Best Electricians Perth for Emergency Electrical Problems: What to Do Before Your Electrician Arrives

Electrical emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time. A burning smell near an outlet, sudden sparks, or a switchboard that keeps tripping can leave you wondering what to do next.

The safest first step is simple: don't try to fix the problem yourself.

In Western Australia, electrical work must be carried out by appropriately licensed people. The WA Government specifically warns that DIY electrical work can put you and your family at risk of electric shock or fire.

If you’re searching for the best electricians Perth has to offer during an emergency, knowing what to do before they arrive can help keep everyone safe.

What counts as an electrical emergency?

Not every electrical fault requires an immediate emergency call. However, some warning signs shouldn't be ignored.

Call a licensed electrician promptly if you notice:

A burning smell coming from an outlet, switch, or appliance
Sparks, arcing or visible electrical flashes
Exposed or damaged wiring
An electrical shock or tingling sensation from an appliance
Repeatedly tripping circuit breakers
One circuit repeatedly losing power
Smoke coming from an electrical fitting
Water coming into contact with electrical equipment
A switchboard making unusual buzzing, crackling or popping sounds

These symptoms can point to damaged wiring, overloaded circuits, faulty equipment or other electrical faults.

Hiddlestone Electrics provides 24/7 emergency electrical services, so Perth homeowners don't have to wait until normal business hours when an urgent fault occurs.

What should you do before your electrician arrives?

Your priority should always be people, not the electrical equipment.

If there is smoke, fire, exposed wiring, or a serious electrical fault, keep everyone away from the affected area. Don't touch damaged cables, outlets or appliances.

If it is safe to do so, switch off the power at the main switch. Don't approach the switchboard if it's wet, damaged, sparking or otherwise unsafe to access.

Never use water on an electrical fire.

If someone is experiencing an electrical shock, don't touch them while they're still in contact with the electrical source. If you can safely isolate the electricity, do so. Call emergency services when necessary.

The important thing is not to investigate the fault yourself. A licensed electrician can identify the cause and determine what needs to be repaired.

Why you shouldn't keep resetting a tripping breaker

A circuit breaker or safety switch that trips once may have responded to a temporary fault.

Repeated trips are different.

They can indicate a problem with an appliance, wiring, circuit loading, or another part of the electrical installation. Resetting the switch again and again doesn't solve the underlying problem.

Instead, note what happened before the trip. Did you switch on a particular appliance? Did you notice flickering lights? Was there a burning smell?

That information can help your electrician investigate the fault more efficiently.

Hiddlestone Electrics provides switchboard upgrades and RCD and safety-switch installations as part of its electrical services.

RCDs and safety switches: what should you know?

Residual Current Devices, commonly called RCDs or safety switches, help protect people from dangerous electrical faults.

WA requirements vary depending on the property and situation. For example, residential premises being sold, rented, offered for short-term rental, or hired must have at least two RCDs protecting specified final sub-circuits.

If you're unsure whether your home has suitable protection, don't open the switchboard yourself.

A licensed electrician can inspect the installation and explain whether an upgrade is appropriate.

Hiddlestone Electrics provides RCD and safety-switch installations, along with switchboard upgrades for residential and commercial properties.

When exposed wiring becomes an urgent problem

Exposed wiring shouldn't be treated as a minor DIY repair.

Damaged insulation can leave live electrical parts accessible. It can also increase the risk of electrical shock, short circuits, and fire.

Keep children and pets away from the area. Don't tape over the damage, move the cable or attempt to reconnect anything.

The safest approach is to leave the area undisturbed and contact a licensed electrician.

The WA Government confirms that electrical installation work must be carried out by appropriately licensed people. You can also use the state's online licence search to check an electrical contractor's credentials.

That's an important point when you're comparing the best electricians Perth residents can call during an emergency.

What about smoke alarms?

Smoke alarms aren't something to think about only after an electrical incident.

They form an important part of household fire safety, particularly where electrical faults could potentially lead to fire.

Hiddlestone Electrics provides smoke alarm installation alongside its wider electrical services. The business also handles LED upgrades and other electrical work for homes and businesses.

If an electrician is already inspecting your property after an electrical fault, it's worth asking whether your smoke alarms and other electrical safety measures should also be checked.

2026 update: solar and battery systems have new requirements

If your home has solar or a battery system, there are important 2026 changes to know about.

