When the lights go out, it can send you into a panic. It can be even more stressful if you're dealing with something more sinister, like smoke coming from your outlets. Knowing when you need to call for help is a skill every homeowner should learn. It can not only save you from some serious damage down the line, but it also means you're putting home electrical safety first.Are you looking for reliable 24/7 electricians? The team at Randy’s Electric is always happy to come by and take a look at your electrical problems — no matter what time of day. Reach out today at 612-662-0123.
Signs You Need an Emergency Electrician
If you don’t know much about the electrical system in your home, it can be confusing to know when to get help. While you should know about some common electrical problems, in some situations, you’ll want to call your electrician right away. Not only are home electrical systems dangerous, but you can do some serious damage if you don’t address issues promptly — and we're not just talking about appliances; electrical damage can also affect the structure of your home.So when should you pick up the phone and call an emergency electrician? We’ve got the most common problems you might face that require the expert hand of a licensed professional.
When Strange Smells and Noises Come from Your Walls
No, that’s not a dead rodent. Those strange smells coming from your walls could be a sign you’ve got an issue with your wiring. This is especially the case if you’re smelling a burning smell. In most cases, it’s a short that’s causing a fire behind the wall. As you can probably guess, ignoring this could end up in some serious fire damage.If you live in an older home, wiring is often outdated and worn. In some cases, this could mean you need to update your wiring. Your electrician will know the best course of action. Aside from smells, though, you might also hear some strange noises.Buzzing sounds, clicks and creaks can all be indicators of a problem. The reason for the sound could be anything from a loose screw at a termination point to more serious wiring issues. It's always a good idea to know what your home sounds like and smells like during normal circumstances. If you notice something is off, it might be time to call your local emergency electrician.
After Flooding or Major Leaks
This one should be a no-brainer. We all know that water and electricity don’t mix. If you’ve experienced some flooding recently, make sure you give your local electrician a call before you turn on anything. While you might not have anything wrong with your system, the last thing you want to do is assume everything is okay and cause even more damage.This isn't just about flooding, either. If you experienced some serious leaks, a call to an electrician is necessary. Damaged cables sitting in pooled water can be a surefire way to get electrical shorts. These problems can easily cause long-term damage to your home. Even if flooding isn’t the issue, if you're recovering from other natural disasters, getting a hold of your electrician is always a good idea.
If the Lights Go Out or Flicker
It should be no surprise that you might have an issue if your lights aren’t working properly. Sometimes it can be a fault with the bulb itself. But, if you’re noticing a whole set of flickering lights or lights not turning on at all, you might need to get a hold of a 24/7 electrician. If all of your lights go out, and you notice no one else in your neighborhood is suffering from the same issue, something is amiss.Before you call an electrician, though, it might be a good idea to get a hold of your power utility company. They can let you know if it’s an issue on their end or something wrong with your system. If it’s an issue with your home’s electrical system, always call an electrician. While it might be something fairly minor, like wiring issues in a specific room, it could be more serious. Only a licensed electrician will know how to handle the situation.
Burnt or Smoking Outlets
Okay, so this one probably doesn't need too much explaining. If you’re noticing smoke coming from your outlets, call an electrician. Seriously. It's a good sign that you’ve got an issue with your home’s wiring, and it's causing short circuits. If you actively see smoke and fire, don’t just call an electrician; call for emergency services. You don’t want to risk a home fire, so take home electrician safety seriously.While smoke requires your immediate attention, it could mean something different if you see burn marks on the outlet’s face. While this is still a serious problem, it could mean a few things:
- Appliances are the issue
- Overloaded circuits and the problem is at the circuit breaker
- Outdated home wiring
Circuit Breakers Keep Tripping
Your circuit breakers are the first line of defense against shorts. When you overload a circuit, it trips. When this happens, the breaker cuts the current, preventing damage to your home and appliances. If you’ve ever had one too many appliances on at a time, you know firsthand what happens when a breaker trips.This is exactly why we install circuit breakers. As this is your main line of defense against faults and fires, you want to make sure everything is working properly. If you’re dealing with the occasional trip to the breaker box, don’t stress; It's normal. But, if you are constantly dealing with tripped breakers, it could be a sign of something more serious.Contact your local emergency electrician to make sure everything is okay. If something is wrong, it can then get the attention of a professional.Â
Looking for Emergency Electricians in St. Paul, MN?
If you're dealing with a dark home, smoke from your outlets or need a little help dealing with your circuit breaker box, the team at Randy’s Electric can be over in no time. Our team of licensed electricians has seen it all and can fix your issues, no matter how serious. Get in contact today to schedule an appointment.