Electrical problems range from minor annoyances to serious fire hazards. Knowing when to call a professional, and when it's urgent, can prevent expensive damage and keep your family safe.
Immediate danger: stop and act
These signs mean immediate danger. If there is smoke, fire or sparking, get everyone out and call 911. If you can do it safely, switch the power off at the breaker. Then book a repair; we are not an emergency service, but we prioritize these.
1. Burning Smell
If you smell burning plastic, rubber, or an acrid electrical odor, something is overheating. This can indicate:
- Melting wire insulation
- Overheated connections
- Failing breakers
Action: Turn off the affected circuit if you can identify it. If not sure, turn off the main breaker. Call an electrician immediately.
2. Sparking Outlets or Switches
A brief spark when plugging something in can be normal. But visible sparking, repeated sparks, or sparks from outlets with nothing plugged in signals serious problems.
Action: Stop using that outlet. Turn off the circuit. Call an electrician.
3. Hot Outlets or Switch Plates
Electrical devices shouldn't feel more than slightly warm. Hot outlets or switches indicate:
- Overloaded circuits
- Loose connections
- Deteriorating wiring
Action: Unplug everything from that outlet. Turn off the circuit. Call an electrician.
4. Electrical Shock
Even a mild shock when touching an appliance, outlet, or switch means electricity is flowing where it shouldn't. This could be:
- Ground fault
- Damaged appliance
- Faulty wiring
Action: Stop using the item. If it's an appliance, unplug it. If it's a fixture, turn off the circuit. Call an electrician.
5. Buzzing Sounds from Outlets or Panel
Electricity should be silent. Buzzing indicates:
- Loose connections creating arcs
- Overloaded circuits
- Failing breakers
Action: Turn off the circuit making noise. Call an electrician.
Urgent: Schedule This Week
These issues need prompt attention but aren't immediate emergencies.
6. Frequently Tripping Breakers
Occasional trips are normal. That's your breaker protecting you. But multiple trips per week suggests:
- Overloaded circuit
- Failing breaker
- Short circuit developing
Action: Note which circuits trip and what you're using when it happens. Schedule an electrician.
7. Flickering or Dimming Lights
When lights dim as appliances turn on, your electrical system is struggling. Causes include:
- Undersized wiring
- Loose connections
- Panel at capacity
Action: Schedule an electrician to assess your system's capacity.
8. Outlets That Don't Work
Dead outlets might indicate:
- Tripped GFCI (check and reset)
- Tripped breaker
- Loose or damaged wiring
- Failed outlet
Action: Check GFCI outlets and breakers first. If that's not the issue, schedule an electrician.
9. Two-Prong Outlets Throughout Home
Two-prong outlets indicate ungrounded circuits, common in homes built before 1965. While not an emergency, these pose safety risks:
- No ground fault protection
- Incompatible with modern electronics
- May not properly protect surge protectors
Action: Plan a grounding upgrade with an electrician.
Electrical work for St. Charles & St. Louis County homes
Free on-site estimate, flat price before any work starts.
Should Be Addressed: Schedule When Convenient
These issues are worth fixing but aren't urgent.
10. Light Bulbs Burning Out Frequently
If bulbs in a particular fixture burn out every few months, possible causes include:
- Fixture getting too hot (wrong bulb wattage)
- Voltage fluctuations
- Loose connections in fixture
Action: Schedule an electrician to diagnose.
11. Extension Cord Dependency
If you're running extension cords throughout your home to get power where you need it, you need more outlets. Extension cords are:
- Trip hazards
- Fire risks when overloaded
- Signs of inadequate electrical infrastructure
Action: Schedule an electrician to add outlets.
12. Planning Home Improvements
Before these projects, consult an electrician:
- Kitchen or bathroom remodel
- Finishing a basement
- Adding a home office
- Installing a hot tub or EV charger
Action: Get an assessment early in planning to budget properly.
DIY vs. Professional
Safe for Homeowners
- Replacing light bulbs
- Resetting tripped breakers
- Resetting GFCI outlets
- Replacing outlet or switch covers (cosmetic only)
Always Call a Professional
- Anything inside the electrical panel
- Adding or moving outlets
- Any new wiring
- Fixture replacement (technically possible DIY but risky)
- Anything involving the meter or service entrance
The Cost of Waiting
Electrical problems don't improve with time. What happens if you ignore warning signs:
- Flickering lights → Could indicate loose connections that worsen and cause fires
- Overloaded circuits → Continued overheating degrades insulation
- Small shocks → Ground faults can become more dangerous
- Burning smells → Fire risk increases exponentially
The cost of an emergency repair is always higher than a scheduled service call.
Service Areas
First Choice Electric serves homeowners throughout the St. Louis metro including Chesterfield, Ballwin, Wildwood, Creve Coeur, Town and Country, Manchester, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, O'Fallon, St. Peters, St. Charles, Wentzville, Lake St. Louis, and Cottleville.
Need an Electrician?
If you're experiencing any of these warning signs, contact us to schedule an inspection. We offer free estimates on repairs and upgrades.