Published 2026-10-22 by 24hr Electrician Sydney
The lights go out, the fridge goes quiet, and it is the middle of the night. Before you do anything else, take a breath. Most night-time power losses are either a network outage that will be fixed for you, or a tripped safety switch that tells you where the problem is. This step-by-step guide helps you work out which, and what to do next.
1. Check if it's just you
Look outside. If streetlights and neighbours are dark, it's likely a network outage. Check Ausgrid's outage information or call 13 13 88.
If it is a network outage, there is nothing to fix inside your home. Turn off appliances that could start up unattended when the power returns, such as heaters, ovens and irons, and leave one light switched on so you know when the power is back.
2. Check your switchboard
If it's just your home, look for a tripped safety switch or breaker. Turn off appliances, then try resetting once.
A tripped safety switch or breaker sits in the middle or "off" position. Push it fully off, then back on. Use a torch or your phone light, never a candle near the switchboard. If you are in an apartment, your switchboard may be inside the front door, in a hallway cupboard or in a meter room on your floor.
3. If it won't reset
Leave it off. Something on that circuit has a fault. Unplug appliances on that circuit and try once more. If it still trips, call us.
If it resets with everything unplugged, plug appliances back in one at a time. If it trips again when a particular appliance goes in, that appliance is the likely cause. Leave it unplugged and have it checked. If it trips with nothing plugged in, the fault is in the fixed wiring, a light fitting or a hardwired appliance like the oven or hot water system.
4. If you see or smell danger
Sparks, smoke or a burning smell mean call 000 first, then us. Don't touch the switchboard if it's hot or smoking.
- Get everyone out of the house if there is smoke or fire
- Don't use water on an electrical fire
- Don't touch anyone who may be in contact with electricity; call 000
- Keep away from fallen powerlines outside, at least 8 metres, and call Ausgrid on 13 13 88 or 000
5. Keep the household comfortable
- Keep the fridge and freezer doors closed to hold the cold in
- Use torches rather than candles
- Unplug sensitive electronics so a surge on reconnection does not damage them
- Check on elderly neighbours if the whole street is out
Medical equipment
If anyone in your home relies on life support or medical equipment that needs power, make sure you are registered with your electricity retailer, and have a backup plan for outages. In an emergency, call 000.
Partial power loss
Sometimes only some lights or power points go out. That usually points to one circuit breaker or safety switch, but if half the house is out and nothing has tripped, it can indicate a problem with the supply to the house. Call us, and we will tell you whether it is something we can fix or a network issue for Ausgrid.
After the power is back
If a safety switch tripped and you found the cause, get it looked at during the day rather than leaving it. A safety switch that trips again and again is warning you about a fault. More on our emergency electrician service.
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