Since electrical fires and other dangerous situations can call for quick thinking, you need to know ahead of time which warrant a call to an electrician versus the fire department. The professionals at Tim Kyle Electric, a Rosemont electrician, are here to help you navigate the decision.
When to Call an Electrician
Flickering lights, visible arcing when plugging in electrical appliances, and buzzing or hums coming from the breaker box are all reasons to call an electrician. If your lights flicker when you use heavy appliances such as a washer or dryer, refrigerator, or heating or cooling, it’s probably because the outlet is not able to withstand the high-power appliances. To fix this, an electrician can update your wiring or dedicate a circuit to the appliance. If you notice sparks when you plug in an appliance, there could be an issue with the wiring or the power box. Stop using the appliance and call an electrician. Hearing hums from the breaker box is not uncommon as energy is rapidly moving around; however, if it gets louder and persists, call the professionals.
When to Call the Fire Department
A burnt smell or prolonged sparking, or if you feel endangered, are signs to call the fire department. If you smell a burnt, musty smell, immediately call the fire department as this is indicative of a fire. If there’s sparking from a panel or appliance, it also needs to be addressed right away. An electrician will have to make some repairs, but the fire department should be called first. If at any point you feel threatened by a potential electrical concern, call the fire department. Even if it turns out to be a false alarm, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Looking for a Rosemont Electrician?
Consider Tim Kyle Electric! Since 1986, we’ve been providing residential and commercial clients with electrical services in Maryland and Pennsylvania. Whether you need landscape lighting, panel upgrades, new construction or renovations, we do it all! For more information or for a free estimate, contact us today!