For life-threatening electrical emergencies in Adelaide, call 000. For urgent faults like a complete power loss, repeatedly tripping safety switch, or sparking outlet, a licensed emergency electrician can typically attend within 30–60 minutes across metro Adelaide. If you think the outage might be area-wide, contact SA Power Networks on 13 13 66 to check for network faults before calling a private electrician.
What to do right now
- 1
Ensure immediate safety
Switch off the main switch at your switchboard if you notice sparking, smoke, or a burning smell. Stay clear of any damaged wiring. Call 000 if someone has been electrocuted.
- 2
Check with SA Power Networks
Call SA Power Networks on 13 13 66 or check their outage map online. If the outage is network-wide, they will manage it. Adelaide experiences extreme heat events that can cause network faults — these are handled by SAPN, not a private electrician.
- 3
Book a licensed emergency electrician
Find a 24/7 electrician in your Adelaide suburb on Urgent Electrician. Verify they hold a current SA electrical licence issued by the Office of the Technical Regulator (OTR) and request an upfront quote.
- 4
Ensure compliance paperwork is completed
In South Australia, electricians must submit a Certificate of Compliance to the OTR for all electrical work. This confirms the installation meets AS/NZS 3000 and SA-specific requirements.
When to call an emergency electrician
- ⚠️Your property has lost power but neighbours still have supply
- ⚠️Safety switch trips every time you reset it
- ⚠️Burning smell, scorch marks, or heat from a power outlet or switchboard
- ⚠️Air conditioning failure during an extreme heat event where an electrical fault is suspected
- ⚠️Storm damage to your overhead service wire or meter box
- ⚠️Flickering lights across multiple rooms
How much does it cost?
Emergency electrician callout fees in Adelaide range from $120 to $240 during business hours. After-hours, weekend, and public holiday callouts typically cost $220–$430. Hourly labour rates are $65–$110. A safety switch replacement averages $170–$330, and a full switchboard upgrade ranges from $1,400 to $3,600. Adelaide's smaller market means fewer after-hours electricians, so response times may vary during peak demand (e.g., heatwaves, storms).