What if water gets near my switchboard?
Do not touch the switchboard or any electrical fitting. Turn off the main switch only if you can do so safely and from a dry position. If you cannot reach the main safely, leave the property and call an emergency electrician.
Is it illegal to do my own emergency electrical repairs in Victoria?
Yes. All prescribed electrical work in Victoria must be performed by a licensed electrician and certified with a Certificate of Electrical Safety. Unlicensed electrical work is illegal under the Electricity Safety Act 1998 and voids most building and contents insurance.