Residential Electrical Problems: 6 Reasons To Call An Emergency Electrician | Wilmington, NC
Photo By Drazen Zigic at istock
Electrical problems are common in most, if not all, homes in Wilmington, NC. It can be challenging to know when to call an emergency electrician because some homeowners may fail to take the issue seriously until it gets out of hand. When it comes to electricity, you better be safe than sorry.
House fires caused by electrical problems are worrying. In the United States, electrical fires account for about 51,000 fires annually in homes, resulting in more or less 500 deaths and over 1400 injuries. Electrical issues may range from power outages and burning outlets to tripping breakers. These are the instances where you will need the services of an electrician. In the current world where we rely so much on electricity for almost everything, lack of power can be frustrating.
Emergency electrical problems always arise, and having an emergency electrician on your speed dial will help you have the issues addressed promptly. Below are some reasons you should call an electrician immediately.
Flooding
In most cases, when you have a water leak or a pipe burst, calling an electrician in Wilmington, NC, is probably the last choice. Floods can damage your electrical system in various ways. If you experience floods, no matter how small, you should contact an emergency electrician right away. If you decide to clean up the mess, you may suffer an electric shock.
Flooding may also result in short-circuiting, creating fires hazards that put you and your family at risk. That’s why it’s essential to contact an electrician immediately after a flood or water damage. The professional can switch off the primary power source to prevent electrocution.
Some damages to the electrical system may be immediate, while others can be long-term and may not be visible to the homeowner. An experienced electrician can spot any significant damage to your home’s electrical wiring system and repair or perform a replacement if the damage is severe.
Sudden Blackouts
Most of us usually panic when lights go off, especially when in public. You can feel the same way if the power goes off at your home. Power outages without an explanation can be an issue of concern and may require you to call an emergency electrician.
Having a blackout in one or two rooms may be of less concern, but if there’s no power in the whole building, you should take action immediately. When you experience power outages, the first thing you would probably think of is to find out if your neighbors have the same issue. If they have electricity, call the utility company to confirm if your line has a problem. If there’s no issue at their end, contact an electrician right away. Some power outages may be due to circuit breakers, and resetting them can restore the power in your home. An electrician can also examine the wiring system to ensure it’s in good condition.
Frequently Tripping Breakers
Circuit breakers protect an electric circuit from damage resulting from short-circuiting or power overloads. If the circuit is trying to provide more power than what it can handle, the circuit breakers can trip, and you can lose power in some rooms.
Although this may be a good sign that your appliances are safe, it may also indicate an electrical problem. Irregular circuit tripping can mean a system overload. However, if tripping happens more frequently, you may need assistance from an emergency electrician in Wilmington, NC. For most homeowners, when the power goes off, circuit breakers are always to blame.
However, this may not be true in some instances. An electrician can help you identify what caused the tripping. If you fail to address the problem, an overloaded circuit can result in overheating, causing electric fires. As a homeowner, you can unplug the appliances that are not in use to prevent the chances of tripping.
Burning or Smoking Outlets
An old wiring, circuit overload, or faulty electrical appliances can make an outlet burn or generate smoke. Modern electrical outlets have grounding wires to provide a safe place where excess electric current can be absorbed. The feature makes them safer than ungrounded outlets. Even grounded outlets can still feel hot or warm or emit smoke due to some reasons.
For instance, old wiring may not handle the power needs of your appliances, thereby overloading the circuit and causing fires. Poor installation or use of poor-quality electrical components can also cause outlets to burn or smoke. If any of the outlets is burning or you can smell smoke, do not risk it. Instead, call an emergency electrician right away. An electrician can examine the outlets to find the cause of the problem then replace damaged electrical outlets and wiring.
Flickering or Dimming Lights
Flickering or dimming lights is usually an indication of a power surge. Power surges are not always a result of storms or lightning; they may also occur if there is a circuit overload. If the problem is due to an old or loose bulb, then the issue may not be of concern.
Lights may become dim or go off for about a second. If the lights flicker for a prolonged period, it’s time to contact an emergency electrician to address the issue. It means there is an uneven flow of current resulting from a poor connection. You should address the issue soon to enhance safety and prevent severe problems.
Humming and Buzzing Sounds
The strange sounds you hear from an electrical system may be not only annoying but also hazardous and could need immediate attention. Although some appliances make some noise when you plug them into an outlet, a loud noise could indicate a bigger problem in the electrical system.
Some possible causes of such noises may include loose wires, circuit overloads, or loose connections. If you hear buzzing or humming sounds coming from the electrical system, consider calling an emergency electrician near you.
Contact Mister Sparky of Wilmington Today
An emergency electrician is available 24/7 without an appointment. If you live in Wilmington, NC, and you need emergency services, call Mister Sparky of Wilmington. Our electricians are trained and licensed to handle all electrical emergencies. No matter the kind of electrical problem you’re dealing with, no need to worry. All you need to do is call us to fix the problem and keep you and your family safe.