In the first five minutes of an electrical emergency, what you do matters more than what any electrician can do later. The decisions you make in those critical moments, before professional help arrives, can prevent injuries, limit property damage, and even save lives.
This guide covers the immediate safety steps for the most common electrical emergencies in Singapore homes. Read it now, while things are calm, so you are prepared if something goes wrong.
Immediate safety steps for any electrical emergency
Regardless of the specific situation, these steps apply to every electrical emergency.
Do not panic. Take a breath. Clear thinking prevents secondary injuries.
Cut the power if it is safe to do so. Go to your DB box and switch off the main switch. This removes power from your entire flat. If you cannot safely reach the DB box (for example, if the path is blocked by fire or flooding), evacuate instead.
Do not touch anything wet while dealing with electricity. If the floor is wet or you are standing in water, do not touch any electrical equipment or your DB box. Move to dry ground first.
Call for help. Depending on the situation:
- Fire or medical emergency: Call 995 (SCDF)
- Power supply issue: Call 1800-778-8888 (SP Services)
- Internal electrical fault: Call your emergency electrician
Evacuate if necessary. If you see fire, heavy smoke, or smell strong burning from the walls, get everyone out of the flat and close the door behind you. Do not use the lift.
Scenario 1: burning smell from an outlet or switch
A burning smell near an electrical outlet or switch is a serious warning sign. It typically means overheating is occurring, either from a loose connection, overloaded circuit, or failing component.
Immediate response:
- Unplug any appliance connected to the outlet or switch off the circuit at the DB box
- Do not continue using that outlet or switch
- Check for visible signs: discolouration, melting, smoke, or heat radiating from the wall
- If there is visible fire or smoke, switch off the main power and evacuate
- If there is no visible fire, ventilate the room and call an electrician
What not to do:
- Do not pull the plug out if the outlet is sparking or visibly damaged. Switch off the circuit at the DB box first
- Do not ignore the smell and hope it goes away. Electrical burning smells indicate active damage
- Do not pour water on the outlet
A burning smell without visible fire still needs professional attention within 24 hours. The overheating may be inside the wall where you cannot see it.
Scenario 2: complete power loss in your flat
When your flat suddenly goes dark, the first question is whether the problem is on the supply side (SP Services) or your internal system.
Quick check:
- Look outside your window or check the common corridor. If your neighbours' lights are on, the issue is internal to your flat
- Open your DB box. If the main switch or RCCB has tripped, the problem is internal
- If the main switch is still on but you have no power, the issue may be supply-side
If it is an internal fault:
- Follow the circuit breaker reset procedure: switch off all MCBs, reset the main switch and RCCB, then switch on MCBs one at a time
- If the RCCB trips again when a specific MCB is switched on, that circuit has a fault. Leave it off and call an electrician
- For a detailed guide on resetting your DB box, see our article on understanding your HDB circuit breaker box. For troubleshooting why a breaker keeps tripping, see circuit breaker tripping: causes and fixes
If it is a supply-side issue:
- Call SP Services at 1800-778-8888
- For HDB flats, our HDB power outage emergency services can help once supply-side issues are ruled out
- Keep your refrigerator and freezer closed to preserve food
- Use torches rather than candles (fire risk)
Scenario 3: someone receives an electrical shock
Electrical shock is a medical emergency. The severity depends on the voltage, duration of contact, and the path the current takes through the body.
Immediate response:
- Do not touch the person if they are still in contact with the electrical source. You will become a second victim
- Switch off the power at the DB box or unplug the appliance if you can reach it safely
- If you cannot switch off the power, use a dry non-conductive object (wooden broom handle, plastic chair, dry towel) to push the person away from the electrical source
- Call 995 immediately (SCDF ambulance)
- If the person is unconscious and not breathing, begin CPR if you are trained
- If the person is conscious and breathing, keep them still and comfortable until paramedics arrive
Important: Even if someone feels fine after an electrical shock, they should see a doctor. Internal injuries, cardiac arrhythmias, and delayed burns can develop hours after the initial shock.
Scenario 4: water meets electricity
Flood water reaching electrical outlets, a burst pipe near the DB box, or any situation where water contacts your electrical system is extremely dangerous.
Immediate response:
- Do not step into the water if there is any chance it is in contact with electrical outlets, cables, or equipment
- If you can safely reach your DB box without stepping in water, switch off the main power
- If you cannot safely reach the DB box, evacuate the flat and call an emergency electrician and SCDF if needed
- Do not attempt to unplug appliances that are in or near the water
- Once the water recedes and the power is off, do not switch the power back on until an electrician has inspected the system
Water damage to electrical wiring and components can create hidden faults that are not obvious visually. Even after drying out, insulation may be compromised and connections may be corroded, creating ongoing risks.
Your emergency contact list
Save these numbers in your phone now. Having them ready saves critical time during an emergency.
| Service | Number | When to call |
|---|---|---|
| SCDF (Fire & Ambulance) | 995 | Fire, medical emergency, electrical shock |
| SP Services | 1800-778-8888 | Supply-side power failure, damaged power lines |
| Emergency electrician | Your electrician's number | Internal faults, DB box issues, burning smell |
| Police | 999 | If you suspect arson or criminal damage |
For internal electrical emergencies, our emergency electrician services provide 24-hour response across Singapore. To understand what qualifies as a true emergency and what can wait, read our guide on when to call an emergency electrician in Singapore. For a broader overview of the services a professional can provide, see what electricians in Singapore do.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SP Services emergency number?
