Keep clear of the affected area.
Move people away from exposed wires, smoke, burning smells, sparking, wet fittings or damaged electrical equipment.
Electrical fault guide
Electric Shock From Outlet
If someone is receiving an electric shock, call Triple Zero (000) and do not touch them while they may be in contact with electricity. Keep clear and follow the operator's instructions. Even a small shock or tingle needs medical advice and immediate reporting to your electricity distributor.
NSW Licence 398937C
Open 24/7 for urgent electrical fault calls
Fault finding and testing
Photos help planned quotes
When to call first
Treat an active or unsafe fault as a phone-first job.
If the issue is happening now, feels unsafe or involves heat, smoke, sparking, shock risk, water damage or power loss, call first so the risk can be triaged. For planned inspection or repair, send photos and job details through the quote form.
Do not touch damaged, wet or live equipment.
Avoid switchboards, outlets, appliances, service equipment and fittings that look damaged, wet, hot or unsafe.
Call emergency services first for life-threatening danger.
For fire, electric shock injury, fallen powerlines or immediate danger to people, keep clear and call 000 first.
What it can mean
Do not guess with electrical faults.
The cause can sit at the fitting, circuit, appliance, switchboard or supply. Proper testing keeps the next action clear.
A shock can involve an appliance, outlet, damaged insulation, earthing or a supply problem. Where the shock was felt does not reliably locate its source, and it must not be dismissed as a harmless fault without assessment.
Taps and other metal parts can also become hazardous. Keep others away from the location and report the shock or tingle to the electricity distributor rather than touching another surface to compare it.
A safety switch not tripping does not prove there was no dangerous fault. The protective arrangement and relevant installation need assessment; no protective device makes deliberate contact or retesting safe.
Electrical inspection and medical assessment are separate. Our licensed electricians investigate electrical conditions; they cannot decide whether a person has been injured or replace medical advice after a shock.
Check safely
What to do before calling.
Only check what is safe, dry and obvious. If the fault involves heat, water, smoke, sparking or exposed parts, keep clear and call first.
Move away without touching the suspect equipment again. Do not unplug it, operate nearby switches or remove covers. Warn others and keep the area clear.
For ongoing shock, collapse, breathing difficulty or immediate danger, call 000 and follow the operator. Seek medical assessment after a shock even when it seemed minor; do not wait for an electrical visit to arrange medical care.
Report the incident immediately to your electricity distributor. Do not approach a person who may still be in electrical contact or attempt a DIY rescue using objects around the home.
Once the area can be accessed safely, our licensed electricians can assess the relevant outlet, wiring, earthing and protection, coordinating supply concerns with the distributor. The findings determine isolation, repairs and testing before the affected installation returns to use.
Send useful details
A few photos can make the quote faster.
For non-urgent work, open the secure booking form to send your address, photos and job notes. Evaready Electrical can then review the job and reply with the next action.
After emergency and medical needs are addressed, describe what was being touched and when. Say where the shock was felt without assuming that item caused it.
Mention water or other hazards already observed, and any distributor instructions. Do not revisit the area to gather details.
Photos are not required before help is arranged. Only use images already available or taken after the area is confirmed safe; never delay emergency help or approach a switchboard for a photograph.
Tell us which equipment remains out of use and any access restrictions. Electrical findings may require further investigation; an initial phone description cannot confirm the source or certify the rest of the property.
FAQ
Common questions.
Is a small electric shock from an outlet urgent?
Yes. Stop using the location, keep others clear and report it to your electricity distributor. Seek medical advice even if you feel well. Call 000 for someone still receiving a shock, serious symptoms or immediate danger; do not retest the fitting to judge how severe it is.
Could the appliance be the problem?
It is one possibility, but wiring, earthing or a supply issue may also be involved. Do not move the appliance to another outlet to test it. The investigation needs to establish electrical safety and relevant faults before deciding whether appliance assessment or installation repairs are required.
Should I turn the circuit off?
Do not approach the switchboard or touch nearby metalwork after a shock to investigate or operate it. Keep clear and follow emergency services or distributor instructions. Safe isolation and checking for other supplies are tasks for the appropriate authorised personnel, not a DIY diagnostic step.