What to Do When the Power Goes Out: Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
A sudden power outage can be frustrating—but before you call an electrician and risk paying a callout fee, it’s essential to check whether the issue is part of a wider network problem, such as an Ausgrid outage. A quick self-check can save you time, money, and stress.
At One Point Property Solutions, we’ve created a straightforward, safe troubleshooting process to help you determine the source of your power loss and know when to seek professional help.
Step 1: Check the Ausgrid Outage Map
If you’re in Sydney, the Central Coast, or the Hunter region, Ausgrid is your local network provider. Your first action should be to visit the Ausgrid Outage Map:
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Enter your address or postcode
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Look for current outages or scheduled maintenance
If your area is listed, there’s no need to do anything further—power will return once Ausgrid completes their work.
- ⚠️Caution: If you skip this step and call an electrician for what turns out to be a network outage, you may still be charged a service callout fee. Always check with Ausgrid first to avoid unnecessary costs.
If nothing is listed, it’s likely the fault lies within your property. Continue with the next steps.
Step 2: Inspect Your Switchboard
Go to your switchboard and check for any tripped circuit breakers or safety switches (RCDs). These are designed to shut off power if a fault is detected, such as a short circuit or overload.
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Most switchboards have labels (e.g. “Lights”, “Power Points”, “Air Conditioning”) to help identify the affected area.
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A tripped switch will typically be in the “off” position or between “on” and “off.”
Step 3: Test Power Points
Use a working appliance like a lamp or phone charger to test several power points:
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This helps pinpoint whether the outage is isolated to a particular circuit or area of the home.
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If only one room or area is affected, it may be a fault on a specific circuit.
Step 4: Unplug Everything on the Affected Circuit
Unplug all appliances connected to the area without power. This reduces the load and helps isolate any potentially faulty items.
Return to your switchboard and attempt to reset the tripped breaker or RCD.
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If it stays on, proceed to reconnect appliances.
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If it trips again immediately, there may be an internal wiring fault—stop here and contact a licensed electrician
Step 5: Plug Appliances Back In One by One
Reconnect devices gradually, checking for any that trigger another trip. A single faulty appliance is often the cause of power issues in one area.
Once identified:
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Leave the faulty device unplugged.
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Reconnect other appliances as normal. Power should now remain stable.
Troubleshooting Lighting Faults
Lighting issues should be approached with similar care:
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Turn off all light switches in the home.
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Reset the circuit breaker marked “Lights.”
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Turn each light back on individually. If one causes a trip, that fitting or bulb is likely faulty.
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Leave it off and arrange for a qualified electrician to inspect the fitting.
When to Call a licensed electrician
If the problem isn’t on Ausgrid’s end and the power still doesn’t return after your checks, it’s time to call in the experts. Other warning signs include:
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Tripping breakers even after unplugging all appliances
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Burning smells, buzzing, or visible signs of damage
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Water near electrical outlets or your switchboard
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Uncertainty about any part of the process
Don’t Risk a Callout Fee for an Ausgrid Issue
Before scheduling a service call, always:
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Check the Ausgrid Outage Map
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Reset your switchboard and safety switches
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Unplug and isolate appliances
If none of these resolve the issue, One Point Property Solutions is ready to help. We service homes and businesses across Sydney with:
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Licensed, insured electricians
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Fast response times
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Clear, honest diagnostics and repair solutions
Call (02) 9100 0384 today and let us know what you’ve already tried. We’ll help you work out the next step—whether that’s waiting out a network outage or arranging prompt professional service.
