An electrical emergency can constitute several different things, from a complete power outage in your home to electrical fires. However, O'Brien Electrical Dubbo has compiled a list of potential electrical emergencies and effective safety tips on what you should do if encountering any of these situations.
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels are not fully burned. A disruption in your electrical appliances, such as ovens, heaters, or portable generators, has the potential to cause carbon monoxide poisoning. An effective way to combat this electrical emergency is to install carbon monoxide detectors in and around your home and to regularly change their batteries when appropriate.
Common signs and symptoms of this include:
- vomiting
- nausea
- blurred vision
- headaches
- shortness of breath
If you think you are at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, seek medical help immediately and leave your house.
Burning odours
A burning odour could be indicative of overheating wires which, if left unattended, could result in a fire. Burning wires have a distinctive metallic or plastic smell and, if you smell something like this, it is important that you don’t ignore it.
You should immediately cut your power and unplug every device that is connected to an electrical outlet. Inform everyone in the house of the current electrical situation and immediately call an electrician.
Until the technician arrives, do not use any electrical outlets in your home.
Power outage
A power outage is often overlooked as being a serious electrical emergency. However, in cases where it’s just your property experiencing no electricity compared to the rest of the neighbourhood, or where your electrical firm can provide no explanation, a power outage could mean an electrical emergency. A power outage could be the result of old home wiring, in which case you would need a wire replacement.
Alternatively, your system may be overrun with hard-hitting electrical appliances which cause an overload of your electrical system. Whatever the case, you should call an electrician and, going forward, inspect your electrical system regularly. This is because power outages could potentially cause electrical shock hazards.
Hot service panel
A service panel is the central distribution point that allows for the movement of electrical power to different parts of your home through connecting wires. Although these wires are robust and have the ability to carry exceptionally strong currents, they can sometimes experience a malfunction.
This may include an overburdened system due to too many or strenuous electrical appliances operating all at once throughout your home, or due to faulty wires. Your service panel should never be hot to touch and so if this occurs, alongside the occurrence of browning, sudden dim lighting, or frayed wiring in some cases, this is an electrical emergency, and you must seek professional assistance.
If you are experiencing one of these electrical emergencies or other electrical issues to which you cannot source the solution, contact us at O'Brien Electrical based in Dubbo and servicing all surrounding areas.
We are available on weekdays and can be contacted on (02) 6885 1477 or at [email protected].
