While flickering lights, frequently tripped breakers, or burning smells are a cause for immediate concern, understanding the difference between an emergency situation and having the issue addressed as soon as possible is beneficial. Below is an outline of electrical-related emergency situations:

Burning smell or smoke, from outlets, switches, or coming from appliances, which is a major fire risk, indicating issues with the wiring, or overheating components.

Sparking/Arcing: Visible sparks from outlets or panels. Arcing is the dangerous discharge of electricity across an open gap that creates ionized gas/plasma, intense heat, and light, often causing fires. Arcing is often caused by loose connections, damaged insulation, or overloaded circuits.

Electrical shock: Any shock, even mild, when touching a switch, appliance, or outlet, indicates a severe, and life-threatening situation.

Hot outlets and switches: Wall outlets or switches that are hot to the touch, often caused by old, worn, frayed, or faulty wiring.

Marked outlets, plates, or electric panels that show brown to black scorch marks indicates dangerous overheating.

Flooded areas or water damage near the electrical panel, subpanel, or submerged wiring.

No power, partial power, or intermittent power: A total outage or partial outage where neighbors have power and the breaker won't reset. Loss of power in the home is often linked to panel failures.

Buzzing panels: Electrical panels and subpanel making a humming or buzzing sound.

What to Do in Emergency Situations:
Turn Off Power: If it is safe to do so, use the main breaker to shut off electricity.
Unplug Devices: Remove electronics and appliances from outlets if the situation is localized to a room.
Do Not Use Water: Never use water on an electrical fire; use a Class C fire extinguisher.
Evacuate if Necessary: If there is a fire or heavy smoke, leave the building and call 911.

These possible issues are why it’s important to have an electrical inspection every 3-5 years as part of general maintenance, or every 2-3 years for older homes. In addition to general maintenance, an electrical inspection should be done before buying a home, and even when renting a home, especially if the house is older or hasn’t been maintained properly.

AC Meehan Electric LLC
689 Cherry Tree Rd, Aston Pennsylvania, 19014
484.431.0904
anthony@acmeehanelectric.com

Business Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8am-6pm., Sat: 9am-1pm

Our services include general repairs, wiring and rewiring, indoor and outdoor lighting, ceiling fan installation, electrical upgrades to your home, complete electric work for remodeling and renovations, electric vehicle chargers, and home generator installation to ensure the power stays on when it's needed most.

Proudly serving Pennsylvania, AC Meehan Electric LLC is a family-owned and operated business with over 25 years of experience in providing complete residential and commercial electrical services. Exceptional service, professional expertise, and the reliability of problems being solved on-time is what sets us apart from other electricians. This tradition of excellence and expertise is why the clients we serve continually refer and recommend us to family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers.