Not every electrical issue needs urgent attention, but some situations just can’t wait. If you’re dealing with strange smells, flickering lights or sudden power loss, it could be more than a nuisance, it could be an electrical emergency.
Knowing when to call an electrical emergency service can protect your home and your safety. Here are the top signs you need to pick up the phone and call a licensed emergency electrician in Melbourne.
1. Power Outages Without Warning
If your power cuts out and the rest of the street still has electricity, the issue may be inside your home. It could be a fault in your switchboard, wiring or connection to the grid. Don’t try to investigate yourself. Call your energy provider first, then reach out to an electrician if it’s a localised issue.
If the outage causes disruption to work or heating/cooling systems, it’s even more important to get it fixed promptly. Power cuts at odd hours can also indicate a serious underlying problem.
Frequent outages might also mean your property isn’t keeping up with demand, which can lead to bigger problems over time. An electrical assessment may be required to address this long term.
2. Burning Smells or Sparks
A burning smell or sparks coming from power points, appliances or your switchboard are major red flags. It could mean overheating wires or a risk of electrical fire. Shut off power at the main switch and call an emergency electrician immediately.
The smell might be faint or sudden. If it resembles burning plastic or melting insulation, take action right away.
Even a small scorch mark near a socket could signal deeper problems in your walls or ceiling.
3. Water and Electricity Have Mixed
Flooding, burst pipes or water leaking into electrical fixtures can be extremely dangerous. If you notice water pooling near outlets or suspect moisture in your fuse box, step away and call for help.
Never attempt to dry out the area or check it yourself. Water intrusion can lead to short circuits, equipment damage or electrocution.
Make sure you also get your system re-tested after any water event to ensure it’s still safe.
4. Repeated Circuit Breaker Trips
If your circuit breakers keep tripping, especially after being reset, there could be an underlying fault in your wiring or overloaded circuits. This is more than a nuisance, it’s often a sign of a serious electrical issue.
Regular trips may also indicate that your smart home electrical system isn’t configured correctly. Either way, it needs professional attention.
You might also notice appliances losing power or flickering just before a trip. These subtle cues often point to a fault building up in the system.
Don’t assume this is something you have to live with, it can be a sign of more dangerous failures to come.
5. Flickering or Dimming Lights
Lights that dim or flicker for no clear reason may be warning signs of voltage fluctuations or loose wiring. This could affect your appliances or become a fire risk over time. Don’t ignore it.
This issue is especially risky in older homes or properties with outdated electrical infrastructure. Call an expert to inspect and stabilise the power supply.
They may also uncover other problems, like aged switchboards or improperly grounded wires.
6. Shock or Tingling from Appliances
If you feel a zap, shock or tingling when touching appliances or switches, stop using them and contact a professional industrial electrician or emergency domestic electrician. This often indicates faulty grounding or insulation.
Left unchecked, these shocks can escalate to severe injuries. Always treat this as an urgent problem.
Even a mild shock from a tap or pipe could indicate a serious earthing fault that affects your entire home.
7. You Smell Gas and Can’t Identify the Source
Some gas leaks may be connected to electrical faults, especially if you’ve recently had renovations done. If you’re unsure where the smell is coming from and suspect a mix of electrical and gas issues, leave the house and call emergency services, followed by an electrician.
Gas and electricity don’t mix. Any uncertainty here requires immediate evacuation and help.
Regular inspections after renovations can help prevent these issues in future.
8. Sudden Loss of Hot Water
If your hot water system fails and you’re using an electric unit, it could be more than a mechanical problem. Sudden failure may point to a wiring issue, blown fuse or fault in the electrical connection. This becomes especially urgent in cold weather or in homes with vulnerable residents.
Get this checked promptly to avoid further complications or health risks in winter.
9. Alarms Triggering Without Cause
If your smoke alarms, carbon monoxide sensors or security alarms go off repeatedly with no visible issue, faulty wiring could be the cause. This is especially likely in integrated systems or older properties.
These issues can also drain your batteries faster or cause parts of the system to fail without warning.
An emergency electrician can test your setup and resolve the fault safely.
When in Doubt, Call for Help
Still unsure when to call an electrical emergency service? If something feels off or unsafe, it’s better to get it checked. Don’t wait until business hours if the issue is urgent. Many electricians offer 24/7 service, including J3T Electrical.
We can also help you prevent emergencies with regular inspections. Learn more by checking our guide on electrical inspections and how to stay ahead of issues before they escalate.
If you’ve recently renovated or installed a new system, we recommend an inspection within the first 12 months.
Call the Right Team for the Job
J3T Electrical provides fast, professional support across Melbourne, including after-hours service. Whether you’re dealing with a fault or just need peace of mind, we’re here to help.
Keep our electrical emergency number handy and reach out anytime. We also offer ongoing electrical services for residential properties to keep your systems safe and running smoothly.
We’ll always prioritise your safety and give you honest advice about next steps. We can also help you learn more about electrical inspections and safety.
Don’t risk it. Call J3T for trusted emergency help, day or night.