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24/7 Electricians
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24/7 Electricians
Electricity powers our daily lives, from lighting and heating at home to machinery and security systems on the worksite. But what about when something goes wrong? A sudden fault can have severe after-effects, leading to fire damage, equipment loss, serious injury, or even death.
Often, electrical emergencies aren’t obvious until they escalate into a dangerous situation. Below, we’ll touch on how to recognise hazards, when to take immediate action, and finally, who to contact for urgent assistance!
In general, an ‘electrical emergency’ is an instance where a fault, hazard, or failure presents a clear threat to safety or property.
Although not every electrical issue demands a rapid response, the vast majority of situations we’ve listed below certainly will. If you’re dealing with any of these, call 000 straight away or get in touch with our experienced emergency electricians in Melbourne.
Power outages: A total loss of electricity may result from a local fault, but sudden blackouts at a single property could point to serious internal wiring issues.
Electrical fires: Any signs of flames or smouldering materials from wiring, outlets, or appliances are an immediate danger. Fires may start behind walls and spread quickly, so early detection and evacuation are vital.
Flickering or dimming lights: Persistent fluctuations often signal overloaded circuits, loose wiring, or failing components.
Burning smells or smoke: Plastic or electrical insulation burning from an outlet, switch, or appliance indicates arcing or overloaded wires. Electrical fires can spread rapidly if not addressed.
Sparks or arcing: Visible sparks from outlets, cords, or appliances reveal live wires and immediate risk of fire or shock.
Water exposure: Electrical equipment in contact with water, either from flooding or leaks, creates a high risk of shock or short circuits. Never touch wet appliances or outlets.
Electric shocks: Repeated zaps from appliances or switches suggest faulty wiring or grounding problems.
Buzzing or humming noises: Electrical outlets making unusual sounds usually indicate loose connections, which can ignite surrounding materials.
When you need genuine 24/7 electricians in Burwood, Prahran, Sunshine, or the Melbourne CBD, we’re available day in, day out. Call now for any urgent issues!
Safety is the number one priority when an electrical fault occurs, and taking the right steps can undeniably help to prevent injury and limit damage. Please note that the following information is only general advice, and how you react will ultimately depend on the unique circumstances of your situation.
If, and only if it’s safe to approach, turn off or unplug malfunctioning devices. Always avoid touching anything that’s exposed, including cords or appliances that appear to be damaged. Creating a safe zone around the hazard may reduce the risk of electrocution and prevent fire from spreading. Of course, if you’re not comfortable or simply get the feeling it’s too hazardous, steer clear and wait for emergency assistance.
In the case of smoke, flames, or any sort of unusual electrical activity, immediately evacuate the area. Leave the building and move to a safe distance. Do not attempt to fight an electrical fire yourself. This is not only due to the inherent safety risks, but also because traditional water-based methods can worsen the situation. Calling the fire service from outside the building is essential, then waiting for professional assistance without putting anyone at risk.
Again, this next step should only be taken if it’s safe to do so, and if you’re unsure (even in the slightest), play it safe and wait for it to be handled by licensed emergency electricians. In some circumstances, however, it may be viable to shut down electricity at the main circuit breaker or switchboard. Doing so stops electricity flow and reduces the risk of electrocution or further damage. In larger properties, accessing the main switch may require assistance, but it remains one of the most effective measures to protect occupants and property.
Never approach areas where sparks have appeared or anywhere with exposed wiring. Always maintain a safe distance and keep others well away. This is because live wires transmit deadly voltage, even if they appear inactive. Contact with metal objects, water, or conductive surfaces connected to these wires only increases the danger further, so be sure to stay well clear.
If immediate hazards are secured, the next step is to contact a licensed emergency electrician. At Day & Night Electrical, our lines are open 24/7, and we have mobile technicians ready to respond within a quick turnaround.
Our technicians have the necessary skills, training, and equipment to allocate faults, stabilise the electrical system, and repair/replace any damaged components in a way that complies with both industry regulations and Australian safety standards.
Do not re-enter the building or switch electricity back on until the electricians have given you the all clear and verified that it is safe to do so. Returning prematurely only puts you at risk, opening the door to injury or aggravating the fault. Remember, even seemingly minor issues may have underlying dangers hidden within walls or circuits.
Different types of emergencies require tailored responses.
Electrical fires often start behind walls, making early detection difficult. The first sign may be the smell of burning insulation or plastic. Outlets, switches, and appliances may become hot, emit sparks, or produce buzzing noises.
If a fire is detected:
Electrical fires usually occur when you have faulty wiring, outdated switchboards, or overloaded circuits. Leaving appliances on for extended periods or exposing them to moisture will also increase the risk, so be wary of these too!
Blackouts are common, particularly during storms, but individual property outages often point to internal electrical faults.
To diagnose a local issue:
Contact an emergency electrician to repair the faulty circuit and restore safe operation.
Fallen powerlines are extremely hazardous and should never be touched. Always maintain a distance of at least 8–10 metres. Vehicles, fences, or water near fallen lines also pose danger.
Treat all fallen lines as live until professionals confirm they are safe.
Repeated shocks from appliances or switches signal serious internal wiring faults. Do not attempt repairs yourself. Turn off power if possible and contact an electrician. Electrocution can occur without direct contact if electricity travels through conductive surfaces.
Water naturally conducts electricity, making floods a serious electrical hazard. Avoid contact with electrical equipment in flooded areas. Professional electricians can inspect and repair circuits and appliances affected by water. Guidance from Energy Safe Victoria highlights precautions for electricity, gas, and LPG during floods.
While some emergencies arise unexpectedly, proactive measures are the best way to reduce risk:
Regular Inspections: Schedule thorough inspections every 5–10 years. Professionals can detect hidden wiring issues and deteriorating components before they escalate.
Early Warning Awareness: Monitor flickering lights, tripped breakers, unusual smells, or sparking outlets. Report these to a licensed electrician immediately.
Electrical Repairs: Replace old switchboards, wiring, and appliances showing signs of rust, cracks, or wear. Faulty components increase fire and shock hazards.
Schedule professional electrical repairs in Melbourne to replace worn or faulty components and ensure your home stays safe.
Smoke Alarm Checks: Every property owner should be organising regular inspections for their smoke alarms, especially if they’re a landlord leasing it out to tenants (this is a legal requirement too).
Avoiding Overloads: Limit the number of devices on a single circuit or outlet. Overloaded circuits produce heat and sparks.
Licensed Work Only: All installations, repairs, and rewiring should be performed by licensed electricians with certificates of electrical safety. DIY electrical work introduces hidden risks and violates safety regulations.
Switchboard Upgrades and Safety Switches: Outdated switchboards or fault switches are only inviting danger, so don’t hesitate to give us a call and get your electrical systems checked!
When the situation is urgent, Day & Night is your go-to team for urgent 24-hour assistance across the city of Melbourne. We have experienced technicians ready to respond to fires, outages, shocks, and all types of emergency faults.
You can expect:
Our lines are always open, so don’t hesitate to give us a call straight away
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