Electrical problems are common in nearly every household. It’s a safe bet that most homeowners have run into light fixtures that won’t turn — or stay — on, burnt out bulbs, power outages, light switches that have given up, and beyond. While an experienced electrician is the right professional to deal with any of these complications, some situations require immediate attention to protect your property — not to mention members of the household — from severe safety risks, including fire hazards. In these instances, emergency electricians can come to the rescue.
No one wants to face an electrical hiccup — let alone an emergency — in their house. But what differentiates a nuisance from a red flag? Here, we’ll take a closer look at what electrical issues demand urgent professional attention:
1. Circuit Breakers Keep Tripping
Your home’s circuit breakers are the first line of defense when it comes to big-time power problems in your electrical circuit. A local power surge may make the breaker go off, but if you notice that it is constant, you should take note of what circuit it is. After all, having an overloaded circuit is the common culprit for tripping, so it could be a simple case of unplugging a few appliances. Yet, since breakers are so paramount to household safety, it’s not something you should shrug off. If your circuit breakers regularly trip, call in an emergency electrician.
2. Warm or Hot Electrical Outlets
If your sockets or switches are shedding warmth or next-level heat, this is a major sign an emergency electrician should be contacted. This scenario is a major precursor to a potential house fire. It could be due to high demand in a circuit or wiring issues, but the increase of heat energy is a problem that necessitates swift action.
3. Constant Flickering Lights
Easy to spot, yet easy to ignore. However, if your lights flicker when you plug in a certain appliance or frequently, it’s time to reach out to an emergency electrician. Lights can flicker when there is an overload on a circuit, faulty wiring, or more — however, the cause is not typically readily apparent. It’s best to leave it to the licensed professionals.
4. Sparks Fly When Plugging in an Appliance
The sight of a spark when you go to plug something in can undoubtedly make you worried. However, most of the time, there’s no need for alarm. There’s a problem when you begin to notice big sparks that last longer than a split second and are white or yellow. Sparks can easily turn into a fire; this sign to call an emergency electrician is one that mustn’t be ignored.
5. Smoke or Burning Smells
Your senses, including smell, are our first line of defense when it comes to picking up on signs that it’s time to call an emergency electrician. A burning or smokey smell is a cue to call on emergency electrical services; professionals will be able to identify wires that may have melted and any other underlying issues.
6. Buzzing Sounds
Buzzing or humming sounds emanating from your breaker box are indications there is a serious problem with your wiring. The circuit breaker is designed to protect your property from electrical surges, and any damage to it leaves you and your family vulnerable.
7. Partial Power Outage or Total Power Outage Not Related to YourPower Supply Company
Partial power outages could be a sign that your panel is failing; it can also be due to a number of external factors like fallen trees, ice, lightning, or even squirrels chewing on wires. If you’ve experienced a blackout or brownout that’s not caused by your power company, it may be time to call on an electrician.
8. Electrical Shock
If you get a small shock when you touch a plug in your home, it could simply be due to static electricity; however, if you’re experiencing a shock every time you use an outlet, you should reach out to a licensed electrician. This could be caused by broken cords, damaged circuits, or an unstable electrical current. Either way, it’s critical that you don’t attempt to fix these issues yourself; rely on a professional for any and all electrical repairs
From electric shocks to potential fires, these signs that it’s time to call an emergency electrician can have grave repercussions if not acted on. Entrust the safety of your electrical system with our expert team! For more information about our electricians in Delaware County, PA, and the surrounding communities, reach out to us today!
