Most emergencies around the home come without warning. When it comes to electrics you might find sparking sockets, sudden power outages, or the smell of burning.
Immediate Safety Steps
Call 999 for fires or immediate danger. But be sure to get to safety first. For urgent electrical problems that aren’t immediately life-threatening, call an emergency electrician. Having a contact number handy in case of emergencies can help you in a stressful situation.
If you can safely reach it, turn off the power at the main fuse box. This prevents most situations from getting worse. Naturally, never touch electrical equipment with wet hands or while standing in water.
Power Outages
Check if your neighbours have power to determine if it’s a neighbourhood issue or just your home (but be aware that not all neighbouring homes are attached to the same grid).
Look for tripped breakers in your electrical panel, they may appear “on” but actually be in the middle position. Turn them fully off, then back on to reset.
Unplug major appliances like refrigerators and computers to prevent surge damage when power returns.
When breakers trip it can be the fault of one appliance so plugging each one at a time can help determine which has caused the issue.
If it’s an appliance don’t use this again. If your fuse box can’t handle the power of modern appliances, then you’ll need an upgrade.
Electrical Fires
This is generally not something to handle on your own.
Never use water on electrical fires, it conducts electricity and can cause electrocution. Use a Class C fire extinguisher where appropriate. Turn off power to the affected circuit if you can do so safely.
Never risk your safety trying to fight electrical fires that are spreading.
Sparking Sockets and Switches
Turn off the circuit breaker controlling the sparking outlet immediately. Clear any flammable materials from the area, including curtains, papers, or furniture. Don’t use the socket until a qualified electrician has looked at it.
Even after turning off power, the area may remain hot enough to ignite nearby materials to be cautious.
Burning Smells and Overheating
Try to locate the source of burning smells carefully, but never put yourself in danger. Check for hot outlets by feeling near them without direct contact.
Turn off circuits in the area where you detect the burning smell. If the smell is strong, accompanied by smoke, or you suspect fire within your walls, leave immediately and call emergency services.
Exposed Wires
Treat all exposed wires as live and dangerous, even if you believe power is off. Create a safe perimeter and keep family members and pets away from the area. Use furniture or barriers to prevent accidental contact.
If you must temporarily cover exposed wires, use only non-conductive materials like dry wood or rubber.
Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t ignore seemingly minor warning signs like flickering lights, warm outlets, or occasional burning smells.
Avoid using water anywhere near electrical problems, and don’t assume that turning off a wall switch makes an outlet safe. Outlets can be wired in complex ways, so always turn off power at the circuit breaker for safety.
Finding Emergency Electrical Help
When searching for an “electrician near me“, start with local contractors who can arrive quickly.
It can be easy to panic and pick the first one that you find. But be sure to check their qualifications, prices and insurance before agreeing to any work. Be wary of unusually low prices, as it may indicate low quality work.
Preparing for Future Emergencies
Locate your fuse box and learn how to shut off main power. Keep torches and a Class C fire extinguisher in accessible locations. Research and save contact information for local electricians with a good reputation before you need them.
Consider upgrading electrical systems older than 30 years, as modern systems include safety features that prevent many common electrical emergencies.
Final Thoughts
Your priority is keeping everyone safe and preventing the situation from escalating until qualified help arrives. Never attempt complex electrical work yourself.
Don’t wait for an emergency. Instead, research qualified emergency electricians in your area and save their contact information where you can easily find it. When you need professional help, you’ll be ready to respond and get the right electrician quickly.