Electrical Is it safe to use power after a storm or flood in Queensland?
Do not switch power back on or use wet appliances after a storm or flood until a licensed electrician has checked. Here is what to note.
No. After a storm or flood, do not switch the power back on or use appliances that got wet until a licensed electrician has checked your home. Water can damage wiring, power points and the switchboard in ways you cannot see. If there is smoke, sparks, a burning smell or flooding near electrics, leave and call 000.
Why is electricity a risk after a storm or flood?
Water and electricity do not mix, and the damage is often hidden. Wiring inside walls, power points, light fittings, the switchboard and appliances can all be affected, even after things look dry. Power that was off during the event can come back on when the network is restored, so a damaged home can become live without warning.
- Hidden damage. Moisture and mud can get into places you cannot see.
- Sudden return of power. Your street may be reconnected while your home still has a problem.
- Solar and batteries. A solar or battery system can be a source of electricity of its own. Keep away from it and ask a licensed installer to check it.
What should I do first?
- Stay out of floodwater. It can hide electrical hazards and contamination.
- Do not go near a wet switchboard. Do not touch it or anything connected to it.
- Do not use wet equipment. That includes power boards, extension leads, appliances and lights.
- Look, do not touch. Note what you can see from a dry, safe spot.
- Call a licensed electrician. Tell them what was wet and what you noticed.
Our article on what to do in a power outage in Brisbane covers outages more generally.
Can I use my appliances if they only got a little wet?
Do not use wet items, and do not touch anything that is wet or near water. Even a small amount of water can leave an appliance or power point unsafe. Call a licensed electrician and tell them what was affected.
Items that looked fine at first can fail later. Let a licensed electrician decide what is safe to use again.
Do I need an electrician before my power is reconnected?
After flooding, a licensed electrical contractor generally needs to check the affected electrical work before reconnection. In Queensland the network provider may also need paperwork, such as an Electricity Defect Report or a Certificate of Test and Compliance. The process can change, so check the current rules on the Energex page on getting reconnected after severe weather and the Queensland Electrical Safety Office page on electrical safety during storms. Your electrician can tell you what applies to your home.
What if the street has power but my house does not?
That can happen when the network is restored but your home has a fault, or when a safety device has operated. Do not try to fix it yourself. Note what you can see, such as which rooms have no power, and call a licensed electrician. Our article on power outages in Brisbane may help you sort out where the problem is.
How do I know the electrician is licensed?
In Queensland, electrical work must be done by a licensed electrical contractor. See our article on how to check an electrician’s licence in Queensland.
What to note while you wait for the electrician
Which areas got wet
Write down which rooms had water or leaks, and whether it came through the roof, walls or floor.
What you can see
From a dry, safe spot, photograph visible damage to power points, lights, the switchboard and appliances. Do not move closer or touch anything to get a better photo.
Which items were wet
List the appliances, power boards and leads that got wet, with their make and model if you can read the labels.
What changed
Note when the power went off, whether neighbours are also without power, and any buzzing, burning smell or flickering you noticed.
Records for insurance
Keep your photos and notes together, and contact your insurer about what they need.
Questions for your electrician
Ask what needs to be checked, what paperwork is needed before reconnection, and when it is safe to use each part of the home.
Frequently asked questions
No, not until a licensed electrician has checked your home. Water can cause hidden damage to wiring, power points and the switchboard.
Do not use wet items, and do not touch anything that is wet or near water. Call a licensed electrician to check what is safe.
You may need paperwork such as an Electricity Defect Report or a Certificate of Test and Compliance from a licensed electrician. Check the current rules on the Energex website.
Keep away from it and do not touch it, because it can be a source of electricity. Ask a licensed installer to check it.
Call 000 if there is smoke, sparks, flames, a burning smell, a shock, or flooding near electrical equipment. Leave the area first.
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