What to do when water reaches electrical fixtures
Water and electricity can make nearby surfaces live without visible warning. Do not touch the water, fitting or appliance and do not assume a tripped circuit has made everything safe.
Safety classification
Emergency services required
This guide covers safe first actions only. It is not a licence to perform regulated work or enter a dangerous area.
What to do
- 1
Keep everyone away
Prevent anyone entering the wet area or touching nearby metal surfaces.
- 2
Call 000 for immediate danger
Use emergency services for fire, smoke, electric shock, sparking or a person in danger.
- 3
Do not operate wet controls
Only isolate power at a completely dry, safely accessible main switch if you already know how. Otherwise wait for a licensed electrician or emergency services.
- 4
Stop water remotely if safe
Use a dry, safely accessible main water valve only when doing so does not bring you closer to the electrical hazard.
- 5
Arrange licensed assessment
The leak source and affected electrical installation both need assessment before the area is reused.
When to stop
- Someone has received a shock
- There is smoke, arcing or fire
- The switchboard or solar equipment is wet
- You would need to enter water to reach a control
Electrical
Prepare the problem, safety status and location once. The matching category and service will be pre-filled.
Start a free requestEditorial boundary
Fixit247 does not publish instructions for unlicensed electrical, gas, asbestos, structural, high-roof, dangerous tree or live-road work.
Read the policyRelated guides
Why is my smoke alarm beeping?
How to tell a low-battery chirp from an alarm fault, how to safely change a battery, and when a hardwired smoke alarm needs an electrician.
ReadWhy does my safety switch keep tripping?
A safe way to find the appliance that is tripping your safety switch, and the signs that mean you need a licensed electrician.
ReadPower out at home? What to check first
How to tell whether a power outage is just your home or the whole street, what to check at the switchboard and who to call.
ReadSafety switch vs circuit breaker: what's the difference?
How safety switches (RCDs) and circuit breakers protect an Australian home, why they trip, how to test them and when to call an electrician.
ReadHow to check a tradie's licence in every Australian state
Where to check a plumber, electrician or builder's licence in NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT and the NT, and what the result should match.
ReadHow to build a simple home emergency plan
A practical plan for Australian households: shutoffs, contacts, a go-bag and the details you need ready before a leak, lockout, power fault or storm.
Read