7 Signs You Should Call An Emergency Electrician Immediately
Some electrical problems can wait a few days, while others should be handled immediately. These are the signs you should call an emergency electrician.
Your home should be your sanctuary, a place of refuge, and, most importantly, safety. Yet an alarming number of accidents happen when we are at home--many of which are preventable.
One obvious area of potential danger that we should all pay attention to is electrical faults. Electrical faults were the third leading cause of fires at homes between 2012-2016, many of which led to fatal consequences.
There is a way, however, to stay ahead of the danger, and that is by being aware of the signs and calling in an emergency electrician.
So what are the major signs to look out for? Keep on reading to find out.
1. Circuit Breakers Keep Tripping
Your circuit breakers are the first line of defense when it comes to major power problems in your electrical circuit.
A local power surge could make the breaker go off. However, if you notice it is constant, you should first take note of what circuit it is. Having an overloaded circuit is a common reason for tripping so it could be a simple case of unplugging some appliances. Yet due to breakers being so fundamental to household safety, it certainly isn't something that you should ignore.
For that reason, if one of your breakers trips regularly you should take notice and call in an emergency electrician.
2. Warm or Hot Power Outlets
As we normally need the appliance we are plugging in to start working, it is easy to ignore this sign. Yet if you feel warmth or heat coming from the sockets or switches this is another red flag for the need of an emergency electrician.
The simple reason is that this is a major precursor to a potential fire. It could be due to high demand in a circuit or wiring problems, but the increase of heat energy is a problem where swift action is needed.
As this can be a silent warning sign it would be good if, on occasion, you were to check how your sockets feel to the touch.
3. Flickering Lights
Light flickering is one of those electrical issues that are easy to spot, but also easy to ignore. But if it happens when you plug in a certain appliance or happens on a regular basis, then it is time to call in an emergency electrician.
Flickering lights can happen when there is an overload on a circuit, faulty wiring, or more. As it is difficult to ascertain, it is best to leave it to the professionals and contact a trained professional.
4. Sparks When Plugging in Appliances
The sight of a spark when we plug in something can give you shock (we don't mean in the literal sense!). However most of the time there is no need for alarm.
When the conductors in a circuit are close to touching, it is common for light blue sparks to jump from one to the other, called arcing.
The problem lies when you begin to see big sparks that last longer than a split second and are white or yellow. The reasons could be down to overloads or an improper installation.
Sparks could easily turn into a fire. To avoid bigger problems get on the phone with an electrician so you can rest easy.
5. Burning Smells or Smoke
Our senses are hardwired to spot danger, and our sense of smell isn't one to be ignored. A burning or smoking smell if not easy to identify should lead to you making a quick phone call to the emergency services. Your mains should also be switched off.
Once the fire department has checked to make sure that there are no imminent fires, your next call should be to your electrician. They will be able to identify if you have wires that have melted or any other underlying issues.
If you find yourself with this problem, resolve to have the issue identified before you turn on any power into the house.
6. Water Damage
There is usually a panic that ensues after experiencing a flood or a major leak. This usually means that getting on your local electrician may not be the first thought on your mind.
But given the many dangers that come from mixing water with electricity, it is imperative that a professional comes in for an assessment before you switch on any electricity.
Damaged cables sitting in water or damp environment where steam can condense could lead to short circuits. There also could be other long-term damage to your property, meaning you may need to rewire or change electrical outlets and switches.
With this in mind, a call to your local emergency electrician is a must should this happen to you.
7. Buzzing Sounds
Unless you have a beehive taking up lodging in your home (which would be another problem) then buzzing sounds are not and shouldn't be viewed as normal. In fact, they could be telling you that you have a problem brewing.
The reasons for the sounds can be anything from a few loose screws at a termination point or a more serious wiring problem. Regardless of what it may be it isn't something that someone who isn't a professional could resolve.
Leave the guesswork to the professionals and reach out to your local electrician.
Don't Hesitate to Call an Emergency Electrician
In a perfect world, we shouldn't notice the electricity in our homes. Anytime that we do is a cause for concern. No matter what the problem is, if you have a lingering doubt in your mind it is always better to be safe than sorry.
Pick up the phone and contact an emergency electrician near you.
If you live anywhere between Key West and Jacksonville and are looking for the best electrician you can find then the only real answer is Buell Electric. With over 40 years of experience, we have certified electricians whose main concern is your safety.
Get in contact with us today!
Buell Electric's Blog
