Electrical emergencies can catch you off guard and leave you feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re in an older home or a new build, things like power outages, flickering lights, or strange burning smells pop up unexpectedly.
These issues aren’t just annoying; they can be downright dangerous, too.
When something goes wrong with your electrics, it’s important to know when to call in a professional.
In this blog post, our 24/7 Croydon electricians walk you through some of the most common electrical emergencies. Give us a call for immediate support and advice when the lights go out or your switchboard starts playing up!
Stay safe: these are some common signs that indicate you need to call an electrician
1. Power outages
Power outages are one of the most common electrical emergencies, and they can happen for a variety of reasons. Whether it’s due to a storm or an overloaded circuit, losing electricity is frustrating and inconvenient.
If you’re the only house on the street without power, the issue is likely internal. Start by checking your circuit breaker and resetting any tripped switches. If the power still doesn’t return, it’s best to call a licensed electrician to investigate the problem safely.
(Hot tip: if it looks like others in your street have lost power too, it’s usually up to your local energy provider to restore power.)
2. Flickering lights
You might think flickering lights are more annoying than anything else, but the truth is that they can be a sign of a severe electrical issue, especially in an older home.
In some cases, it’s outdated or loose wiring, which can be a safety hazard. In newer homes, flickering is often caused by an overloaded circuit or a faulty fixture.
If it’s just one room, the issue is likely localised, but if it’s happening throughout the house, it could signal a larger problem. Either way, it’s time to call an electrician! It’s always best to get to the cause of the issue before it worsens.
3. Tripping circuit breakers
Circuit breakers protect your home’s electrical system by cutting off power when they detect a fault.
If your circuit breaker is tripping regularly, it’s trying to tell you something’s wrong!
Overloaded circuits are the most common cause, especially in older homes where wiring might not be able to handle modern appliances. Faulty appliances or short circuits can also trigger a trip. Resetting the breaker might get your power back, but frequent trips mean it’s time to call an electrician to investigate the underlying issue and prevent potential hazards.
4. Burning smells
Whether from outlets, light bulbs, or any other electrical fixture, a burning smell is a clear sign something’s not right with your electrics. This is often caused by overheating, faulty wiring, or a short circuit.
Whatever the source, it’s important not to ignore it; burning smells are a serious fire hazard. If you notice any strange odours, turn off the power at the switchboard immediately. Then, contact a licensed electrician to investigate the cause. They may recommend switchboard upgrade and replacement.
5. Sparking outlets or switches
If you notice sparks coming from your outlets or switches, it’s a warning sign that something’s wrong.
Sparking can occur when there’s a short circuit, loose wiring, or an issue with the electrical connections. While a small spark when plugging in an appliance isn’t always dangerous, repeated or large sparks are cause for concern.
Wiring may be worn or outdated in older homes, increasing the risk of electrical faults. If you experience sparking outlets or switches, get an electrician to inspect the issue. Their professional assessment can prevent a smaller issue from escalating into a more serious hazard.
6. Dead outlets
Dead outlets are more than just an inconvenience; they often indicate an underlying electrical issue. If one or more outlets in your home stop working, it could be due to loose or damaged wiring, a tripped circuit breaker, or even a faulty outlet itself.
In older homes in particular, wiring can degrade over time, leading to frequent outlet issues.
Before trying anything else, check your circuit breaker to see if it’s tripped. If the outlet is still dead, it’s best to have an electrician inspect it to rule out any safety risks including electrical faults or overloaded circuits. Modernising older homes with electrical upgrades can help prevent these common issues.
7. Frequent light burnouts
If your light bulbs are burning out more often than they should, it could indicate a bigger electrical issue.
While it might seem like just a nuisance, frequent burnouts can be caused by high voltage, poor electrical connections, or the wrong type of bulb for the fixture. In some cases, the issue could be due to a faulty light fixture or wiring problems.
It’s always a good idea to first check that you’re using the correct wattage bulb. If the problem persists, calling an electrician can help prevent further issues and ensure your wiring is safe.
8. Overloaded powerpoints
Overloaded power points aren’t exactly an electrical fault on their own. However, they can lead to serious problems if you’re not careful.
Plugging too many devices into one outlet can cause overheating, tripped circuit breakers, or even an electrical fire.
This is particularly common in older homes that weren’t built to handle the number of modern appliances we use today.
If your power points feel warm to the touch or you’re relying heavily on power boards and extension cords, it’s a sign you may be overloading the circuit. Powerpoint replacement or installation can alleviate some of this pressure. And bonus, it delivers added convenience in the kitchen, bedroom, or study!
9. Electric shocks
Being mindful of what you plug in can help prevent more serious electrical issues. To make your home safer, ask your electrician to install additional outlets to better manage your power usage.
Electric shocks are one of the most alarming electrical issues a homeowner can face. If you experience a shock when plugging in an appliance or touching a switch, it’s a clear sign that something’s not right.
This could be due to faulty wiring, damaged power points, or electrical faults in appliances. In older homes, worn-out wiring is a common culprit, while newer homes might have grounding issues.
Even mild shocks shouldn’t be ignored, as they can indicate a serious underlying problem. If you experience an electric shock at home, it’s never worth investigating yourself. Call an electrician immediately to inspect and resolve the issue safely.
10. Buzzing sounds
Do you hear buzzing or humming sounds coming from outlets, switches, or light fixtures? This could signal loose wiring, faulty connections, or electrical arcing, which poses a fire risk.
Buzzing noises should never be ignored as they indicate a potentially dangerous situation. Preparing your home for smart electrical systems can help resolve these issues while improving functionality and safety. Turn off the power to the affected area immediately. Then, call an electrician to inspect the issue before it escalates.
Electrical emergencies are unpredictable and can be dangerous if left unaddressed
Don’t ignore the signs: rely on the expertise of a local electrician!
While some issues may seem minor, calling a licensed electrician for a thorough inspection and repairs is always safer. Whether it’s flickering lights, sparking outlets, or burning smells, our expert team is ready to help. Don’t wait until a small problem turns into a major hazard. Above all, electrical upgrades improve safety and protect your family.
Give us a call, and we’ll make sure your home’s electrical system and fixtures are safe and sound! Call us anytime on