Question 1

The whole street is out — should I still call you?

Accepted Answer

Not yet. Confirm via the Ausgrid (13 13 88) or Endeavour Energy outage map first. We can't help until the network is restored. Once neighbours have power and your home is still out, call us.

Question 2

The power came back on but my main switch keeps tripping. Why?

Accepted Answer

Storm damage often leaves residual moisture or surge effects that don't show until power returns. A tripping main switch indicates a downstream fault — water in an outdoor circuit, surge damage to an appliance, or compromised wiring.

Question 3

Should I dry the switchboard with a hairdryer?

Accepted Answer

No. Never work inside an energised or potentially energised switchboard. A wet board must be professionally isolated, dried, tested, and re-certified before being put back into service.

Question 4

Can I just leave outdoor circuits off until summer ends?

Accepted Answer

You can — but the underlying fault doesn't fix itself, and the damage typically worsens as water sits. We recommend a Level 2 inspection within 7 days of any storm-related outdoor circuit fault.

Question 5

My solar isn't working. Is that an emergency?

Accepted Answer

If the rest of the home has power and the solar is just inactive, no — book us for a non-urgent inspection. If the solar is faulted in a way that prevents the main switch resetting, yes.

Question 6

The point of attachment is loose. Whose responsibility is it?

Accepted Answer

The point of attachment hardware (bracket and insulator on your home) is the property owner's responsibility. The service main itself is Ausgrid's. Repairs and replacement are licensed Level 2 ASP work — we handle this routinely.

Question 7

What about my food in the freezer?

Accepted Answer

A typical full freezer holds ~24 hours; a half-empty one ~12 hours. Don't open it. After 24+ hours of outage, perishables should be assessed individually. Keep receipts for any spoiled food — your contents insurance may cover it.

Question 8

How quickly can you respond after a major storm?

Accepted Answer

During peak storm response we are running 2–4 hour ETAs across Sydney. We prioritise active fire risk, fallen lines, wet switchboards, medical-dependence customers, and elderly residents. Call 0433 462 902 as early as possible to lock in your slot.

Question 9

Is it safe to reset my RCD myself after a storm?

Accepted Answer

Yes — if the switchboard area is dry, there are no burning smells, and there are no visible scorch marks, you can press the RCD back to ON yourself. If it trips again immediately or won't reset at all, there is an active fault on that circuit and it must stay off until a licensed electrician has inspected it.

Question 10

Will my house catch fire if water got into my meter box?

Accepted Answer

It can — water inside a meter box causes arcing and short circuits that can ignite surrounding materials, sometimes hours after the storm as moisture tracks through wiring. Leave the meter box closed, do not open or touch it, and book an emergency inspection. Call Sydney Electrical Service on 0433 462 902 if you see corrosion, scorch marks, or smell burning near the box.

Question 11

How much does it cost to repair a storm-damaged switchboard in Sydney?

Accepted Answer

Cost varies widely depending on what is damaged — a single blown service fuse is a quick fix, while a water-logged switchboard may need full replacement including new RCDs and circuit breakers. We provide fixed-price quotes before any work begins, so you know exactly what you are up for.

Question 12

Who should I call first after a storm — an electrician or Ausgrid?

Accepted Answer

Call Ausgrid (13 13 88) first if the entire street is dark, a power line is down near your property, or your service fuse has blown — those faults are on their network and they must attend first. If your neighbours have power but you do not, the fault is on your side of the meter and an electrician is the right first call.

Question 13

Do I really need an electrician to check things if the power came back on and everything seems fine?

Accepted Answer

If circuits tripped during the storm, breakers feel warm to the touch, any outlets spark when you plug something in, or lights flicker on otherwise working circuits, book a post-storm inspection — storm surges can leave heat damage inside wiring that only shows up days later. If nothing tripped and everything behaves normally, you are likely okay, but any doubt is worth a quick check.

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