The SP Services 24-hour emergency hotline is 1800-778-8888. This is a toll-free number that you can call any time of the day or night for electricity supply emergencies. SP Services handles issues on the supply side, meaning problems with the power coming into your building rather than faults within your flat's internal wiring.
Call SP Services if your entire block or neighbourhood has lost power, if you notice damaged power lines or electrical infrastructure outside your property, or if there is a problem with the electricity meter or incoming supply cable. For faults inside your flat, such as a tripped DB box, a sparking outlet, or a burning smell from your wiring, you need a private electrician rather than SP Services. SP Services will not repair internal wiring or your distribution board.
It is worth saving both numbers in your phone: SP Services for supply-side emergencies and your electrician for internal electrical faults. Having these contacts ready means you can act within seconds rather than searching for numbers during a stressful situation.
Should I touch someone who is being electrocuted?
No, you must never touch someone who is in contact with a live electrical source with your bare hands. If you touch them directly, the current will flow through you as well, creating a second victim.
Instead, take these steps: first, switch off the power at the main switch in your DB box or unplug the appliance if it is safe to do so. If you cannot reach the power source, use a dry non-conductive object to push the person away from the electrical contact. Suitable objects include a dry wooden broom handle, a dry plastic chair, or a rolled-up newspaper. Do not use anything wet or metallic.
Once the person is separated from the electrical source, call 995 (SCDF ambulance) immediately. Check if the person is breathing and responsive. If they are unconscious and not breathing normally, begin CPR if you are trained to do so. Even if the person appears fine after receiving a shock, they should still see a doctor. Electrical current can cause internal injuries, heart rhythm disturbances, and burns that are not immediately visible. Time matters in these situations, so knowing the correct response before an emergency occurs could save someone's life.
Can I use water to put out an electrical fire?
No, never use water on an electrical fire. Water conducts electricity, and pouring it onto an electrical fire can cause electric shock to anyone nearby, including you. It can also cause the fire to spread or create a steam explosion if the water contacts extremely hot electrical components.
For small electrical fires, use a dry chemical fire extinguisher (Class C or multi-purpose ABC extinguisher) if you have one. Carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers also work on electrical fires. If you do not have a suitable extinguisher, your safest option is to evacuate and call 995 for SCDF.
Before attempting to extinguish any electrical fire, cut the power at the main switch if it is safe to do so. Once the electricity is disconnected, the fire becomes an ordinary fire that can be treated accordingly, though you should still use caution. Every home in Singapore should have at least one fire extinguisher that is rated for electrical fires. Check that yours has not expired and that all household members know where it is stored. The SCDF recommends placing fire extinguishers near the kitchen and along exit routes.
What causes electrical fires in Singapore homes?
Electrical fires in Singapore homes are most commonly caused by overloaded circuits, deteriorating wiring insulation, loose connections, and faulty appliances. Older HDB flats built in the 1970s and 1980s may have wiring that has degraded over decades, with insulation becoming brittle and cracking, exposing conductors that can arc and ignite surrounding materials.
Overloaded circuits are a widespread issue, particularly when extension cords and multi-plug adaptors are chained together (known as daisy-chaining) to connect more devices than the circuit was designed to handle. Each additional connection point adds resistance and heat. Loose connections at outlets, switches, or inside the distribution board create localised hot spots. Over time, these hot spots can ignite the plastic housing or nearby combustible materials.
Faulty appliances with damaged power cords or internal wiring defects can also start fires. The risk increases when appliances are left running unattended, especially heat-generating devices like irons, toasters, and older-model chargers. Regular electrical repairs and maintenance help identify these risks before they become dangerous, including thermal imaging inspections that can detect hot spots invisible to the naked eye.
How do I create an electrical emergency plan for my family?
Creating an electrical emergency plan takes about 30 minutes and could make a critical difference in a real emergency. Start by locating your DB box and ensuring every household member knows where it is and how to switch off the main power. Label the DB box circuits clearly so anyone can identify and isolate a specific circuit.
Next, prepare an emergency contact card with these numbers: 995 (SCDF for fire and ambulance), 1800-778-8888 (SP Services 24-hour hotline), and your electrician's emergency number. Place copies near the DB box and on the fridge. Identify your home's fire escape routes and ensure they are unblocked. Singapore HDB flats have designated escape routes through the common corridor and staircase. Designate a meeting point outside the building where family members gather after evacuating.
Invest in a multi-purpose ABC fire extinguisher and ensure it is accessible, not buried behind furniture. Teach family members the basics: how to turn off the main switch, how to evacuate safely (do not use the lift during a fire), and the rule of never touching someone being electrocuted with bare hands. Practise the plan once a year. For homeowners looking to improve their electrical safety, a professional inspection can identify hazards before they become emergencies.
Be prepared
Electrical emergencies are rare, but when they happen, preparation makes all the difference. The steps in this guide are straightforward to learn and can prevent a bad situation from becoming catastrophic.
Take 10 minutes today to save the emergency numbers, locate your DB box, and make sure you have a working fire extinguisher. Share this guide with your household members so everyone knows what to do.
For professional electrical safety assessments, our emergency electrician team can inspect your home's wiring and identify potential hazards before they become emergencies.
