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.
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