Electrical emergencies are rare in well-maintained homes — but when they happen, the first 60 seconds determine whether it stays a minor fault or becomes a serious incident. Here's what every Melbourne homeowner should know, written from the perspective of the electricians who attend these callouts.
Step 1: Identify the Main Switch Every home has a main switch (or main breaker) in the switchboard, usually labelled "MAIN" or "MS." It's the largest switch in the panel. Know where it is and make sure every adult in the household can reach it in the dark. In an emergency, turning off the main switch cuts all power to the house and eliminates the risk of electric shock or fire spread.
Step 2: If You Smell Burning at the Switchboard This is the most common emergency we attend. That hot, acrid smell usually means a loose connection in the meter box or a failing circuit breaker. Don't touch the switchboard with wet hands. If it's safe to do so, turn off the main switch from the side (not reaching across the front of the panel). Then call us — we carry thermal imaging cameras and can identify the exact hot spot within minutes of arriving.
Step 3: If a Power Point or Appliance Is Sparking Unplug the appliance immediately if you can do so safely. If the sparking is coming from the power point itself (not the plug), don't touch the faceplate — turn off the circuit at the switchboard instead. Mark the power point as faulty with tape so nobody uses it before we arrive.
Step 4: If Someone Receives an Electric Shock Do not touch the person if they're still in contact with the electrical source. Turn off the power at the main switch first. Then call 000 for an ambulance. Even a mild shock can cause internal injuries that aren't immediately apparent — always seek medical attention after any electrical contact.
Step 5: After a Storm or Flood If water has entered your home and reached any electrical fittings, do not enter the affected area. Water conducts electricity and energised water is invisible — you won't see or feel it until it's too late. Turn off the main switch from outside the flooded zone if possible, and wait for a licensed electrician to inspect and test before restoring power.
Step 6: Smoke Alarms and RCDs Your smoke alarms should be tested monthly and replaced every 10 years. Your RCDs (safety switches) should be tested quarterly by pressing the "T" or "Test" button. If an RCD won't trip when tested, it's faulty and needs replacing — this is one of the most common safety issues we find in Melbourne homes.
ElecPlan offers 24/7 emergency callouts across Melbourne's eastern and south-eastern suburbs. Our emergency response time is typically under 60 minutes, and every van carries a full range of circuit breakers, RCDs, and switchboard components to fix most faults on the spot.