From 1 May 2026, new or upgraded solar PV and battery systems on Western Australia's South West Interconnected System must support updated grid requirements. Systems up to 30 kVA can be installed under the new framework, subject to the relevant requirements.

New and upgraded systems must also support remote disconnection and reconnection by the electricity retailer, or meet the alternative export limitation requirements. Inverters must comply with AS/NZS 4777.2:2020.

There was another important standards update in 2026. WA Building and Energy advised that revised requirements for battery systems and cable selection entered a transition period, with electrical licence holders required to comply fully with the updated standards from 19 June 2026.

So, if an electrical emergency involves your solar, battery or related equipment, don't attempt a reset or repair unless the manufacturer's instructions specifically allow a safe user action.

Get qualified help instead.

How do you choose the best electricians Perth homeowners can rely on?

When you're dealing with an emergency, speed matters. Safety matters even more.

Look for an electrician who:

Holds the appropriate WA electrical licence
Provides emergency services when you need them
Has experience with residential electrical faults
Can inspect switchboards and RCDs
Understands current WA electrical requirements
Can explain the problem clearly
Provides appropriate documentation after electrical work

The WA Government states that licensed electrical contractors must employ licensed electricians to carry out electrical work. Contractors also have licence numbers beginning with “EC”, while electrician licence numbers begin with “EW”.

For electrical installation work covered by the requirements, your contractor should also provide the appropriate Electrical Safety Certificate. WA guidance says this must generally be provided within 28 days of completing applicable installation work.

These checks can help you make a more informed choice when looking for the best electricians Perth homeowners can trust.

Local emergency electrical help across Perth

Electrical problems can affect any type of property, from an older character home to a modern apartment or commercial building.

Hiddlestone Electrics is based in Subiaco and provides electrical services across Daglish, Floreat, Highgate, Leederville, Maylands, Mount Claremont, Mount Lawley, Perth, Shenton Park, Subiaco, Wembley and West Perth.

The business has operated as a Western Australian family-owned electrical contractor since 1920. Its services cover residential, commercial and industrial electrical work, including emergency electrical services, switchboard upgrades, RCD and safety-switch installations, smoke alarms and LED upgrades.

Its Subiaco location also has a retail outlet, Hiddlestone Hub, offering lighting products including lamps, chandeliers and cloth-covered cables. These products can be rewired or restored to meet Australian compliance requirements where appropriate.

That local experience matters when you need the best electricians Perth has available for an urgent problem.

FAQs

What should I do if I smell burning near an electrical outlet?

Stop using the outlet and keep people away from the area. If it is safe, isolate the power and contact a licensed electrician. Don't remove the outlet cover or investigate the wiring yourself.

Should I keep resetting a circuit breaker that keeps tripping?

No. Repeated trips can indicate an underlying electrical fault. Stop repeatedly resetting the breaker and have the circuit inspected by a licensed electrician.

Can I repair exposed electrical wiring myself?

No. WA electrical work must be carried out by appropriately licensed people. DIY repairs can create serious shock and fire risks.

When should I call the best electricians Perth has to offer?

Call promptly when you have sparks, exposed wiring, burning smells, electrical shocks, repeated breaker trips, or other potentially dangerous electrical faults. For immediate danger, contact emergency services as appropriate.

Do new 2026 solar requirements affect existing systems?

The new WA requirements apply to solar and battery systems installed or upgraded from 1 May 2026. Systems installed before that date aren't affected unless they are upgraded.

Does Hiddlestone Electrics provide emergency electrical services?

Yes. Hiddlestone Electrics states that it provides 24/7 emergency electrical services, along with switchboard upgrades, RCD and safety-switch installations, smoke alarms and other electrical services.

Need an Electrician in Perth?

Electrical emergencies aren't the time to experiment with a DIY fix.

If you notice sparks, burning smells, exposed wiring, repeated breaker trips or another potentially dangerous fault, keep clear and get professional help.

Hiddlestone Electrics has served Western Australian customers since 1920 and provides 24/7 emergency electrical services from its Subiaco base.

Whether you're in Daglish, Floreat, Highgate, Leederville, Maylands, Mount Claremont, Mount Lawley, Perth, Shenton Park, Subiaco, Wembley or West Perth, our licensed team can help with urgent electrical problems and ongoing safety needs.

Need emergency electrical assistance? Contact Hiddlestone Electrics today on (08) 9381 1918 or use the after-hours contact listed on our website.

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