Electrical Emergencies vs. Non-Emergencies: What Homeowners Should Know

Not every electrical issue requires an immediate emergency call — but some absolutely do. Knowing the difference can help protect your home, your family, and your budget.

As a licensed electrical contractor, we often get calls asking, “Is this an emergency?” Here’s a clear breakdown to help you decide when to act right away and when it’s safe to schedule service.

🚨 Electrical Problems That ARE Emergencies

If you notice any of the issues below, shut off power if safe to do so and call a licensed electrician immediately.

1. Burning Smell or Smoke

A burning odor coming from outlets, switches, or your electrical panel is a serious warning sign.

• Possible causes: overheating wires, melting insulation, loose connections
• Risk: electrical fire

👉 Do not ignore this — fires often start inside walls where damage isn’t visible.

2. Sparking Outlets or Panels

Seeing sparks when plugging something in or near your breaker panel is never normal.

• Could indicate damaged wiring or overloaded circuits
• Sparks = active fire hazard

3. Power Loss to Part of the Home

If only certain rooms or appliances lose power:

• Could be a failed circuit, damaged wiring, or breaker issue
• Especially dangerous if combined with heat, smell, or flickering lights

4. Electrical Shocks

If you feel a shock when touching:

• Outlets
• Switches
• Appliances

This often means improper grounding or faulty wiring and should be addressed immediately.

5. Water + Electricity

Any electrical system exposed to water (flooded basement, leaks near outlets, storm damage) is an emergency.

• Water conducts electricity
• Severe shock and fire risk

⚠️ Never touch wet electrical equipment.

⏳ Electrical Issues That Can Usually Wait (But Still Need Attention)

These problems aren’t immediate emergencies, but ignoring them can lead to bigger issues over time.

1. Flickering Lights

Occasional flickering may be:

• Loose connections
• Aging fixtures
• Circuit overloads

Schedule an inspection before it worsens.

2. Frequently Tripping Breakers

This is your system protecting itself.

• Common causes: overloaded circuits, outdated panels, faulty appliances
• Needs professional evaluation, but not always urgent

3. Outlets Not Working

Dead outlets may be:

• Tripped GFCI
• Wiring issues
• Faulty receptacles

Usually safe to schedule service.

4. Outdated Electrical Panels

Older panels (especially fuse boxes or recalled brands) should be upgraded, but this is typically a planned project.

🔌 Why Ignoring Small Electrical Problems Is Risky

What starts as a minor issue can turn into:

• Electrical fires
• Appliance damage
• Expensive emergency repairs
• Failed home inspections

Preventative maintenance is always cheaper — and safer.

✅ When in Doubt, Call a Licensed Electrician

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Electrical systems aren’t something to guess about.

At E&A Electric LLC, we help homeowners determine:

• What’s urgent
• What can be scheduled
• The safest, most cost-effective solution

📞 Call us anytime for professional electrical service and honest advice.