Emergency Electrical Issues & Advice: What to Do When Things Go Wrong

Electrical emergencies can be frightening and dangerous. Knowing how to respond correctly can prevent injuries, save lives, and minimise damage to your property. This guide covers the most common electrical emergencies, what to do in each situation, and when you need to call for professional help immediately.

Recognising Electrical Emergencies

Some electrical situations require immediate action, while others are urgent but not immediately life-threatening. Understanding the difference helps you respond appropriately.

Situations Requiring Immediate Action (Call 999)

• Electrical fire – Visible flames or heavy smoke from electrical sources
• Serious electric shock – Someone unconscious, not breathing, or with burns
• Fallen power lines – Stay well clear (at least 10 metres) and call emergency services
• Electrical contact with water – Flooding affecting electrical installations
• Explosion or loud bang from electrical equipment

Urgent Situations (Call an Emergency Electrician)

• Burning smell from outlets or switches – Without visible fire
• Sparking from electrical equipment
• Complete loss of power – When neighbours have power
• Repeated electric shocks – Even mild tingles
• Exposed wiring – Damaged cables with visible conductors
• Hot or discoloured outlets
• Buzzing or crackling sounds from electrical panels

Our urgent electrical repair service provides rapid response to emergency situations.

What to Do: Burning Smell from Electrics

A burning smell from electrical equipment or outlets is a serious warning sign that should never be ignored.

Immediate Steps

1. Don't panic – Stay calm and act methodically
2. Identify the source – Try to locate where the smell is coming from
3. Turn off the power – Switch off at the consumer unit if safe to do so
4. Unplug the appliance – If a specific appliance is the source
5. Ventilate the area – Open windows to clear any fumes
6. Don't use the circuit/appliance – Until checked by an electrician
7. Call an electrician – For urgent inspection

Warning Signs to Watch For

• Plastic or rubber burning smell
• Fishy odour (can indicate overheating electrical components)
• Discolouration around outlets or switches
• Warm or hot faceplates

What to Do: Electric Shock

Electric shocks range from mild tingles to life-threatening injuries. The response depends on the severity.

If Someone Receives a Serious Shock

1. Don't touch them – They may still be in contact with the electrical source
2. Turn off the power – At the consumer unit or unplug the appliance if safe
3. Call 999 – If they're unconscious, not breathing, or have burns
4. If safe, separate them from the source – Using a non-conductive object (wooden broom handle, plastic chair)
5. Begin CPR if needed – If they're not breathing and you're trained
6. Treat for shock – Keep them warm and calm while waiting for help

For Minor Shocks

Even a mild electric shock should be taken seriously:

• Stop using the equipment or circuit that caused the shock
• Monitor for delayed symptoms (muscle pain, confusion, irregular heartbeat)
• Seek medical advice if symptoms develop
• Have the electrical source checked by an electrician before using again

What to Do: Complete Power Loss

Losing all power can be alarming, but the cause is often straightforward to identify.

Step-by-Step Response

1. Check if it's just your property – Look at neighbours' lights; if they're also out, it's likely a supply issue
2. Check your consumer unit – Look for tripped breakers or RCDs
3. Check your meter – Ensure you have credit if on a prepayment meter
4. Try resetting tripped breakers – Push firmly to OFF then back to ON

If It's a Supply Issue

Contact your Distribution Network Operator (DNO). You can find your DNO at energynetworks.org or call 105 (the national power cut number). They'll provide information on the outage and estimated restoration time.

If It's Your Installation

If your consumer unit looks normal but you still have no power, or if breakers won't stay on, you need an electrician. Our power cut response service can quickly diagnose and resolve the issue.

What to Do: Sparking Outlets or Switches

Occasional small sparks when plugging in appliances can be normal, but persistent or large sparks indicate a problem.

Normal vs Dangerous Sparking

Normal: A brief, small blue spark when plugging in – this is just the electrical connection being made.

Dangerous:

• Large, bright sparks
• Sparks that continue after plugging in
• Sparks accompanied by burning smell
• Sparks from the outlet itself (not the plug)
• Sparks with popping or buzzing sounds

What to Do

1. Stop using the outlet immediately
2. Turn off the circuit at the consumer unit
3. Don't attempt to investigate or repair yourself
4. Call an electrician for urgent inspection

What to Do: Electrical Fire

Electrical fires require specific handling – using the wrong approach can make things worse.

For Small Electrical Fires

1. Cut the power – If safe to reach the consumer unit
2. Use appropriate extinguisher – CO2 or dry powder extinguishers are safe for electrical fires
3. Smother small fires – A fire blanket can be effective if power is off
4. Call 999 – Even if you think you've extinguished it

For Larger Fires

1. Evacuate immediately – Get everyone out of the building
2. Call 999 – From outside the building
3. Don't re-enter – Wait for fire services
4. Close doors behind you – To slow fire spread

Preventing Electrical Emergencies

Many electrical emergencies can be prevented with proper maintenance and awareness.

Regular Checks

• Test RCDs monthly using the test button
• Check cables for damage regularly
• Don't overload sockets
• Replace damaged plugs and cables immediately
• Have an EICR every 10 years (5 for rentals)

Warning Signs to Watch For

• Frequent tripping breakers
• Flickering lights
• Buzzing sounds from outlets or switches
• Discoloured outlets or switch plates
• Burning or unusual smells
• Outlets or switches that feel warm

Our electrical fault finding service can identify and resolve issues before they become emergencies.

When to Call an Emergency Electrician

Call for emergency electrical assistance when:

• You smell burning from electrical sources
• You've lost power and can't restore it
• There's visible damage to wiring
• You're experiencing repeated shocks
• Outlets or switches are sparking, hot, or discoloured
• Your consumer unit is making unusual sounds
• You have water near electrical installations

Conclusion

Electrical emergencies require quick thinking and appropriate action. The key principles are: prioritise safety, cut the power when safe to do so, and call for professional help. Never attempt to repair electrical faults yourself, especially in emergency situations.

Keep emergency numbers accessible, know where your consumer unit is and how to operate it, and don't hesitate to call for help if you're unsure. It's always better to be cautious with electricity.