Some electrical problems can wait for a weekday appointment. These cannot.
1. A burning or fishy smell
Overheating plastic and insulation give off a sharp, sometimes fishy odor. If you cannot find the source, switch off the main breaker and call.
2. Sparks or scorch marks at an outlet
A small spark when you pull a plug under load can be normal. Repeated sparking, crackling or blackened plastic is not.
3. A hot or buzzing panel
Panels should be quiet and cool. Heat means a failing connection.
4. A breaker that will not reset
It is detecting a fault. Do not force it. See breaker replacement and troubleshooting.
5. Half the house has no power
Losing some circuits while others work, especially with lights that are too bright or too dim, suggests a lost service leg or neutral.
6. Shocks or tingles
Any shock from an appliance, faucet or fixture means current is going where it should not.
7. Water in the electrical system
Flooding, roof leaks into fixtures and wet panels are all urgent. Do not touch wet equipment.
8. Damage to the service
A tree limb on the service drop or a meter pulled off the wall needs the utility and an electrician.
What to do first
- If there is fire or smoke, get out and call 911.
- If it is safe, turn off the affected breaker or the main.
- Keep everyone away from the area.
- Call a 24 hour emergency electrician.
We answer around the clock across California, including Los Angeles, Fresno, Long Beach, Oakland and Bakersfield. Once the immediate problem is fixed, an electrical inspection is a sensible follow-up in an older home.