Electricity is something most of us don’t think about. But when it goes wrong, it can become a serious safety problem rapidly. Knowing when to call an emergency electrician can help protect your home, your business, and the people in it.
Not every electrical issue needs urgent help, but some do. If you notice any of the following problems, it’s best to take action right away.
Circuit breakers keep tripping
Your circuit breakers are the first line of defence when it comes to major power issues in your electrical circuits.
A local power surge could cause a breaker to trip. However, if you notice it happening continually, you should first take note of which circuit it is. An overloaded circuit is a common reason for tripping, so it could be an uncomplicated case of unplugging some appliances. Still, because breakers are so fundamental to household safety, it isn’t something you should ignore. For that reason, if one of your breakers trips regularly, you should take notice immediately.
Burning smell or sparks
If you smell something burning and think it might be coming from a light switch or outlet, turn off the power at the breaker if it’s safe to do so and call an electrician immediately. Sparks or smoke are signs of a possible electrical fire. These situations should never be ignored.
Electrical shocks when touching appliances
A small shock when you plug something in or touch an appliance is not normal. It could point to a grounding problem or wiring issue. An emergency electrician can find the cause and make it safe again.
Electricity and water combined
If you’ve had a water leak, flood, or any moisture near an electrical outlet or wiring, don’t touch anything. Water conducts electricity and can create a dangerous situation. Call a 24/7 emergency electrician to check things out before turning the power back on.
Tripped breakers that won’t reset
A tripped breaker is usually not a big deal. But if a breaker keeps tripping or won’t reset, it might be a sign of a serious problem. This can occur when circuits are overloaded or when there is a fault in the wiring.
Water damage
There is usually a panic that sets in after experiencing a flood or a major leak. This often means that calling your local electrician may not be the first thing on your mind.
But given the many dangers that come from combining water with electricity, it’s imperative that an expert comes in for an assessment before you switch any electricity back on.
Damaged cables sitting in water or a damp atmosphere where steam can condense could lead to short circuits. There could also be other long-term issues to your property, meaning you may need to replace or rewire electrical switches and outlets. With this in mind, a call to your local emergency electrician is a must.
Don’t hesitate to call
In a perfect world, we wouldn’t notice the power in our homes. Any time that we do is cause for concern, no matter what the issue is. If you have any lingering doubt in your mind, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Pick up the phone and contact an emergency electrician near you.
