Register your business

Home / Advice / What should you do after an electric shock at home?

What should you do after an electric shock at home?

If someone is still touching the source, do not touch them; Electrical Safety First says to separate them from the electricity safely and call 999 if they are unconscious. Afterwards, stop using whatever caused the shock and have a registered electrician check it.

Last reviewed:

By the QuoteZila editorial team. Editorial policy.

What should you do straight away?

If you think someone is getting an electric shock right now, your own safety comes first.

Electrical Safety First's first aid advice says to approach with extreme caution, and never to touch the person while they are still in contact with the electricity source, because you could get a shock too [S1]. It says to separate the person from the source of electricity, either by turning off the supply or by using a dry, non-conductive material, such as a length of wood, to move the source away from them [S1].

It says that if the person is unconscious, call 999 immediately [S1]. If they are not breathing normally, it says to begin CPR if you are able to, use a defibrillator if one is available, and only attempt first aid you are trained and confident to carry out [S1].

The NHS says to call 999 or go to A&E for a burn that has been caused by electricity [S2].

What if the person seems fine?

A shock at home can be brief, and the person may feel shaken but well. That does not mean there is no harm.

Electrical Safety First says that if the person is conscious and seems well, you should monitor their condition, because the effects of an electric shock may not be immediately obvious [S1]. It lists internal injuries such as deep burns, muscle damage, heart rhythm problems, or broken bones caused by muscle contractions [S1].

If you are worried, or symptoms appear later, get medical advice. Call 999 in an emergency.

Why did the shock happen?

At home, a shock can come from:

  • A faulty appliance or lead. Damaged cables, cracked plugs or water inside the appliance.
  • A damaged socket, switch or light fitting. Cracked faceplates, scorch marks, or loose fittings.
  • Wiring faults. Old, damaged or badly altered wiring.
  • Water near electrics. In kitchens, bathrooms and outside.

A static shock, such as the snap you sometimes feel from a car door or a carpet, is different. It is not the same as a shock from the mains. If you are not sure which you felt, treat it as a mains shock until an electrician has checked.

Electrical Safety First's advice also says not to ignore burn marks, buzzing or crackling sounds, fuses blowing, circuit breakers tripping, or a product that feels hot to touch [S1]. It says to unplug and contact the retailer, manufacturer or a qualified repair technician [S1].

What should you do about the cause?

Stop using it. Do not use the socket, switch, light or appliance again until it has been checked. Tell everyone in the house, and keep children away.

Do not try to repair it yourself. Opening up a socket, switch or fitting that has given a shock can be dangerous. This page does not give steps for electrical work.

Get a registered electrician. The Planning Portal says it is advisable to use an installer registered with a competent person scheme, who can self-certify that work complies with the building regulations [S3]. It says all electrical work should follow the safety standards in BS 7671, the wiring regulations [S3]. Electrical Safety First: find a registered electrician; NICEIC; NAPIT. QuoteZila is not affiliated with this organisation. Electrical Safety First explains how to choose a registered electrician.

Ask about protection. Electrical Safety First says an RCD in your consumer unit protects you from electric shocks if a product is faulty, and that if you do not have RCD protection you can use an RCD plug on the socket where the product is plugged in [S1]. Ask the electrician whether your circuits have RCD protection.

Consider a full check. If the house has had more than one shock, or the wiring is old, ask about an Electrical Installation Condition Report. EICR costs explains what that inspection involves.

Who should you call, and what should you tell them?

Our electricians page covers the trade, and the electrician cost guide explains what changes the price of a visit. In an emergency, always call 999 first.

When you contact an electrician, tell them:

  • what gave the shock, and where it is in the house
  • whether anyone was hurt
  • whether a breaker or RCD tripped
  • whether there are scorch marks, buzzing or a burning smell
  • how old the wiring is, if you know

QuoteZila starts in Cheshire, with Crewe, Nantwich and Sandbach first, and anyone in the UK can post a job. A post is not an emergency service, so for a danger to life, call 999.

Jobs you might post

These are examples, not taken from real job posts.

  • "Got a tingle from the kitchen light switch. Switch now not used. Please inspect and quote to repair."
  • "Washing machine gave a shock and the RCD tripped. Appliance unplugged. Please check the socket and circuit."
  • "Older house, a couple of sockets have scorch marks. Please quote for an inspection and any repairs."

QuoteZila is free for customers and local businesses [QZ1]. Your job goes to up to five matched local businesses [QZ2].

Honest status: QuoteZila is new. We're starting in Cheshire, beginning with Crewe, Nantwich and Sandbach, and growing area by area. Anyone in the UK can still post a job or register a business. How fast you get quotes depends on how many local businesses have joined near you. Businesses can register and receive jobs straight away. We don't check insurance, qualifications or registrations, so please check these yourself before you hire.

Posting a job is not open yet

Questions about electric shocks at home

I had a small shock and feel fine. Do I need a doctor?

Electrical Safety First says that if the person is conscious and seems well, monitor their condition, because the effects of an electric shock may not be immediately obvious. If you are unsure or feel unwell later, contact NHS 111 or your GP, and call 999 in an emergency.

Should I call 999 for a burn from electricity?

Yes. The NHS says to call 999 or go to A&E for a burn that has been caused by electricity. It also says not to drive yourself to A&E, but to ask someone to drive you or call 999 for an ambulance.

Can I keep using the socket or switch if it only tingles?

No. A tingle from a switch, socket or appliance is a warning that something is wrong. Stop using it, unplug any appliance if it is safe to do so, and get a registered electrician to look before anyone uses it again.

Does QuoteZila check electricians?

No. We don't check insurance, qualifications or registrations, so please check these yourself before you hire. You can report a quote or a business from your job page.

This page is general information, not professional or legal advice. QuoteZila does not check Gas Safe, WaterSafe, NFRC, NICEIC or other registrations against the register on your behalf: look them up yourself.

Part of Advice. All services

Related trades

Cost guides

Related pages

Sources

  1. QZ1: QuoteZila product fact. QuoteZila home and FAQ copy.
  2. QZ2: QuoteZila product fact. QuoteZila FAQ How does getting quotes work.
  3. S1: First aid tips, Electrical Safety First. Accessed 2026-11-01. https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/safety-around-the-home/first-aid
  4. S2: Burns and scalds, NHS. Accessed 2026-11-01. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/burns-and-scalds/
  5. S3: Electrics: Building Regulations general information, Planning Portal. Accessed 2026-11-01. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/electrics/building-regulations-general-information