Top 5 Reasons to Call an Emergency Electrician

By far the most common reason for emergency electrical repair services is a home power outage. Our modern lives depend on electricity, and any interruption calls for professional help to deliver a fast solution so we can get our days back on track. But many emergency electrical circumstances can go beyond frustration and inconvenience. 

Some issues are more obvious than others, such as exposed wires or water damage to your walls and ceiling. But there are other important signs that your home is at risk for electrical malfunction. These situations can endanger your family, and their indicators can often go ignored or unnoticed. Learn the overlooked indicators of home electrical problems and how Electric City can help you diagnose and repair the issues. 

What are the Signs that You Need an Emergency Electrician?

Certain electrical issues require urgent attention from a professional. Some reasons to call an electrical contractor for emergency services include:

1. A Burning Smell

This is one of the most serious indicators that you need an emergency electrical contractor. If you notice a burning smell in your home or business, it may be a sign of large, unseen problems within your home’s electrical systems. The smell may come from fuses, wires, fixtures, or a hidden source. To avoid melted wires and damaged appliances, contact a trusted electrical contractor company to determine the underlying issues. 

If you suspect a fire, please call the fire department to ensure the safety of your home, yourself, and your loved ones. You may also want to shut off your electrical mains until a professional can assess your home for the cause of the burning smell and any incurred damage. 

2. Switches & Outlets Feel Hot 

If an electrical outlet or switch plate feels hot when touched, it can indicate danger and potential problems lying within your walls. These household items are designed for safety purposes, to help protect you from exposed wires. If they are hot or even particularly warm, this may be a sign that the outlet is overloaded or that there are malfunctioning wires behind the wall and plate, which can both be fire hazards. Brown spots or dark marks around the outlet are additional signs of an overloaded outlet to look out for. 

To determine why your outlets are hot to the touch, you should call a professional electrician for an assessment. They’ll help you assess the cause and provide information about repair options. 

3. Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

Another indicator of circuit overload is a circuit breaker that experiences repeated interruptions. However, a short circuit or a ground fault can also cause residential circuit failures. Your circuit breaker is a safety feature designed to shut off your home’s electrical current before it can cause an electrical fire. If a circuit breaker is repeatedly tripping, call a residential electrician to inspect your property and determine the issue and appropriate solutions. 

The NFPA considers electrical circuit interrupters to be one of the top fire causes in homes. AFCIs and GFCIs are designed to help prevent electric shock and fire, but if they incur damage, aren’t maintained, or weren’t properly installed in the first place, they pose a risk to your home and family. 

4. Lights are Flickering

This issue can commonly go ignored or simply be chalked up to a minor nuisance because lights can flicker for a variety of reasons. But among those reasons are the dangerous possibility that your home has loose wiring—something which can result from general wear and tear or being outdated, among other things. Other potentially deadly causes include abnormal voltage changes and circuit overload, and all of these issues can be diagnosed by a professional electrician. 

In 2019, the NFPA reported that electrical distribution and lighting equipment were responsible for 50% of home fires. To avoid fires resulting from arcing or overheating, it’s important to be aware of your home appliances and fixtures and to maintain them properly. 

5. A Buzzing Noise

If you notice a buzzing noise coming from an outlet or electrical switch, you may have an improperly grounded or loose wire on your hands. The electrical current may be arcing behind the plate, posing the risk of electrical shock or electrical fire. This problem can be tricky to diagnose and fix, which is why it’s helpful to let an electrician handle the issue. 

Call Electric City if you notice any of these issues or suspect any problems with your residential electrical systems. As certified electrical contractors, we’re equipped to properly assess any issues and design a plan for repair that fits with your budget. 

Prevent Electrical Emergencies with Regular Maintenance

These common signs of a potential electrical emergency can help you notice a disaster waiting under your nose, but you should proactively call an electrician for regular electrical home inspections. Scheduled, preventative electrical maintenance can save you time, money, and heartbreak in the long run by keeping your home safe for years to come. If you’re not sure when your home was last inspected, contact Electric City for a residential electrical inspection. 

Electric City is There When You Need Fast Electrical Repairs

We provide same-day service whenever possible so that Katy, TX homeowners can prevent emergencies and take care of priority electrical issues. From GFCI inspections to main service panel upgrades and repairs, we’re here to protect your family with reliable care, year-round. Get in touch today to schedule your maintenance appointment. 

Electric City: Emergency Electrical Services in Katy, TX

Stay comfortable and safe with the expert workmanship of certified electricians from Electric City in Katy, TX. As a local, family business, we’re proud to serve our community members with exceptional service, quality products, and work guaranteed by a lifetime warranty on everything we do. When you need emergency electrical repair services or electrical maintenance and troubleshooting, don’t wait! Call Electric City at 832-724-1781 and schedule an appointment to have a team member come serve you as soon as possible.