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How to Tell You Have an Urgent Issue With Your Electrical System

Ryan Stack • Jan 26, 2021

When homeowners talk about an electrical emergency, some people think it involves a power shortage that keeps you from using your appliances and lights for an indefinite period. However, more seasoned homeowners know that it’s more complicated than that, as even just a simple busted bulb could even lead to electrical repairs if the situation is left unattended.

 

In fact, a typical electrical emergency you need to watch out for involves malfunctioning power systems, blown up fuse boxes, and electrical wires caught on fire. When you encounter a similar instance, it’s crucial to call a professional right away to fix your problem to prevent it from getting worse!

 

The earlier you can take care of your electrical system, the more chances you can maintain the safety of your family and your household. At the first sign of an emergency, you should know how to react, such as going out of your way to kill the power source or reaching out to electrical contractors for help. 


Keep reading below to find out signs that will prove you’re dealing with an emergency.



electrical issues


You Smell Something Unusual Burning

 

A burning smell coming from your electrical cords, outlets, and other parts of your appliances is never a good sign. You might think that the odor may just be a result of a newly bought device, but if that were the case, the smell shouldn’t have to last a long time!

 

When you notice an uncommon scent emanating from your electrical outlets, act immediately and unplug all the wires connected to it before you let the entire household know not to touch it. You should then call up an electrician in your area to monitor your outlet and find out the cause of the problem.

 

Your Service Panels Feel Hot When Touched

 

Your service panels are never meant to be too hot that you can’t touch them. When that happens, it should alert you that something’s wrong with your electrical system. It could indicate that intense currents of electricity are flowing through the wires, so you should turn it off right away.

 

Every household has a durable electrical system installed, so a malfunctioning service panel involves a serious situation. When your electric panel turns brown, overheats, has failing wires, or tends to dim your lights, it’s best to call an emergency electrician immediately. 

 

Your Electricity Power Tends to Trip

 

When your home runs out of electricity at unusual times of the day for no valid reason, it could be a sign of an electrical problem that requires your attention. Using worn-out wiring can be one of the causes of a power outage and should be replaced as soon as possible.

 

If you tend to run multiple appliances and devices in your home all at the same time, you may be overdoing it for your electrical system, so you should give it a break and tone it down. During a power outage, you could ask your neighbor if they’re experiencing it too—because if they’re not, you have a deeper issue that none other than a licensed electrician can solve!

 

You Notice a Carbon Monoxide Leak

 

A carbon monoxide leak is a severe electrical issue that can put your life in grave danger if you don’t do anything to stop it. It can lead to poisoning and affect you and your family’s health! These usually happen due to an improper installation of one of your appliances.

 

When you experience blurry vision, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and weakness, those are signs that you’re undergoing carbon monoxide poisoning. You can avoid certain situations by calling a local electrical contractor to install a carbon monoxide detector in your household.

 

Conclusion

 

Dealing with electrical hazards in the comforts of your home on your own is highly discouraged, especially if you know nothing about handling electrical systems. When you smell something unusual burning, touch extremely hot service panels, watch your electricity power trip, and notice a carbon monoxide leak, you should act on it ASAP—it’s best to call a residential electrical contractor to come to the rescue to prevent the issue from getting bigger.

 

Are you looking for the best electricians near you to manage your electrical system? B Town Electric delivers services for all electrical-related areas for our residential, commercial, and industrial clients. Get in touch with us today to receive a free estimate!



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