Electrical problems in and around the home are more than just inconvenient. They can pose a serious risk to you, your family and your property as a whole. From power points that start sparking to appliances that make strange buzzing sounds or burning smells, there are certain electrical incidents that you simply should not ignore. Doing so puts you at risk of everything from property-damaging power surges to life-threatening electric shocks.
You may be tempted to try and address these problems yourself, especially if you display a bit of DIY prowess every now and then. But, as After Hours Electrical suggests, electrical work is the last area in which you should flex your DIY muscle. When it comes to electrical emergencies, always call a licensed emergency electrician. Here are five scenarios where this is especially true.
Why You Need a Licensed Electrician
As we touched on above, when it comes to electrical emergencies, you should always steer clear of DIY attempts to fix them. You will need a licensed electrician to ensure safety and quality. Here are four reasons why a qualified professional should always be your first choice:
- Expertise: Licensed electricians are trained to safely handle complex electrical issues.
- Compliance: They follow Australian electrical codes and standards to the letter so your repairs or installations are legal.
- Long-term safety: Their work reduces the risk of future problems, electrical fires or shocks so you can relax.
- Insurance coverage: Most home insurance policies require work to be done by a licensed professional to be valid.
Choosing a licensed electrician means your home’s electrical system is fixed correctly, and your family and property are safe.
1. Burning Smells or Smoke
When your electrical appliances or power points start to smoke or give off unexpected burning smells, be concerned. It means your electrical system is overheating. This could be due to several possible reasons, including:
- Damaged wiring
- Overloaded circuits
- A faulty appliance
This sign is one of the biggest red flags to take note of and act on ASAP, as it could lead to a devastating electrical fire. If you smell something burning, immediately switch off the power to the affected area and do not use the faulty appliance or power point. Even in small traces, smoke is a blatant tell-tale sign that something needs immediate attention.
Never try to fix these problems on your own. Always call an emergency electrician who can safely identify and fix the issue before it gets significantly worse.
2. Power Outages
If you’re constantly losing power at home, there’s no doubt that it’s incredibly frustrating. But aside from the obvious inconvenience of it all, frequent power outages can also point to more serious electrical issues below the surface.
The occasional loss of power is something we all experience, whether it’s due to storm activity or failures with the electrical grid. They’re to be somewhat expected here and there. But recurring dropouts of power suggest something wrong with your electrical system.
Common causes can include:
- Electrical circuit overload
- Ageing or damaged wiring
- Faulty electrical panel
These issues not only disrupt your daily routine but can also wreak havoc on your appliances and electronics.
You can certainly try resetting your circuit breakers to fix the issue, but if it’s becoming a regular job, then it’s time to act. Call an emergency electrician and have a professional inspect your system, identify the problem and fix it. It’s the best way to ensure your home is safe and your power supply is reliable.
3. Sparking Power Points or Switches
If you find your power points or switches sparking, that’s a big concern and a sure sign of a serious problem with your electrical system.
Sparks happen when electrical currents meet resistance as a result of worn-out wiring, loose connections or outdated components. You might not initially consider a brief spark to be a big deal, but if you disregard too many of these brief sparks, they can quickly become a fire hazard.
If you see sparks when you plug in or switch on an appliance, immediately shut off the power to that power point and don’t use it. And once again, do not attempt a DIY fix – call an emergency electrician. They will diagnose the issue and make sure your home’s wiring is safe and up to code.
4. Buzzing or Humming Sounds
Like the burning smells and electrical sparks, hearing unusual buzzing or humming sounds from your electrical system is a red flag that you should certainly not ignore.
These sounds typically come from power points, switches or your electrical panel and usually mean loose connections, faulty wiring or overloaded circuits. Electrical systems should be silent by default, so any unusual sounds mean something is not working as it should. Left unattended, these issues can lead to overheating, damage to your appliances or electrical fires.
If you hear these sounds at all, turn off the affected circuit and call an emergency electrician straight away. They’ll be able to safely identify the problem and fix it to keep your home safe and your electrical system working as it should.
5. Circuit Breakers That Won’t Reset
A tripped circuit breaker that won’t reset is a serious electrical problem that needs immediate attention.
Circuit breakers are designed to protect your home by cutting off power when there’s an overload, short circuit or ground fault. But a breaker that won’t reset suggests a persistent and potentially dangerous issue. The culprit could be faulty wiring, a damaged appliance or a problem with the breaker itself.
Trying to force the breaker back on without fixing the root cause can cause overheating or result in an electrical fire. The safest approach is to turn off the affected circuit and call an emergency electrician.
Stay Safe and Act Fast
To better protect your home and loved ones, recognising the signs of an electrical emergency and acting upon it the right way is essential.
Burning smells, sparking power points, strange noises and stubborn circuit breakers all indicate something is likely wrong with your electrical system. Ignoring these warnings can lead to damaged appliances or electrical fires.
Acting fast and calling an emergency electrician is the best and safest resolution to your problem. With their expertise, you can be sure your home’s wiring and systems are in good hands. Don’t take chances with electrical safety – fixing issues quickly will save you time, money and, most importantly, peace of mind.
