It’s every homeowner’s worst nightmare – a nagging feeling that something isn’t quite right with your electrical system. Whether you notice an odd smell or hear a strange buzzing noise coming from the wall, experiencing an electrical emergency can be frightening and stressful. What’s worse is it can often feel difficult to know where to begin when trying to troubleshoot the issue. Don’t worry, though, you can contact an experienced electrician in your area to help with the situation. Also, through trial and error, we have put together this post exploring some of the most common causes of electrical emergencies so you don’t experience any more sleepless nights.
Table of Contents
Overloaded Circuits
With each of us using more and more electricity every day, it’s no wonder our power outlets are feeling the heat – literally. From that stack of microwaves in the kitchen to a mountain of cords plugged into a single outlet, an overloaded circuit can happen before you even realize it. So take a moment to be mindful of your electricity usage and make sure to distribute the load across multiple outlets. Not only will it help protect against those dreaded electrical emergencies but also your sanity when all you hear on repeat is, “Blow out the fuse AGAIN?”.
Damaged Wiring And Outlets
Wiring gone awry can often be the culprit for electrical emergencies. Whether it’s old, faulty outlets or out-of-date, crackly wiring playing havoc with your home appliances, it can leave you in a pickle – and sometimes even a tricky situation with your electricity meter. So take a good look at your wiring and make sure any necessary replacements are done sooner rather than later; that way, you’ll stay on top of any potential problems before they become an issue.
Portable Generators
While these compact creations are helpful for powering our appliances when the weather cuts us off from regular electricity, they are infamous culprits of electrical mishaps, mainly due to improper maintenance or overloads. Sure, such small machines have their use in all kinds of situations, but if handled carelessly, they can spell disaster. So before leveraging a portable generator in an emergency, it’s best to make sure it’s been serviced recently and isn’t over-taxed with too many appliances.
Storms
When it comes to electrical emergencies, storms are like chaperones at a prom. They throw a wet blanket on all the fun, leaving everyone feeling overwhelmed and powerless. Whether it’s a raging thunderstorm or a cheerful bout of rainfall, one thing is certain – the electricity will be turned off faster than your flashlight application can load. Storms are easily one of the most common causes of electrical emergencies – save yourself from panic mode by investing in a quality generator and stocking up on flashlights.
Poor installation And Maintenance
Poor installation and maintenance are among the top offenders, especially when handled by an incompetent or overly-confident amateur. Call it the “DIY gone wrong” effect: the powerless feeling of checking the fuse box only to find out your projects have caused more problems than solutions. The good news is that electrical professionals with proper training are on hand to make sure your wires cross correctly and keep you from experiencing any puzzling power shortages.
Quantity Over Quality
The common causes for various electrical emergencies are usually related to the infamous maxim “Quantity Over Quality.” Sometimes it pays to take shortcuts or save a few pennies by opting for inferior equipment and supplies, but this logic often backfires when it comes to wiring and electricity–if even a single splice mistake is made, it can set off a chain reaction of circuit-related chaos. An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure when it comes to dealing with electrical underbelly wranglers, so investing in quality materials and having the right Electrical Supply Distributors is essential for avoiding highly charged, gone wrong scenarios.
Electrical emergencies can be caused by power surges, lightning strikes, and more. Keeping up with regular maintenance and inspections, utilizing surge protectors, and avoiding water damage are all key methods of preventing an emergency from occurring. Additionally, it is important to find a reliable electrician who is available 24/7 in case of those unavoidable electrical issues. These steps will help you prevent or respond to common electrical emergencies; however, if something does occur, there are helpers available no matter the hour – day or night. It pays to be aware of not only how you use your electricity each day but also how it may affect you down the line in case of an electrical emergency.
