Warning Signs of Electrical Trouble
Electrical problems often give warnings before they become dangerous. Knowing the signs can prevent a fire.
Request an electricianBurning smell
A hot or burning smell near outlets, switches or the panel is serious. Turn off power to the area and call.
Scorch marks
Discolored outlets or switch plates mean overheating.
Warm outlets
Outlets and plates shouldn't feel warm.
Buzzing
Buzzing or crackling means loose connections.
Frequent trips
Repeated breaker trips or blown fuses.
Shocks
Mild shocks from appliances or switches.
Flickering
Lights flickering throughout the house.
Aluminum wiring
Some homes from the 1960s and 70s have aluminum branch wiring that needs special connections.
Next
See electrical repair.
What to do right away
If you smell burning or see smoke, turn off the breaker for that area if you can do it safely, leave the house if needed and call for help. Don't use the outlet again until an electrician has checked it.
Keep a list
Write down which outlets or lights act up and when. A pattern, such as trouble only when the microwave runs, helps an electrician find the cause faster.
More electrical work guides
Request an electrician
Repairs, upgrades and new installs. Tell us what you need and we'll pass it straight to a licensed electrician, who will call you to go over the job and give you a quote.
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