by Administrator0 commentsApril 7, 2025in Blog

Emergency Electrical Services: What to Do and Who to Call

Electrical emergencies can happen when you least expect them—during a weekend dinner, in the middle of the night, or right before a big work presentation. And while flickering lights might be annoying, some electrical problems can be downright dangerous. Fires, shocks, and power outages demand quick action—and that’s where J&B Electricals steps in with reliable, 24/7 emergency electrical services across Hervey Bay, Maryborough, and Bundaberg.

In this article, we’ll break down what qualifies as an electrical emergency, the steps you should take to stay safe, and exactly who to call when the lights go out—or worse.

What is an Electrical Emergency?

Not all electrical issues require immediate attention. However, some situations need a qualified electrician urgently to avoid property damage, injury, or even fatal consequences.

Common Electrical Emergencies Include:

  • Power outages affecting only your home

  • Burning smells or scorch marks on outlets or walls

  • Buzzing or humming from the switchboard

  • Electric shocks when touching appliances or outlets

  • Sparking wires or switchboards

  • Water exposure to electrical components (e.g., after a flood)

  • Tripped safety switches that won’t reset

  • Smoke or flames coming from outlets, appliances, or wiring

If you’re experiencing any of these, treat it as an emergency and act quickly—but safely.

Step-by-Step: What to Do During an Electrical Emergency

When it comes to electrical emergencies, your safety is the top priority. Here's what you should do immediately if something goes wrong:

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

It’s easy to panic when you see sparks or lose power unexpectedly. Take a moment to assess:

  • Is anyone hurt?

  • Can you locate the source of the issue (e.g., an appliance, outlet, or power line)?

  • Is there visible fire, smoke, or water?

Don’t try to investigate too closely—especially if the source is live or unknown.

2. Turn Off Power If Safe to Do So

If the problem is localized (like a sparking outlet or appliance), and you can safely access your switchboard, turn off the main power. This will help prevent further damage or fire.

⚠️ Never touch the switchboard if it’s smoking, wet, or visibly damaged. Leave the property immediately and call emergency services (000) if there's a fire risk.

3. Unplug Appliances and Devices

If the issue involves a specific appliance (e.g., your oven starts sparking or your air conditioner emits smoke), unplug it immediately—only if it’s safe.

This can help isolate the issue and prevent further electrical faults while you wait for the electrician to arrive.

4. Evacuate If There’s Fire or Smoke

If you see fire or smell strong burning from your switchboard, walls, or electrical outlets:

  • Evacuate the property

  • Call 000 (Fire & Emergency Services)

  • Stay clear of the structure until it’s safe

Then, once the immediate danger is resolved, contact J&B Electricals for a full inspection and repair.

5. Call a Licensed Emergency Electrician

Once everyone is safe, call a licensed, qualified electrician like J&B Electricals. We offer 24/7 emergency callouts throughout Hervey Bay, Maryborough, and Bundaberg. Whether it's 2 PM or 2 AM, we’ll be there promptly to resolve the issue and restore your power safely.

What NOT to Do in an Electrical Emergency

Sometimes good intentions can make a situation worse. During an electrical emergency, never:

  • Use water to put out an electrical fire (use a CO2 or dry chemical extinguisher)

  • Attempt DIY electrical repairs

  • Use wet hands to touch switches or outlets

  • Ignore unusual smells, buzzing, or heat coming from walls

  • Keep using power if water has entered your switchboard or wiring

These mistakes can turn a minor issue into a life-threatening hazard.

What Happens When You Call J&B Electricals for an Emergency?

At J&B Electricals, we’re committed to fast, responsive service and long-term solutions—even during an emergency. Here’s what to expect when you give us a call:

1. Immediate Phone Support

When you call us, we’ll ask a few quick questions to assess the situation:

  • What are the symptoms (sparks, no power, burning smell)?

  • Is anyone injured or at risk?

  • Are there visible hazards (fire, water exposure)?

  • Have you turned off the main power?

This helps us prioritize the urgency and arrive prepared.

2. Fast Dispatch

Our team is based locally in Hervey Bay, Maryborough, and Bundaberg, so we’re never far away. We aim to respond to all emergency calls as quickly as possible—often within the hour.

3. On-Site Safety Inspection

When we arrive, we’ll do a full safety inspection:

  • Switchboard checks

  • Outlet and wiring assessment

  • Appliance testing (if relevant)

  • Identification of short circuits, overloading, or water damage

We’ll isolate the issue immediately and make the area safe.

4. Temporary Repairs (if Needed)

If a full repair isn’t possible on the spot (due to parts or complexity), we’ll perform a temporary fix to make the premises safe until a follow-up repair can be scheduled. We’ll always explain your options clearly and provide a transparent quote.

5. Full Restoration and Compliance

Once the emergency is contained, we’ll get to work on any necessary repairs or upgrades—always compliant with the latest AS/NZS 3000 wiring standards and Queensland electrical regulations.

Why Electrical Emergencies Happen

Some emergencies are unpredictable, but many are caused by issues that build up over time. Common culprits include:

  • Old or degraded wiring

  • Overloaded circuits

  • Faulty appliances

  • Rodents chewing through cables

  • Moisture in switchboards or outlets

  • Storm damage or power surges

Regular inspections and proactive maintenance can help prevent many of these problems—something we always recommend once an emergency callout has been completed.

Tips to Prevent Electrical Emergencies

Prevention is always better than a late-night emergency. Here’s how to reduce your risk:

  • Schedule regular electrical inspections

  • Upgrade old fuse boxes to modern switchboards with RCDs

  • Avoid overloading power boards or outlets

  • Replace any frayed cords or outdated appliances

  • Keep water sources (sinks, taps, hoses) away from power points

  • Consider installing surge protection to safeguard against storm damage

Our team at J&B Electricals can advise you on upgrades or improvements to ensure your home or business stays safe year-round.

Why Choose J&B Electricals in an Emergency?

When electrical trouble strikes, you don’t want to gamble with your safety. You need an electrician who’s prompt, licensed, and trustworthy—and that’s where we come in.

✅ 24/7 Emergency Service

We’re available day or night, 365 days a year.

✅ Locally Based

Fast response times across Hervey Bay, Maryborough, and Bundaberg.

✅ Fully Licensed & Insured

Peace of mind with certified professionals who work to Australian standards.

✅ Honest, Transparent Pricing

No hidden fees—just fair quotes and expert service.

✅ Reliable Repairs

We don’t just patch the problem—we solve it for good.

Final Thoughts

Electrical emergencies are scary—but with the right help, they don’t have to become disasters. Whether it’s a sparking switchboard, a blackout in the middle of summer, or a suspicious burning smell in the walls, J&B Electricals is here for you.

Save our number now—you never know when you’ll need it:
📞 [Insert 24/7 Emergency Contact Number Here]

Or visit www.jandbelectricals.com.au to learn more about our emergency and general electrical services.

Remember: In an electrical emergency, don’t delay—call a professional. And if you're in Hervey Bay, Maryborough, or Bundaberg, you’ve already got a team nearby, ready to help.

Leave a Comment