Power out, sparking or a safety switch that won't reset
No lights, a burning smell or a switch that keeps tripping is stressful. Here's what's usually going on, and what to do right now.
Why it happens
A safety switch (RCD) has done its job. It cuts power in a fraction of a second when current leaks, often through a faulty appliance, damaged lead or water in an outdoor fitting.
A circuit is overloaded. Heaters, kettles and air-con on one circuit, or power boards plugged into power boards, can trip a breaker or overheat a point.
Something has failed with age or weather. Old wiring, loose connections, storm damage or water getting into a light or power point are common causes.
It may not be your home at all. If the street is dark too, it's probably a network outage, not a fault in your house.
💡 What you may not have considered
- Check whether your neighbours have power. If they don't, check your electricity network's outage page (Ausgrid for Punchbowl and Canterbury-Bankstown, Endeavour Energy for much of Western Sydney) before calling anyone.
- Unplug everything on the circuit, then reset the safety switch once. If it stays on, plug things back in one at a time. The one that trips it is likely your culprit.
- Don't keep resetting a switch that trips straight back off. It's protecting you from a real fault.
- Keep the fridge and freezer closed to hold the cold longer.
✅ 3 things to think about
- Is anyone hurt, or is there smoke or fire? Call 000 first, always.
- Can you safely switch off at the main? If anything is wet, hot or scorched, keep clear and don't touch it.
- Fallen powerlines outside? Stay at least 8 metres away and call your network's emergency line (Ausgrid: 13 13 88, Endeavour Energy: 131 003).
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NSW licensed contractor 400645C · 5.0★ from 76 hipages ratings · Based in Punchbowl
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