A clear description helps an electrician understand an urgent call, but it cannot establish the fault remotely. Describe what happened, stay away from damaged equipment and confirm who can authorise work. For fire or immediate danger, call 000 first.
Choose the first contact safely
A power outage may need the electricity distributor, while a fault in the property may need a licensed electrical contractor. If you are unsure, describe the symptoms without trying to locate the defect yourself. Energy Safe Victoria’s emergency guidance explains the different contacts.
Shocks, tingles or an unusual partial supply require immediate distributor contact. Avoid the switchboard and metal fittings; see the specific safety advice. Do not delay that contact while collecting photographs.
Give observations rather than a diagnosis
Start with the address, callback number and immediate concern. Say “there was a burning smell near this outlet” rather than “the breaker is faulty”, unless a qualified person has actually established that.
- When did the problem begin, and is it continuous or intermittent?
- Which equipment or areas appear affected?
- Was there visible damage, water, a sound, smell or shock?
- Has anyone already attended or given instructions?
- Is there relevant recent work or an earlier report?
Give information you already have. Do not recreate a fault, open equipment or move into an unsafe area to complete the list.
Explain access and authorisation
Tell the contractor about locked gates, building management, pets and the location of safe entry. For a unit or shared property, explain whether the affected equipment is inside the dwelling or in a common area, if known.
If you rent, identify the rental provider or agent’s emergency contact and explain who has authorised attendance. Ask how approval for further work will be obtained. This booking checklist does not determine tenancy reimbursement rights or replace the current rental rules.
Confirm charges before attendance where possible
Ask what the attendance charge covers, whether a minimum labour charge applies and how further time, parts or a return visit will be priced. Ask whether the quoted amount includes GST. Have the contractor explain how urgent make-safe work and a permanent repair are authorised.
An estimate of arrival should be confirmed for the call and updated if circumstances change. Do not choose solely from an unverified “fastest electrician” claim or a price without inclusions.
Allow for diagnosis before a repair decision
The electrician may need to test the installation before identifying the cause and repair options. Access, parts, network work or an independent inspection can affect what can be completed during the first visit.
Ask what will be left safe, what must remain unused and what happens next if further work is needed. A temporary loss of a circuit may be part of a make-safe outcome; it is not a promise that every appliance will be restored immediately.
Keep the instructions and next steps
Request a clear description of the findings, work done, remaining limitations and follow-up. Where electrical installation work is performed, ask about the applicable Certificate of Electrical Safety. Keep the invoice and any written instructions with your property records.
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Frequently asked questions
Should I send a switchboard photo?
Only if an ordinary view is safely accessible without touching equipment or removing a cover. Never approach heat, water, sparking or suspected supply hazards to get a photo.
Can the electrician quote a complete repair over the phone?
Some work may be describable, but an unexplained fault can require on-site diagnosis. Ask what the initial charge and approval process cover.
Should I wait for a callback if there is immediate danger?
No. Call 000 for fire or immediate danger and follow emergency-services directions.