What to Do in an Electrical Emergency: A Step-by-Step Guide
Most electrical problems are minor, but a few are genuinely dangerous. Knowing the difference, and what to do in the first minute, can prevent injury and damage. Use this guide as a quick reference.
If there is fire or immediate danger
If there is a fire, or anyone has received a shock and is injured, call 999. Do not touch anyone who is still in contact with a live source. Switch the power off at the consumer unit if you can reach it safely, or use a non-conductive object such as a dry wooden broom handle to separate them.
Signs of an electrical emergency
- A burning smell, or smoke from a socket, switch or appliance
- Sparks, buzzing, crackling or sizzling sounds
- Scorch marks or melted plastic around sockets and plugs
- Sockets or switches that are hot to the touch
- A breaker that trips again immediately after resetting
- Water leaking onto or near electrical fittings
Step by step
- Stay calm and keep clear. Do not touch a damaged fitting or anything wet near it.
- Turn off the affected circuit. Switch off the individual breaker. If you are unsure which one, or there is water involved, switch off the main switch at the consumer unit. Make sure your hands are dry and you are standing on a dry surface.
- Unplug appliances only if it is safe. Never pull a plug out of a smoking or sparking socket.
- Do not use water on an electrical fire. Use a CO2 or dry powder extinguisher if you have one and the fire is small. Otherwise leave the building and call 999.
- Leave it off. Do not reset a breaker that tripped because of a burning smell or sparks until an electrician has inspected it.
- Call a qualified electrician. Describe what you saw, heard or smelled. It helps them arrive prepared.
What not to do
- Do not keep resetting a tripping breaker
- Do not touch exposed wires, even if the power seems to be off
- Do not try to repair wiring yourself
- Do not use a damaged socket or appliance "just for now"
Be prepared before it happens
Know where your consumer unit is and keep a torch nearby. Label your circuits so you can isolate the right one quickly, and test your RCD monthly using its test button. Keep our number to hand: 020 3411 2027.
Electrical emergencies do not keep office hours, and neither do we. If something does not feel right, call us on 020 3411 2027, day or night.
