Signs to Call an Emergency Electrician

A circuit breaker is a safety mechanism against electrical shorts.

Electricity is integral to modern life, powering many appliances and devices. And, most of the time, it can be relied on to work without any hassle or fuss. But, like any other home system, the electrical system can suffer faults and failures requiring urgent repair.

This guide will explore warning signs when homeowners need to call an emergency electrician.

After a flood or leak

One of the first things people learn about electricity at school is that it doesn't mix well with water. So, calling in an electrician after a home suffers a major water-based problem, like a leak or flood, is only logical.

Even if the electrical system runs fine, water may have seeped into places it shouldn't be. It could interfere with wires, cables, and appliances, and it may be only a matter of time before fuses blow and the whole system shuts down. An electrician can assess the situation and identify any potential risks.

Smoky outlets

This one is a no-brainer but is still worth mentioning. Smoke coming out of a power outlet is a very bad sign. The same applies if sparks are seen coming from an outlet or if it smells like burning.

Typically, these indicate short circuits inside the outlet that signal something is up with the home's wiring. Left unattended, smoky or sparking outlets can cause appliance damage or even trigger electrical fires.

Weird smells and sounds

Plenty of homes creak and rattle a little from time to time. However, a serious electrical issue could be to blame when very unusual sounds come from the walls – like buzzing or clicking. Similarly, odd odors, like burning, may signal wiring problems.

In either case, it's best not to ignore those strange smells and sounds. Get them checked out by a trusted professional. It might be nothing serious, but there's always a chance that smells and sounds could be caused by outdated wiring or even an active electrical fire.

When the breaker keeps tripping

A circuit breaker is a safety mechanism against electrical shorts. When circuits overload, the breakers trip, preventing serious damage to appliances and systems.

Having a breaker trip from time to time is no big deal. It may happen if too many devices are simultaneously plugged into an outlet. However, if the breaker repeatedly trips, that could signify a bigger issue that needs attention. It could indicate that the grid can't meet the household's power demands.

When in doubt, call in the pros

Electrical issues should never be taken lightly. If homeowners spot any of the signs listed above or have any other reason to suspect something is wrong, it's best to act fast. Call a trusted emergency electrician immediately to get the system checked out and repaired.

When you need a licensed electrician for commercial or residential electrical needs, call Zimmerman Electric at 310-378-1323.