Skip to main content

Other electrical problems should be dealt with immediately. Some can wait for a few weeks, but others must be addressed right away. Here are some signs that you need to call an electrician for emergency services in Forest Lake.

It should be a sanctuary for you, a refuge and most importantly, a safe place. Yet, a shocking number of accidents occur at home. Many of these are preventable.

Electrical faults are a potential danger to which we all should pay close attention. Electrical faults are the third most common cause of home fires, and many have fatal consequences.

You can stay ahead of danger by recognizing the warning signs and calling an emergency electrician.

What are the main signs you should be on the lookout for? Continue reading to learn more.

1. Circuit Breakers Keep Tripping

Circuit breakers are your first line of defense against major power issues in an electrical circuit.

The breaker could be triggered by a local power surge. If you see it happening constantly, it’s important to note the circuit. Overloaded circuits are a common cause of tripping, so unplugging appliances could solve the problem. Breakers are essential to the safety of your home, so you shouldn’t ignore them.

If you notice that your breaker trips frequently, it is time to call an electrician.

2. Heat or hot power outlets

It is easy to overlook this warning as we expect the appliance to work immediately after plugging it in. If you can feel heat or warmth coming from the switches or sockets, this is a red flag that an electrician should be called.

This is because it is an early warning sign of a fire. The increase in heat energy could be caused by a high demand on a circuit, or by wiring issues.

It is a good idea to periodically check the feel of your sockets.

3. Flickering lights

Electrical problems are often easy to notice, but can be overlooked. If it occurs when you plug in certain appliances or on a regular schedule, it’s time to call an emergency electrician.

It can be caused by a circuit overload, bad wiring or other factors. It is difficult to determine, so it’s best to contact a professional.

4. Sparks when plugging in appliances

When we plug something in, the sight of a small spark can be shocking (but not in a literal sense). Most of the time, there is no reason to be alarmed.

Arcing is a common phenomenon that occurs when the conductors of a circuit come close together.

When you start to see large sparks, which are either white or yellow and last for more than a fraction of a second, then there is a problem. Overloads or improper installation could be the cause.

Sparks can easily become a fire. Call an electrician to avoid any bigger issues.

5. Burning Smells and Smoke

We are hardwired for danger and our senses of smell should not be ignored. If you can’t identify a burning or smoky smell, call the emergency services. You should also turn off your mains.

After the fire department checks to ensure that there aren’t any imminent fires, you should call your electrician. Your electrician will be able identify any melted wires or other issues.

You should resolve this issue before turning on the power to your house.

6. Water Damage

After a flood or major leak, there is often a sense of panic. It is unlikely that you will call your local electrician as soon as a flood or leak occurs.

It is important to consult a professional before turning on electricity. This is because mixing water and electricity can cause a variety of dangerous situations.

Short circuits can occur when damaged cables are left in a damp or watery environment. You may also need to change your electrical switches and outlets or rewire your property if there is long-term damage.

If this happens to you, it is important to call your local electrician.

7. Buzzing Sounds

Buzzing noises are not normal and should never be considered as such. They could even be a warning sign that you are about to face a serious problem.

It could be a loose screw at the termination point, or it could be a serious wiring issue. It is not something that a non-professional can fix.

Contact your local electrician and leave the guesswork up to them.

Do not hesitate to call an emergency electrician

In an ideal world, we wouldn’t even notice that electricity is present in our homes. Every time we notice electricity in our homes, it is cause for concern. It is better to be safe rather than sorry, no matter what the issue is.

Contact an electrician in your area.

Vetter’s is the best choice for anyone living in Forest Lake or the surrounding area who wants to find the best electrician. We have electricians with over 20 years experience who are certified and whose primary concern is safety.

Contact us now!