Signs Of An Electrical Emergency
Electrical emergencies can range from minor malfunctions to serious concerns. Sometimes
the issue is blatantly obvious, while other times it is more subtle. As such, knowing how to recognize common house electrical problems is extremely valuable. It can ensure your home remains safe and potentially save you big bucks.
At Tron Electrical and Automation, we believe knowledge is key. We hope this handy list of common electrical problems will help you to recognize them if they pop up in your own home.
Burning Odours
A burning smell is not something to be ignored, as burning odours can come from your outlets,
Appliances or breaker panel. This means you should always pay attention, understand what is abnormal and make sure to take prompt action.
Appliances may emit a faint odor when first powered on, but if this intensifies or lasts
for a long time then this can mean something is likely wrong. You should disconnect the appliance from its power source and have it inspected.
If you notice a strange smell coming from an electrical outlet, you should immediately unplug all devices. Ensure no one in the house uses any outlets until a certified electrician comes to take a look.
A burning odour coming from your breaker panel could mean a serious issue. If you suspect that the smell is coming from your breaker panel, you should contact an electrician immediately to come out for a service call.
Power OutagesEveryone has likely experienced a power outage before. Sometimes we know why they occur (eg. a bad thunderstorm), while other times it can be harder to tell. Some power outages can last for seconds, while others may drag on for hours and cause a disruption to your daily home life.
If there is a lengthy or mysterious power outage in your home, it can help to find out if it has also happened to your neighbors. If you realize the incident was isolated in your home, you may also need to investigate the root cause. If there is no obvious explanation, then something could be wrong.
Old house electrical problems are often discovered when a power outage occurs. In these cases, the wiring may be outdated or require repair. As such, it is a good idea to inspect your home’s electrical system regularly to prevent this from happening.
Checking the electrical system is also important if you are purchasing a home. The last thing you want to do is find yourself buying a house with electrical problems. Doing the legwork upfront is always well worth it in the long run.
Carbon Monoxide
All electrical emergencies are serious, but a carbon monoxide issue is perhaps the most dangerous. This invisible and odourless gas can only be identified by a detector. Exposure to the gas can cause nausea, headaches, blurred vision and vomiting.
If appliances are not installed correctly, this can cause them to release carbon monoxide and thereby put your household’s lives at risk. It is highly recommended to have your appliances connected by a professional. All homeowners should also be sure to have a high-quality detector installed and change the batteries periodically.
Hot Service Panels
The service panel in your home should never feel hot when touched — this is a major red flag and likely indicates a serious electrical issue. The service panel is the main hub for the wiring that runs through your house. If your panel is hot, you should contact a licenced electrician immediately.
If you notice any changes throughout your home, we suggest taking a closer look. Dimmed lights or frayed wires could be warning signs. If you see a brown discoloration on the panel itself, this is also cause for concern. Inspecting your service panel regularly is highly recommended.
Think You Have an Electrical Emergency?
Tron Electrical and Automation proudly serve Vaughan, ON and surrounding areas. Our certified electricians have the right know-how and expertise you require, along with the class you deserve. Our customers are our priority and we look forward to speaking with you!