5 Common Electrical Emergencies and How to Handle Them

Electricity powers our daily lives, but when something goes wrong, it can turn dangerous quickly. Electrical emergencies aren’t just inconvenient − they can pose serious risks to your safety and property.

Knowing how to handle these situations calmly and effectively is key. From sudden power outages to sparking outlets, each type of emergency requires a different approach.

In this blog, we’ll look at five of the most common electrical emergencies and offer simple, actionable steps to handle each one. Whether it’s a burning smell from an outlet or a circuit breaker that keeps tripping, these tips will help you stay safe and reduce potential damage.

Remember, while some issues can be managed temporarily, knowing when to call a professional electrician is essential to keeping your home and family safe.

1. Power Outages: What To Do When the Lights Go Out

When the lights go out unexpectedly, it’s essential to stay calm and follow a few quick steps to assess the situation. Power outages can happen due to various reasons, from severe weather to local grid issues or blown fuses.

Here’s what to do when you’re suddenly in the dark:

• Check other rooms: See if the outage affects just one area or the whole house. If it’s isolated, you may have a tripped circuit breaker.
• Inspect the circuit breaker: Locate your electrical panel and look for any tripped switches. If you find one, switch it back on carefully.
• Look outside: If streetlights or neighbouring homes are also dark, the outage is likely widespread.
• Report the outage: Contact your utility company to report the issue and get updates on the expected restoration time.
• Prepare for extended outages: Use flashlights instead of candles for safety, and keep the refrigerator closed to preserve food.

Staying prepared and following these steps can make power outages easier to handle while keeping everyone safe.

2. Electrical Shocks: When to Seek Help

Experiencing or witnessing an electrical shock can be alarming, and knowing how to respond is essential for everyone’s safety. Electrical shocks happen when a person comes into direct contact with a live electrical source.

Even minor shocks can lead to muscle spasms, burns or even serious heart issues in severe cases. If someone nearby receives a shock, the first step is to avoid touching them directly, as the electricity may still be flowing. Instead, turn off the power source immediately by switching off the breaker or unplugging the device if it’s safe to do so.

Once the power is off, assess the person’s condition. If they’re conscious and only lightly injured, encourage them to seek medical advice. However, if they’re unconscious or experiencing symptoms like irregular heartbeat, breathing difficulties or burns, call emergency medical services (000) right away.

RCD (residual current device) safety switches should protect people from electrical shocks. However, not all electrical systems feature RCD safety switches (regulations require safety switches to be installed in all new homes).

For all electrical shocks, it’s crucial to have a licensed electrician inspect the situation before using the outlet or appliance again. Electrical shocks are serious, and professional help is key to preventing future incidents.

3. Smoke from Outlets or Appliances

If you ever detect a burning smell or see smoke coming from an outlet or appliance, it’s a serious warning sign of a potential electrical fire. Here’s what to do immediately to ensure safety:

1. Turn off power: Locate your electrical switchboard and switch off the power to the affected area right away to stop any electricity flow.
2. Unplug appliances: If it’s safe to do so, carefully unplug the appliance or device that’s emitting smoke or a burning smell. Avoid touching anything that feels hot.
3. Check for visible damage: Look for signs like scorch marks on outlets, frayed cords, exposed wires or melted insulation. These can indicate overheating or faulty wiring.
4. Ventilate the area: Open windows and doors to clear out any lingering smoke and reduce the risk of inhaling fumes.
5. Call an electrician: Reach out to a licensed professional to inspect the outlet or appliance before using it again. They can identify and fix any underlying issues.

Burning smells and smoke are not to be ignored; prompt action can prevent larger hazards and ensure your home stays safe.

4. Sparking or Arcing from Electrical Outlets

If you notice sparking or arcing from a powerpoint, it’s a clear sign that something isn’t right. Sparking occurs when electricity jumps between connections, which can happen if wiring is loose, an outlet is worn, or a plug is damaged.

While a brief spark might seem harmless, consistent sparking or visible arcing (a more intense discharge that can produce a blue glow) signals a significant issue that should be addressed immediately.

If an outlet starts sparking, turn off the power to that area using the circuit breaker to avoid any further risk. Don’t attempt to use that outlet or plug anything into it until a licensed electrician has checked it out.

Sparking electrical outlets can lead to dangerous electrical fires, and tampering with them without professional expertise can increase the risk. Often, sparking issues come from outdated wiring or overloaded circuits, and fixing the problem may involve rewiring or replacing old outlets.

Addressing sparking early on helps maintain a safe home environment, preventing potential electrical hazards before they escalate.

5. Frequent Circuit Breaker Tripping

When your circuit breaker keeps tripping, it’s not just an annoyance − it’s a safety feature protecting your home from potential electrical hazards.

Here’s what to do if you experience frequent tripping:

• Identify the cause: Overloaded circuits, short circuits, or ground faults can cause breakers to trip. If a particular appliance triggers the breaker, it may be overloading the circuit.
• Turn off and unplug: Start by switching off and unplugging devices connected to the affected circuit. This can help you pinpoint if a single appliance is causing the issue.
• Reset the breaker: After unplugging devices, reset the breaker by flipping the switch fully to the “off” position, then back to “on”. This should restore power − temporarily, if there’s an ongoing problem.
• Avoid overloading: Spread out high-power devices like heaters or microwaves across different circuits to prevent overloading.
• Consult an electrician: If tripping continues, call a licensed electrician to inspect your wiring. Frequent tripping could indicate a deeper issue, like outdated wiring or a malfunctioning breaker.

Regular tripping is often a sign that your electrical system needs professional attention to keep everything running safely and smoothly.

Safety is the Top Priority

Electrical emergencies can be unexpected and stressful, but knowing how to handle them can make all the difference in keeping your home and loved ones safe.

From power outages to the scary smell of burning wires, understanding these common issues and taking the right steps is key. Remember, while some problems can be temporarily managed by turning off breakers or unplugging appliances, many situations require professional help. Don’t hesitate to contact an electrician if you experience repeated issues, notice visible damage or feel unsure about an electrical issue.

By staying alert and acting quickly, you can prevent minor problems from turning into serious hazards. Keep safety a top priority, and don’t take unnecessary risks with electricity − it’s always worth investing in proper help when you need it.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.