A small, brief blue spark when plugging in an appliance can be normal — it is caused by the initial rush of current. However, large, bright, or repeated sparks, sparks accompanied by a burning smell, or sparks when nothing is being plugged in are signs of a dangerous fault such as loose wiring, a damaged outlet, or a short circuit. Turn off the power to that circuit at your switchboard immediately and do not use the outlet. Call a licensed electrician to inspect and repair or replace the power point.
What to do right now
- 1
Stop using the power point immediately
Unplug any appliance connected to the sparking outlet. Do not plug anything else in. If there is a burning smell or visible damage, this is an emergency.
- 2
Turn off the circuit at the switchboard
Locate the circuit breaker for the affected outlet and switch it off. If you are unsure which circuit it is on, turn off the main switch. This eliminates the risk of electrical fire.
- 3
Do not attempt to repair the outlet yourself
In Australia, all electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. Do not remove the outlet cover or touch any wiring. Even if the outlet looks fine externally, there may be damage behind the faceplate.
- 4
Call a licensed electrician
Contact an emergency electrician through Urgent Electrician. Describe what you saw — the colour, size, and frequency of sparks, and any accompanying smells. This helps them assess urgency and bring the right parts.
When to call an emergency electrician
- ⚠️Sparks are large, bright yellow or white, or accompanied by a popping sound
- ⚠️There is a burning or melting plastic smell from the outlet
- ⚠️The outlet faceplate is discoloured, melted, or warm to the touch
- ⚠️Sparks occur when nothing is being plugged in or unplugged
- ⚠️The circuit breaker or safety switch trips when you use the outlet
- ⚠️You see black scorch marks around the outlet
How much does it cost?
Replacing a faulty power point in Australia typically costs $100–$250 including parts and labour. If the wiring behind the outlet is damaged, the cost increases to $200–$500 depending on the extent of the repair. If multiple outlets are affected or the fault is in the wiring running through the wall, costs can reach $500–$1,500. Emergency after-hours callout fees of $200–$450 apply on top of the repair cost.