What Is Considered An Electrical Emergency?

short circuit

There’s never a good time for an electrical issue to arise, so it’s a good idea to be prepared in the event that one comes up at an inopportune time. One of the easiest ways to do this is to know ahead of time what constitutes an electrical emergency and what can wait until a better time to address it.

It is also important to keep in mind that most electrical work requires a level of expertise and can pose a serious risk to anyone who tries to tamper with it. Not only that, but certain electrical issues can put your home and loved ones at risk if left unaddressed, so it’s good to know when to call in a professional for an emergency.

1. An unexplained power outage

Most power outages have a relatively simple explanation. Whether it’s inclement weather, infrastructural work, or an accident that has knocked out power to an area, your utility company should be able to explain why your power is out. 

However, if your home has lost power, the utility company can’t explain it, and the problem is isolated to just your home, you can consider this an electrical emergency.

2. You find a burnt outlet

If you see brown or black marks surrounding an outlet, this is a clear sign that it has been overloaded. When an outlet is overworked, it heats up and can reach a point where it actually begins to burn. An overloaded outlet should be addressed right away, so be sure to call an electrician about the issue immediately, no matter the hour. 

3. A new noise coming from your circuit breaker

If you notice that your circuit breaker is suddenly making a noise that you’ve never heard before, this could be indicative of a larger issue. The biggest risk in this situation is that your breaker isn’t tripping properly. 

It can be frustrating when a circuit breaker trips, but when this happens it’s actually a good thing. Circuit breakers trip when they sense something is wrong, so the tripping mechanism works to prevent further harm.

If the breaker isn’t tripping, it can leave your home vulnerable to electrical damage. There’s no doubt this is an electrical emergency, so don’t hesitate to contact a professional if this is happening in your home.

4. An electrical issue that can’t be fixed with simple troubleshooting

Sometimes fixing something electrical is as simple as unplugging it and plugging it back in again, wiggling a cord, or ensuring everything is plugged in where it’s supposed to be. But if these easy steps don’t do the trick, you may be dealing with an issue that requires professional help.

If an outlet, appliance, or light fixture isn’t functioning as it should and it’s putting off an unusual noise or smell, it should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible. 

Leave it to the professionals at Phillip M. Brunelli Electric

There’s a reason electricians go through intensive schooling, apprenticeships, and additional training. Electrical work can be quite dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing and it’s easy to make a situation go from bad to worse if you try tinkering with the problem in an attempt to fix it. 

Our team at Brunelli offers 24/7 support for any electrical emergencies you may experience. If you are in the midst of an electrical emergency do not wait! Contact our team today.

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