It isn’t even possible to imagine spending days without the wonders of electricity. So, it is vital to keep an eye on the varied electrical utilities, appliances, and wiring, to ensure nothing comes in between their productivity. However, several times even a minor electrical emergency manifests into a significant perturbation.
Several electrical problems can be fixed with a few tool supplies and basic electrical knowledge. So, to assist you in keeping an eye on electrical emergencies, we have explained the most common ones and the right ways to handle them.
7 Electrical Emergencies And Ways To Handle Them
1. Short Circuits
When you use several appliances consuming significant power simultaneously, it could lead to a trip or shorts. It even can melt outlets and thereby start a fire which can only be put off using a fire extinguisher. While you can always fix trips by resetting the breakers, sometimes, you have to face other underlying problems once your circuit shorts.
Repeated tripping while using any specific appliance shows the problem is in the appliance and not the electrical system. So, check if the worn-out internal wire is grounded, resulting in frequent shorting.
2. Loose Power Outlets
When you frequently use power outlets for charging your gadgets, it loosens the wall mount. Sometimes, the outlet could itself hang inside the frame. People often use it with caution to insert a plug inside with little force. However, you could damage your gadget due to a power surge occurring from the loose connection.
So, make sure the outlet is well-flushed into the wall. It shouldn’t be protruding or sunken. Also, never apply too much pressure while plugging your gadgets. When it doesn’t fit in the first go, try again by adjusting your angle and applying minimal force.
3. Broken Switches
Another common problem is a broken or a hanging witch. It is mostly due to improper fixtures or loose connections. Again, it might seem like a minor issue, but it can lead to shorts and fire.
So, make sure switch components are properly attached. Often poor placement or improper wiring is identified by examining switches. Also, never fiddle with switches a lot.
4. Bulb Burnouts
With time light bulbs burn out, which is common. Frequently used lights have higher chances of faster burnouts than night lamps or dim lights. However, if this problem is persistent, it might be a symptom indicating an electrical emergency.
To fix the problem, you can use a screwdriver and a tester to check for connections and wiring. Also, check whether or not the bulb wattage is compatible with your socket’s wattage. Otherwise, high watts in a low-watt socket can lead to overheating, shut-offs, or worse, a fire.
5. Warm Outlets
When you plug in a device and instantly find out the outlet has warmed up, you need to consult a professional. You can check the outlet for loose connections or your gadget wattage. However, if the problem is persistent, it is a serious concern. It could be a fault in your device’s circuitry or a power surge.
You can use a surge protection device. However, it is always the best practice to hire a professional electrician. For instance, if you are in Melbourne, hiring an emergency electrician Melbourne is the safest practice. They are the experts in maintaining your electrical system in top-notch condition while correctly handling any electrical emergency.
6. Power Outages
Another common emergency is power outages, also known as blackouts or power failures. It can occur due to:
- a downed power line
- a storm
- shortage of energy
This problem is not only irritating but also dangerous.
You can handle this by turning off the main power source. Afterward, check the source for the possible fault which is either damaged wiring or a breaker. Finally, you should contact your distributor and safely reset the power by turning on the breaker.
7. Electrical Shocks
If you notice frayed wires, damaged cords, or unchecked outlets, it can cause electrical shocks. If electrical shocks occur, you should turn off the power supply. Always keep in mind not to touch the person who is on the receiving end of the electrical shock. Immediately call your local emergency service and give them the required directions to reach the location as soon as possible.
End Note
Sometimes all you require is a few supplies and basic knowledge of electricity to handle electrical device emergencies to some extent. However, it is sometimes better to contact a professional electrician to fix the problem and prevent the same from happening again.
