Emergency Electrical Services: When To Call And What To Expect

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To protect your home and occupants from electrical hazards, you need to know what signs are considered an electrical emergency. When calling emergency electrical services, you can be sure that safety will be their priority. Equipped with the tools, knowledge, and expertise necessary, these professionals will conduct a thorough assessment, diagnose the root cause of the problem, and respond appropriately, minimizing property damage and occupant injury.

To assist emergency electrical service technicians you need to:

• Be familiar with what constitutes an electrical emergency
• Be able to accurately describe the issue
• Provide your exact location.

What Is Considered An Electrical Emergency

Electrical emergencies can cause serious issues including personal injury, appliance damage, and electrical fires. To ensure the safety of yourself and your property, you need to know which electrical issues constitute an electrical emergency.

You must consult emergency electrical services if:

• The circuit breaker continues to trip
• There is an unexplained power outage
• You get an electrical shock when touching a switch, an outlet, or plugging in an appliance
• You hear buzzing or crackling sounds from electrical outlets or appliances
• Your lights flicker
• You notice exposed electrical wires
• There is visible damage to switches or power outlets
• There is an electrical fire
• You notice a fallen power line

Tripping Circuit Breaker

Circuit breakers are designed to trip if there is any problem within the electrical circuit. When sensing an electrical overcurrent, circuit breakers trip and interrupt the flow of electricity.

Circuit breakers that continuously trip usually indicate that there may be a problem within the electrical circuit. The problem could lie in:

• The electrical wiring. The wiring could be faulty or has been installed incorrectly.
• Overloaded circuits. This occurs when too many appliances demand power and the electrical demand surpasses the available current.
• Aging or faulty appliances where faulty wiring results in abnormal electrical behavior or a sudden surge of electrical current.

Circuit breaker boxes should not make any noise. If you notice any sounds from the breaker box you have a potential electrical emergency. Contact an electrician urgently.

Unexplained Power Outage

An unexplained power outage affecting only your home (not the whole neighborhood) must be investigated immediately. The outage could be due to faulty wiring or another electrical fault.

Left unattended, the underlying issue that causes the outage may result in an electrical fire, personal injury, or even life-threatening electrocution.

An Electrical Shock

There are numerous reasons for getting an electrical shock including:

• Electricity and water coming into direct contact. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity. Touching an electrical switch, outlet, or appliance that has come into contact with water or touching them with wet hands may cause a severe electrical shock.
• Coming in contact with damaged wires in the electrical circuit.
• Touching a damaged switch or electrical outlet.

If touching an electrical switch, appliance or power outlet causes an electrical shock, call emergency electrical services. In the event of a serious electrical shock:

• Immediately call 911 for emergency medical personnel
• Do not touch the person directly until you have switched off the power at the main circuit​​​​​​

Buzzing Or Crackling Sounds

Electrical outlets and appliances should not be making buzzing or crackling sounds. If unusual sounds are coming from the electrical panel, electrical outlets, switches, or appliances when in use, switch off the power at the main switch and contact an electrician.

Flickering Lights

Flickering lights are caused by a variety of issues, ranging from minor (loose/faulty light bulbs) to severe issues that require emergency electrical services. Unless you are 100% confident that the cause of the lights flickering is a minor issue (a loose or faulty light bulb), always call a qualified electrician to assess and repair the problem.

Reasons for flickering lights include:

• Faulty/loose light bulbs
• Faulty light switches or light fittings
• Overloaded electrical circuits
• Loose electrical connections in the circuit or the switches, outlets, or electrical fittings.
• Faulty wiring or electrical circuits.
• Electrical panel issues.
• Voltage fluctuations.

Exposed Electrical Wires

Exposed electrical wires are a hazard that can lead to electrical shock or fires. Emergency electrical services should immediately be called if you find any uninsulated wires, especially if they are sparking or emitting a burning smell. Do not touch or approach exposed electrical wires without switching off the power at the main circuit.

Visible Damage To Switches Or Electrical Power Outlets

It is crucial to contact an electrician to inspect any visible damage to switches or electrical outlets. Signs of visible damage always indicate a potential electrical hazard that will require professional attention.

Examples of visible damage include:

• Burn marks/discoloration of the switch or outlets
• Melting or exposed wires
• Sparks when attempting to use the switch or outlet
• The outlet/switch feels hot to the touch

Outlets and switches with signs of visible damage could be an indication of:

• Faulty wiring or
• Overloaded or short circuits

An electrician must assess and rectify the issue before you attempt to use the switch or outlet. Failing to consult an expert could result in electrocution or an electrical fire.

An Electrical Fire

Do not attempt to extinguish the fire with water as water is a conductor of electricity. A fire extinguisher designed for electrical fires may be used, but only if it is safe to do so. Before the electrician arrives, safety must be prioritized. Immediately disconnect the power at the mains, call emergency services (911), and evacuate the premises.

An electrician must be contacted as soon as an electrical fire is suspected. Electricians have the necessary safety equipment, knowledge, and expertise to assess and address the root cause of the fire.

Fallen Power Lines

If you notice a fallen power line, immediately contact emergency services and the local utility/electrical technicians to report the incident. Keep a distance of 30 feet or more, and do not attempt to touch, move, or approach the line or any objects in contact with it.

Avoid standing in water in the area, and warn others in the vicinity about the fallen power line. Treat all power lines as live and dangerous, thereby preventing potential accidents and electrocution.