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Emergency guide · Victoria · Electrician

Sparks, burning smell or a hot power point

What to do first when a power point sparks, smells like burning or feels hot, and why it needs an electrician.

Life in danger, fire, or someone hurt? Call 000 now. Then come back to this page.

Call 000

Before anything else

If there's smoke or flames, get everyone out, close doors behind you if it's safe, and call 000 - ask for FIRE.

What to do, in order

  1. Stop using the power point, switch or appliance involved.
  2. Don't touch or try to fix a loose, cracked or broken power point or switch - cover it and book a licensed electrician.
  3. Treat sparks from a switchboard, switch or power point as a sign the wiring may be faulty.
  4. Don't do any electrical work yourself - it is unsafe and illegal.

Who to call

  • Triple Zero (000) 000

    Smoke or fire - ask for FIRE and give your address.

When you need a electrician

Book a licensed (A-grade) electrician as soon as you see sparks, a damaged power point or switch, or flickering lights, and ask for a Certificate of Electrical Safety when the work is done. Renting? A dangerous electrical fault is a legally urgent repair: call your rental provider or agent on the emergency number you were given and confirm it in writing.

Once everyone is safe, find a electrician who can come today.

Tradie2U shows which tradies near you are free now, today or tomorrow, with their call-out fee upfront. You ask one, and they have a set time to answer. Free, no card. This guide is in the app too, with the right number for your street.

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Where this comes from

Reviewed by an A-grade electrician at True Line Electrical, one of the two trades who built Tradie2U, 28 September 2026.