10 Signs You Need to Call an Electrician
Electricity powers modern life, yet tends to remain out of sight and out of mind. We often think of our appliances and devices, but rarely of the lines delivering this energy around us.
Detecting problems early is critical to ensuring your home’s safety and maximizing the lifespan of your electrical system and connected equipment.
This guide describes:
- Early warning signs of danger
- Common causes of electrical failures
- Steps to take if you notice any of these red flags
Why Knowing Electrical Basics is Important
Understanding the fundamentals of your home’s electrical system isn’t just for DIYers—it’s a key part of keeping your household safe, efficient, and up to code. Here are the top reasons every homeowner should know the basics.
Preventing Fire and Safety Hazards
Electrical faults rank among the leading causes of U.S. residential fires. The National Fire Protection Association reports thousands of wiring-related fires and hundreds of injuries every year. Recognizing and addressing warning signs as soon as they appear reduces the risks of arcing, overheating, and ignition. More on that below.
Protecting Your Home’s Electrical System
Left unrepaired, relatively minor electrical issues can strain appliances, outlets, and breakers. This wear adds up over time, shortening equipment life and eventually leading to more costly damage that is preventable with routine maintenance.
An electrician can correct imbalances, replace deteriorating parts, and prolong the safe lifespan of your entire system.
When DIY Isn’t Safe (or Legal)
Many electrical tasks require permits and inspections that adhere to local codes. Working inside a breaker panel without proper training risks shocks, fire, and denied insurance claims. Licensed electricians carry the tools and training to repair, upgrade or install electrical systems and fixtures worry-free.
Find a St. Louis electrician who already knows the local laws and regulations.
10 Common Signs You Should Call an Electrician
Not all electrical issues come with obvious warnings, but some do. If you notice any of the signs below, it’s best to play it safe and call a licensed electrician.
1. Flickering or Dimming Lights
Lights that often flicker, especially when an appliance is turned on, suggest overloaded circuits or loose wiring. An electrician can rebalance loads or install dedicated circuits to maintain consistent voltage.
2. Frequently Tripped Breakers or Blown Fuses
A breaker that trips repeatedly is warning that the circuit is drawing more current than it can safely handle, that the breaker is failing, or that there’s a short that needs repair. Professional diagnosis can help identify the source, prevent wiring overheat, and stop nuisance outages.
3. Burning Smell or Scorch Marks
A charring, rubbery, or plastic odor could be a sign of melting insulation. You may also find visible black marks around outlets and panel covers, indicating scorching. Shut off the affected circuit by flipping its breaker switch to “OFF” and schedule an inspection immediately.
4. Outlets, Switches, or Breakers That Buzz or Feel Warm
Your outlet faceplates should always stay at room temperature. Warm surfaces or audible buzzing often point to loose terminals or overloaded wires. A licensed electrician will tighten any loosened connections and replace damaged equipment to restore a cool, safe current.
5. Sparks When Plugging in Devices
Visible sparking may result from worn contacts, poor grounding, or hidden arc faults behind the outlet box. Arc faults—electricity jumps across gaps—can ignite drywall and framing, and must be addressed immediately.
6. Dead Outlets or Switches
When a fixture goes dead, the cause might be a tripped Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI), a loose connection, or a break in the wiring run. An electrician can test the continuity of your system, identify faults, and restore a safe electric current.
7. Outdated Electrical Panel or Two‑Prong Outlets
Panels smaller than 100 amps and ungrounded two-prong outlets were not designed to handle modern electrical loads. As average household electric usage increased over time, these fixtures became unsafe and obsolete. Upgrading to a modern 200‑amp panel (minimum) and three‑pronged, grounded outlets improves safety and load capacity.
8. Overuse of Extension Cords or Power Strips
Extension cords are for temporary use. Continuous reliance on fully loaded extensions can stress connectors and create trip hazards. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends adding outlets when cords become a fixture.
9. Electric Shocks When Touching Appliances
Even a mild tingling sensation indicates improper grounding or deteriorated insulation on the wiring. A licensed electrician will test for stray voltage, ensure proper grounding, and install GFCI protection where necessary.
10. High Electric Bills With No Clear Cause
Unexpected utility spikes sometimes trace back to damaged wiring, high-resistance connections, or aging motors that draw extra current. A professional load assessment and infrared scanning can locate energy waste and opportunities for practical fixes.
When to Call an Emergency Electrician
Some electrical problems can’t wait. When safety is at stake or there’s a risk of serious damage, it’s time to call an emergency electrician. Here’s how to recognize situations that require immediate, professional help.
Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
- A persistent burning or rubbery odor, indicating melted wire insulation
- Water leaks reaching outlets, fixtures, or the breaker box
- Breakers that will not reset, indicating overload
- Smoke or sparks from any electrical fixtures
- Visible arcing or unusually hot breakers
What to Do While Waiting for Your Electrician
If safe, switch off affected circuit breakers or the main breaker if you’re unsure of the problem’s source. Keep a Class C fire extinguisher nearby in case of fire. Do not touch wet or damaged equipment. Unplug sensitive electronics and wait in a safe space until your electrician arrives.
Brda Electric responds to such emergencies 24/7 to restore your home’s safety.
Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
Knowing how to tell if you need an electrician can prevent costly repairs and serious safety risks. Scheduling a professional inspection at the first sign of trouble keeps your electrical system reliable, protects your investment, and provides peace of mind for years to come.
Contact Brda Electric for help with all your electrical concerns.