Signs It’s Time to Call Our Electrician: When to Act Fast

Electrical issues can quickly turn into serious hazards. If you notice burn marks on outlets, flickering lights, frequent breaker trips, or a burning smell, it’s time to call our electrician. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to electrical fires, system failures, and costly repairs.

Here’s what to watch out for:

Keep reading to understand these warning signs. 

Call (704) 804-3320 if you have any questions or need immediate assistance in Charlotte, NC.

1. If You Notice Burn Marks, Warm Outlets, and Sparks

Electrical outlets should never feel hot. If you notice warmth, scorch marks, or sparks when plugging in devices, there’s a serious problem. Heat buildup indicates faulty wiring or an overloaded circuit. Sparks signal a risk of short circuits, which could lead to electrical fires. Call our electrician immediately to prevent further damage.

Why This Happens

  • Overloaded circuits can cause excess heat, leading to burn marks or warm outlets.
  • Faulty wiring connections may result in arcing, creating visible sparks.
  • Aging or damaged electrical components increase fire risks.

Prevention Tips

  • Never overload power strips or outlets.
  • Use appliances that match the outlet’s wattage rating.
  • Schedule periodic electrical inspections.
Ewing Electric Co. warns against common electrical hazards in Charlotte, NC, including burning outlets, flickering lights, and frequent breaker trips. Call for immediate assistance.

2. If Your Lights Keep Flickering or Dimming

If lights flicker or dim when using appliances, your wiring might struggle to handle the electrical load. Older homes with outdated wiring often experience this issue. Flickering can also indicate loose connections, which increase the risk of fires. Our electrician can inspect the wiring and upgrade circuits if needed.

Common Causes of Flickering Lights

  • Loose wiring connections in light fixtures or the breaker panel.
  • Overloaded circuits unable to support multiple high-wattage devices.
  • Voltage fluctuations due to outdated or damaged electrical panels.

Solutions

  • Upgrade old wiring to modern electrical standards.
  • Balance power usage across multiple circuits.
  • Ensure all wiring connections are properly secured.

3. If Your Circuit Breakers Keep Tripping

Circuit breakers trip to prevent overloads. If yours trips frequently, it’s a sign your system is struggling. This often happens due to faulty appliances, too many devices on a single circuit, or outdated wiring. Instead of resetting the breaker repeatedly, have an electrician identify the cause and upgrade the system.

Why Breakers Trip

  • An overloaded circuit is drawing too much power.
  • A short circuit occurs when two wires make unintended contact.
  • A ground fault happens when electricity flows through unintended paths.

How to Prevent Tripping Breakers

  • Distribute high-power appliances across multiple circuits.
  • Replace damaged or faulty wiring.
  • Install Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) to detect dangerous conditions.

4. If There Is a Burning Smell From Your Outlets or Panels

A burning odor near outlets, switches, or your breaker panel is a red flag. This smell usually comes from melting insulation, which can cause electrical fires. If you detect a burning scent, turn off power to the affected area and call an electrician immediately.

Causes of Burning Smells in Outlets or Panels

  • Overheated wires due to excessive electrical load.
  • Loose or corroded electrical connections generating heat.
  • Faulty electrical components emitting heat due to age or damage.

Immediate Actions

  • Turn off the main power supply if the smell is strong.
  • Unplug all appliances from affected outlets.
  • Contact a professional to assess and repair the issue.

5. If There are Electrical Shocks When Touching Appliances

If you feel a mild shock or tingling sensation when touching a device, there may be faulty grounding or damaged wiring. This is a safety hazard that can escalate into serious injuries. Our electrician can check for grounding issues and fix any exposed wires.

Why This Happens

  • Poor grounding or broken grounding wires.
  • Faulty appliance wiring that allows current leakage.
  • Damaged insulation that exposes live wires.

How to Stay Safe

  • Ensure your home has proper grounding and install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs).
  • Regularly check appliances for frayed power cords.
  • Avoid using damaged or malfunctioning electrical devices.

