The Shocking Truth: Electrical Emergencies Every Homeowner Should 
Know About
Hey there, Prescott homeowners! Let’s talk about something we all dread – electrical emergencies. You know those moments when you’re just going about your day, and suddenly the lights flicker, or worse, go out completely? As someone who’s seen it all at Allied Electric, I want to chat with you about the most common electrical issues you might face in your home, how to spot them, and what to do when they happen.
Those Pesky Circuit Breakers
We’ve all been there you’re running the microwave, toaster, and coffee maker at the same time, and boom! Everything goes dark in the kitchen. That’s your circuit breaker doing its job by preventing an overload. While an occasional trip isn’t cause for concern, if you’re constantly resetting breakers, something’s not right. It could be an overloaded circuit, faulty wiring, or maybe your electrical panel is showing its age.
Circuit breakers are like the bouncers of your electrical system – they kick out any dangerous electrical situations before they cause trouble. But when that bouncer is working overtime, it’s a sign you need backup!
When the Lights Go Out
Power outages are frustrating, aren’t they? Whether it’s from a monsoon storm rolling through Prescott or an issue with the grid, being left in the dark is never fun. While most outages are out of your control, knowing how to respond can make things much less stressful.
Keep flashlights in easy-to-find places, have a backup power bank for your phone, and consider investing in surge protectors for valuable electronics. Sometimes it’s the little preparations that make all the difference!
That Tingling Feeling (Electrical Shocks)
Have you ever touched an appliance or light switch and felt a little zap? That’s not normal, and it’s definitely not something to ignore. Even minor shocks can signal serious problems with your wiring or appliances.
Think of those little zaps as your home trying to warn you kind of like the check engine light in your car. It might not seem urgent, but it’s definitely telling you something needs attention before it gets worse.
When Something Smells Burning
This one’s serious business. If you catch a whiff of something burning or see smoke coming from an outlet or fixture, don’t wait around wondering what to do. Cut the power immediately and call us.
A burning smell is your home’s equivalent of yelling “Fire!” it deserves immediate attention and respect. This isn’t the time to investigate or try DIY solutions it’s time to bring in the pros before things get dangerous.
The Light Show (Flickering Lights)
Occasional flickering during a storm is normal, but if your lights are regularly performing their own disco routine, something’s up. It could be loose wiring, a faulty switch, or an overloaded circuit.
I like to think of flickering lights as your home’s way of waving for attention. It’s not usually an emergency, but it is your electrical system’s way of saying, “Hey! I could use some help over here!”
Hot Spots (Warm Outlets)
Put your hand near an outlet does it feel warm? That’s a red flag. Outlets should never be hot to the touch. This could mean there’s too much current flowing through, loose wiring, or another issue that needs addressing right away.
Warm outlets are like a fever in your electrical system they’re a symptom that something isn’t right and needs treatment before it gets worse.
When Sparks Fly (Electrical Fires)
These are the electrical emergencies nobody wants to face. Electrical fires can start from faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or malfunctioning appliances. If one starts, turn off the power if it’s safe to do so, get everyone out of the house, and call 911 immediately.
We can replace wiring and fix outlets, but we can’t replace you or your loved ones. Always prioritize safety when dealing with electrical fires.
Appliance Meltdowns
Modern homes are filled with appliances that make life easier until they don’t. A malfunctioning refrigerator, stove, or washing machine can cause power surges, tripped breakers, or even sparks. Don’t take chances with faulty appliances sometimes the problem is the appliance itself, but other times it’s your home’s wiring that can’t handle the demand.
When to Call in the Cavalry
While some minor issues like a single tripped breaker can be handled yourself, there are definite times when you should call us at Allied Electric:
- Your breaker trips repeatedly (it’s trying to tell you something!)
- You smell burning or see smoke/sparks (this is NOT a DIY situation)
- Any shock, no matter how small (electricity shouldn’t bite!)
- Persistent flickering lights (your home’s cry for help)
- Warm or hot outlets (a potential fire waiting to happen)
- Unexplained power loss (when it’s just your home, not the neighborhood)
- Appliances behaving badly (especially if they’re affecting other things)
Your Emergency Game Plan
When electrical emergencies strike, here’s your playbook:
- Stay calm – panicking never fixed a circuit
- Turn off the power to the affected area (or the whole house if needed)
- Assess but don’t touch – look but don’t get handsy with anything suspicious
- If there’s fire or serious risk, get out and call 911
- For non-life-threatening issues, give us a call – we’ll be there in a flash
Quick Answers to Common Questions
I smell something burning – what now?
Turn off the power and call us immediately. Don’t investigate – electrical fires can spread quickly.
Can I reset a tripped breaker myself?
Absolutely! Just flip it fully to “off” then back to “on.” But if it keeps tripping, that’s your cue to call us.
My outlets feel warm – is that okay?
Nope! Warm outlets are never normal and should be checked out right away.
How often should I have my electrical system inspected?
Every five years is a good rule of thumb, but older homes might need more frequent check-ups.
Remember, when electrical emergencies happen, it’s good to have an ally. At Allied Electric, we’re just a phone call away, ready to help with any electrical issue you’re facing. We’ll be there on time, every time – that’s our promise to you!
