Emergency Electrician: When to Call and What to Expect

Most electrical issues are inconvenient rather than urgent. But some situations genuinely can’t wait — and knowing the difference could prevent a dangerous situation from becoming a disaster.

Genuine Electrical Emergencies

Call an emergency electrician immediately for any of the following:

• Burning smell or visible scorch marks near power points, the switchboard, or light fittings. This indicates overheating and a potential fire risk.
• Sparking or arcing from any outlet, switch, or fitting.
• Complete power loss that isn’t attributable to a network outage (your neighbours have power but you don’t).
• Water ingress into electrical fittings — after a burst pipe, storm damage, or flooding. Do not attempt to use any electrical circuits until they have been inspected.
• Electric shock received from an appliance or fitting. Even a mild shock indicates a fault that must be investigated.
• Safety switch that won’t stay reset — indicating an active earth fault on a circuit.

Not Quite an Emergency (But Book Soon)

A tripping circuit breaker that resets and stays on is generally not an emergency — but it should be investigated within a few days. A single non-working power point, a flickering light, or a faulty exhaust fan can usually wait for a standard booking. When in doubt, call — a reputable electrician will help you assess urgency over the phone.

What to Do While You Wait

If you suspect a fault: switch off the affected circuit at the switchboard if it’s safe to do so. Don’t use the affected outlet, switch, or fitting. If you smell burning or see smoke, evacuate the building and call 000. Do not attempt to investigate or repair electrical faults yourself.

What Does After-Hours Service Cost?

Emergency and after-hours call-outs typically carry a higher rate than standard daytime work. Expect a call-out fee plus an hourly rate, with weekend and public holiday rates higher still. A reputable electrician will be transparent about pricing before they come out.

Leenderts Electrical provides emergency electrical service across Sydney’s North Shore. Call 0407 743 963 — we’re here when you need us.