Smoke from a power point or electrical outlet is a serious fire hazard that requires immediate action. Turn off the main switch at your switchboard right away, then unplug everything from the affected outlet. Do not touch the outlet if it's hot, melted, or sparking. If there's active fire or heavy smoke, evacuate and call 000. Once safe, call an emergency electrician to diagnose and repair the fault before restoring power.
What to do right now
- 1
Turn off the main switch immediately
Go to your switchboard and flip the main switch to OFF. This cuts power to the entire house and stops the fault from worsening. Do this before touching anything else.
- 2
Do not touch the outlet
If the outlet is smoking, melted, or discoloured, do not touch it. Do not try to unplug anything from it while it's smoking. Wait until the main power is off.
- 3
Evacuate if needed
If you see flames, heavy smoke, or the smoke is spreading, evacuate everyone from the house and call 000. Do not re-enter until the fire brigade clears the property.
- 4
Call an emergency electrician
Once safe, call a licensed electrician. Do not restore power until the fault has been found and repaired. The electrician will inspect the outlet, wiring, and switchboard for damage.
When to call an emergency electrician
- ⚠️Any smoke or visible smouldering from a power point — even briefly
- ⚠️Melted, discoloured, or warped plastic on an outlet
- ⚠️A burning smell that you can trace to a specific outlet or wall
- ⚠️An outlet that feels hot to the touch even with nothing plugged in
- ⚠️Scorch marks on the wall around a power point
How much does it cost?
Emergency callout for a smoking outlet typically costs $250–$500 for after-hours attendance. Replacing the faulty outlet and inspecting the wiring costs $200–$600 depending on the extent of damage. If the wiring in the wall has been damaged by heat, rewiring that section may cost more.