Electrical Repair Emergencies: When to Call an Electrician

Posted on: 17 November 2023

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Electricity is essential to modern living, powering everything in homes and workplaces. But with its many benefits come certain risks, and electrical emergencies can happen unexpectedly. If you experience one of the following common electrical repair emergencies, it's time to call an electrician for help.

Blown Fuse or Circuit Breaker

It’s not uncommon for the electrical panel to trip if you have too many appliances running at the same time. This can cause a power outage, or the fuse may blow. If you reset the breaker or replace the fuse and it trips or blows again, it could be a sign of a more significant overload, such as damaged wiring or a faulty appliance. Your best course of action is to call an electrician to diagnose and repair the problem.

Burning Smells

Any electrical smell coming from your outlets or electrical panel is a clear indication of an emergency, and you must act quickly to prevent a fire. If you detect any burning smells, immediately unplug all appliances and contact an electrician. A burning smell can indicate anything from faulty wiring to electrical overload; it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Outlets and Switches Not Working

Have you ever gone to plug in an appliance or flip the light switch, only to find that nothing happens? Usually, this happens when one of the outlets or switches in a room has stopped functioning. The first course of action is to check if the circuit breaker tripped. If it hasn’t, and you’re still left in the dark, you’ll need to call a professional electrician to inspect and repair the electrical circuits.

Electrical Shocks

Electrical shocks are generally the most severe electrical emergency on this list. An electrical shock can occur when you touch an appliance or a wall outlet, and it can be incredibly dangerous. If someone has been subject to an electrical shock, always call emergency services immediately. Once the individual has received medical attention, contact a trusted electrician to assess any damage or issues with the electrical system.

Flickering Lights

If your lights are flickering or dimming unexpectedly, it could be a sign of voltage fluctuations, power surges, or faulty wiring. While this may not indicate an immediate safety threat, playing it safe and calling an electrician is always prudent. They will examine your wiring and ensure your electrical system operates efficiently and safely.

Electrical emergencies can happen anytime, and it’s essential to know when to call an electrician. Even seemingly minor electrical issues can escalate into significant safety hazards if left unchecked. Always look out for warning signs, like burning smells, flickering lights, or electrical shocks, and act quickly to safeguard the well-being of your family and home.

Reach out to an electrical contractor near you to learn more.