6. If Rodents Cause Wiring Damage

Rodents love chewing on wires. If you hear scratching sounds in the walls or notice frayed wires, pests may damage your electrical system. Chewed wiring increases the risk of shorts and fires. Our electrician can inspect the damage and replace the affected wiring.

Why Rodents Target Wires

  • The soft insulation on wires is attractive for nesting material.
  • Rodents instinctively chew to maintain their teeth.

How to Prevent Damage

  • Seal entry points to keep rodents out of your home.
  • Use rodent-resistant wiring or protective coverings.
  • Conduct routine inspections to detect early signs of damage.

7. If You Have Outdated Wiring and Insulation

Older homes may have cloth-covered or rubber-insulated wiring, which becomes brittle over time. These materials can crack, exposing live wires. If your home was built before the 1980s and hasn’t had a wiring upgrade, it’s time to call an electrician.

Signs of Outdated Wiring

  • Frequent power outages or blown fuses.
  • Two-prong ungrounded outlets instead of modern three-prong ones.
  • Aluminum wiring, which expands and contracts, causes loose connections.

Solutions

  • Upgrade to copper wiring for better conductivity and safety.
  • Install modern circuit breakers and grounding systems.
  • Replace old insulation with modern, heat-resistant materials.

8. If You Notice Smoke or Sparks From Electrical Fixtures

Seeing smoke or sparks from an outlet, switch, or light fixture is a serious emergency. This often signals a failing connection or an overloaded circuit. Turn off the power and call our electrician immediately to prevent a fire.

What to Do Immediately

  • Unplug any connected devices and turn off the power source.
  • Do not touch the outlet or switch until a professional arrives.
  • Avoid using the affected fixture until it has been inspected.

System Overload Warning Signs

An overloaded electrical system can cause fires and damage appliances. Watch for these signs:

  • Frequent Breaker Trips: The system can’t handle the electrical demand.
  • Dim Lights When Using Appliances: Power is being pulled from lighting circuits.
  • Hot Outlets or Switches: Excess current flow creates dangerous heat.

How to Prevent Overloads

  • Upgrade old panels to accommodate modern power needs.
  • Distribute appliances across different circuits.
  • Use surge protectors for sensitive electronics.

Call Our Electrician for Electrical Repairs in Charlotte NC

If you notice the above signs, call our electrician at (704) 804-3320 for expert electrical repairs in Charlotte, NC. 

Ignoring issues like flickering lights, frequent breaker trips, warm outlets, or burning smells can lead to serious hazards. Our licensed and insured electricians provide fast, reliable panel upgrades, wiring repairs, outlet replacements, and troubleshooting to keep your home or business safe. 

We ensure all repairs meet safety codes and prevent future problems. Don’t wait—schedule your electrical repair today and get peace of mind with Ewing Electric Co.

FAQs

How do you know if you need an electrician?

You need an electrician if you experience flickering lights, frequent breaker trips, burning smells, warm outlets, or electrical shocks. These issues indicate wiring faults or overloaded circuits that require professional attention.

What are the four faulty electrical wiring warning signs?

The four key signs of faulty wiring are flickering lights, burning smells, discolored outlets, and frequent breaker trips. These indicate potential fire hazards or system failures.

What to do before calling an electrician?

Before calling an electrician, check your circuit breaker, test multiple outlets, unplug appliances, and note any unusual signs like buzzing sounds or burning smells. This helps diagnose the issue faster.

How do electricians check wiring in a house?

Electricians inspect outlets, panels, and circuits using voltage testers, thermal imaging, and circuit tracers to detect faulty wiring, overloads, or hidden electrical issues.

How to find an electrical short in your house?

To find a short circuit, turn off power, unplug devices, reset breakers, and test each outlet or appliance. If the breaker trips again, the short is in that circuit. An electrician can pinpoint and fix it safely.

What are the three most common causes of electrical problems?

The three most common causes of electrical problems are faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and aging electrical components. These can lead to power failures, fire hazards, and equipment damage.