What to do if you get an electric shock or tingle

Experiencing an electric shock or tingle when you touch something is not normal, and could mean there is an electrical issue.

What is an electric shock or tingle?

Electric shocks happen when an electric current passes from a ‘live’ object into your body. You might experience a strong zap or feel a painful force run through you. A tingle is a low-level electric shock and feels like pins and needles where your body is making contact with the electrified object.

If an electric shock or tingle occurs, you should take the following steps.

1. Seek medical assistance

If you, or the person who received the shock has:

• lost consciousness (even for a few seconds)
• have difficulty breathing
• have a slow or fast heartbeat

Call an ambulance on triple zero (000) immediately, as an electric shock can be life threatening.

Even if the electric shock is mild, an electric shock might cause internal damage and it is recommended that the person who was shocked seek medical attention to check if it has affected their heart.

2.Call your licensed electrical contractor

Call your licenced electrical contractor to investigate the cause of the shock and make sure the area is safe. A list of licenced electrical contractor is available here if you don’t have one.

If you are a tenant, contact your property manager or landlord for their licenced electrical contractor.

3.Stay clear of the area

Stay clear of the area and warn other people at the premise to also stay clear until the licenced electrical contractor has checked the area is safe.

4.Notify the Electrical Safety Regulator (NT WorkSafe)

It is a requirement under the Electrical Safety Act 2022 to notify the Electrical Safety Regulator when a serious electrical event or a dangerous electrical event occurs. Further information on the notification requirements is available in the Notify WorkSafe section of the website.