1. Treat these signs as urgent
- Sparks, arcing or flashes from a plug, socket, switch or appliance.
- A burning or melting smell near electrical equipment.
- Scorch marks, melted plastic or unusual heat at a plug or socket.
- Buzzing or crackling from the distribution board or fixed wiring.
- Water reaching electrical fittings or the distribution board.
2. What to do
Keep your distance from the hazard
Do not touch exposed conductors, wet electrical equipment or a wet distribution board. If there is an active fire or immediate danger, leave the area and call 112 from a mobile in South Africa.
- Stop using the affected appliance, socket or circuit.
- If the distribution board is dry and safely accessible, switch off the affected circuit or the main supply if necessary.
- Keep children and other occupants away until the fault has been assessed.
3. What not to attempt
Do not remove fixed electrical covers, bypass breakers, replace burnt wiring, or keep resetting a breaker that repeatedly trips. A breaker is a safety device; repeated tripping needs a cause to be found.
4. When to call an electrician
Arrange qualified electrical help for recurring trips, overheating outlets, visible wiring damage, shocks or tingling from equipment, burning smells, sparking, or any fault involving water and electricity.
Need help with this problem?
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