6 Dangerous Signs You Need to Call an Emergency Electrician Right Away!
Is your home suddenly plunged into darkness, or are your essential appliances like the microwave and fridge acting up? If any of these issues arise, it’s crucial to reach out to an emergency electrician.
Although contacting a professional may seem daunting, there are specific situations when immediate action is necessary. We’ve gathered 6 signs to help you know when it’s time to get in touch with an emergency electrician. Let’s take a closer look!
Burning Plastic Smell
If you detect a strong plastic-like odour emanating from your electrical system or notice other concerning electrical indications, the first step is to cut off power to that circuit. Then, don’t hesitate to call an electrician.
A burnt plastic smell in your house might be indicative of an issue with one of your circuits or appliances. Typically, it results from shorts and loose wire connections. Short circuits can occur when there’s an excessive flow of electricity through a single wire, often due to wires touching each other or fraying near their ends. The potential outcome? The risk of an electrical fire!
In such a situation, refrain from attempting a DIY fix and reach out to an electrician without delay!
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Sparks or Damaged Outlets and Wires
If you observe sparks or find outlets with visible damage, it might indicate a short circuit. In the case of sparking outlets that are in good condition, it could be due to a blown fuse. However, if the outlet is sparking and appears to be on fire, you may have overloaded the circuit by using too much electricity at once, or there might be a wiring problem that requires immediate attention from an electrician.
If you notice any of these signs during a lightning storm, it’s crucial to seek the assistance of emergency electricians promptly, as it could mean that lightning has struck nearby.
Non-Functioning Outlets
Are your outlets not working at all? Here are steps to follow before immediately reaching out to an electrician:
First, check the circuit breaker. Sometimes, a circuit can trip, cutting off power to a particular part of your home. Resetting it can often restore power to those outlets.
Inspect the outlet for any loose wires. If you notice wires that are loose or broken, contact an electrician without delay. It could signal more significant damage that requires repair and preventive action should be taken promptly to avoid potential future issues.
Examine the wiring around each outlet by removing the cover plates or screws and inspecting them for any signs of damage, such as burns or discolouration where wires enter the sockets. It’s advisable to contact a professional as soon as anything seems amiss so they can assess whether replacements are necessary, preventing more serious fire hazards down the line.
Loose Outlets and Switches
Loose outlets and switches pose serious risks. It’s essential to regularly inspect your outlets to ensure they are securely attached. If you find any loose wires within your walls or notice cracks in the outlets, it’s a sign to immediately contact an electrician.
It’s crucial not to attempt to repair loose outlets yourself, as this could lead to fire hazards or the risk of electrocution. The only way to prevent such grave issues is to enlist the services of a professional electrician with the expertise to carry out proper electrical wiring repairs.
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Flickering Lights When Appliances Are in Use
When your lights flicker while using an appliance, it’s likely tied to your electrical system. Some home electrical problems can be resolved by homeowners, while others necessitate the expertise of a licensed electrician.
Flickering lights often indicate an imbalance between the power consumed by your household appliances and the power supplied by your electrical system. This can occur for various reasons, such as:
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- A malfunctioning breaker or a tripped fuse in your primary circuit panel.
- Repeated blowing of fuses due to overheated wiring.
- Issues with the power supply itself, such as inadequate voltage, leading to flickering lights.
No Power in a Specific Room or Appliance
When you have no electricity in a particular room or for a specific appliance, follow these steps:
If you have a circuit breaker panel, check to see if any breakers have tripped. Turn off all power at the main switch and then flip each breaker back on to reset them. If none of them have tripped, it’s advisable to contact an electrician, as there could be faulty wiring or electrical equipment that requires replacement or servicing.
For fuse boxes with individual fuses instead of circuit breakers, inspect them for signs of burnout or failure, such as melted plastic.
How to Handle an Emergency Electrical Repair
If you encounter an issue with your electrical system, it’s best to immediately seek support from an emergency electrician. Avoid attempting DIY fixes or makeshift repairs, as these can lead to further damage and potential danger. The key reason for this caution is that you may not have the necessary expertise.
Describing electrical problems to someone unfamiliar with diagnosing electronic and power line issues, especially when you’re not aware of the specifics of your home or office’s power lines, can be challenging. In other words, if you encounter problems with your home’s wiring, don’t try to resolve them yourself. Call an electrician without delay.
Conclusion
If you notice any of these issues, don’t delay – contact an emergency electrician. Electrical problems can rapidly escalate into severe fire hazards if left unaddressed. That’s why it’s crucial to enlist the services of a knowledgeable professional without hesitation.