Power out at home? A safe Adelaide homeowner checklist
1. Look for danger without approaching it
Smoke, fire, sparks, fallen lines, electric shock and burning smells require distance and urgent action. Call 000 for immediate danger. Treat every fallen line as live and keep well away.
2. Is the street affected?
Look safely from inside for streetlights or neighbouring properties. Check the electricity distributor’s outage information using a charged device. A network fault cannot be repaired by a household electrician.
3. Is only your property affected?
If there is no sign of danger, check whether the main switch or a protective device has operated. Do not remove covers. Repeated operation, heat or unusual noise warrants an electrician.
4. Preserve useful information
Note when the outage began, weather conditions, what was running and whether all or only part of the home is affected. This helps route the request and reduces avoidable questions.
What should you do next?
For a site-specific answer, describe the property, symptoms and timing. A licensed professional can then confirm what testing or inspection is required before quoting.
Need the right sparky for this?
Send one useful brief. We’ll help route the request.
Editorial note: This guide is general information for South Australian homeowners. It does not replace an inspection, electrical testing or advice from a licensed contractor. Requirements, incentives and prices can change.