What You Should Do Before the Emergency Electrician Arrives

What You Should Do Before the Emergency Electrician Arrives

An electrical emergency can happen when you least expect it. Despite the preventive measure you use, you are bound to experience at least one emergency. No matter the type of emergency, it’s advisable to have an electrician run diagnostics and sort out the problem in the shortest time possible.

One of the main challenges people face is differentiating electrical emergencies from regular repairs. While every electrical problem can be handled within a given period, others require urgent response from an emergency electrician. Some of these cases include electrical fires, a blown fuse, and localized power outages.

Signs to Call an Electrician

Emergency electrical technicians are usually on call 24/7 with the shortest response time. These professionals are equipped with the tools and skills to deal with electrical issues. Below is a list of electrical problems that qualify as emergencies:

Smoke, Burning Smell, or Fire from Appliances or Power Outlets

Getting a burning smell from your appliances or smoke from the fixtures doesn’t need explaining. Smoke is usually a precursor to fire and needs immediate attention before it gets out of hand. Electrical fires are hazardous and can quickly spread to other areas of the building leading to extensive damages or even causalities.

Immediately you get these signs, you should cut power to the area or even at the mains as you wait for the emergency services. During these situations, you need proper training in dealing with fires and an extinguisher in case the smoke turns into a fire.

However, it’s worth noting that immediately the issue progresses to a fire, the first responders to contact is the fire department. Once the threat of fire is arrested, the electrician can troubleshoot the cause of the fire and offer a lasting solution.

Power Outage

A power outage in your neighborhood may not necessarily classify as an emergency since the problem will be handled by the local authorities. However, if the problem is localized to your building, then it’s best to contact an emergency electrical service. Lack of power in your property could mean several things, including a blown fuse, tripped breaker, or damaged wiring. No matter the cause, it’s advisable to have a professional electrician check your system to come up with a definitive response.

Humming or Buzzing Sound From a Breaker Box

Your breaker box is designed to cut power to certain circuits in your electrical system when there is a power surge or short circuit. This mechanism is meant to minimize damage to your electrical system and avert injuries. A humming or buzzing sound from your breaker box could indicate a problem. For example, your breaker could be trying to trip, but something is holding it back. Have an emergency electrician diagnose and provide valuable insight.

What to Do as You Wait for the Electrician

Once you notice something wrong with your electrical system, your first instinct is to call an electrician. However, there are a few other things you should do as you wait for the expert to arrive, including:

Unplugging Appliances and Turning Off the Power Source

Once you assess it’s safe, you need to switch off the power supply and unplug your appliances. Cutting power helps localize the damage to a manageable area as you wait for the electrician. This is especially important when dealing with electrical fires, smoke, or burning smells from appliances and power outlets. Turning off the power supply is also important in cases where you can’t find the source of the smell or noise.

Remain Calm and Attentive

The most important step in an emergency is to remain calm and attentive. Panicking and moving around could aggravate the situation and, in some cases, lead to injuries. However, staying calm helps you assess the situation and note factors that may prove useful to the electrician. Take note of your surroundings, looking for warning signs such as buzzing noises, smoke, or strange smells.

Create Space Around the Work Area

While waiting for the electrician, you should consider decluttering the work area. This helps create a safe environment for the electrician to operate. For example, you can move furniture away from the damaged outlet. This not only makes it easy for the electrician to work but also enables them to complete their work in the shortest time.

Avoid Touching Electrical Objects

Unless necessary, you should avoid touching electrical objects. Even with a power cut, the wiring can easily transmit power to these fixtures leading to electrocution or burns. This applies mostly to people dealing with unexplained power outages or a buzzing sound from the breaker box. If you must touch an appliance or fixture, wear rubber gloves to protect you from electrical currents.

Get Your Pets or Family to Safety

Getting members of your household to safety should be a major concern when dealing with an electrical emergency. Having children or pets around exposes them to numerous dangers, including electric shock and burns. When dealing with an electrical fire, it’s best to get others to safety as you wait for the emergency electrician. Even if the situation is not serious, you should consider keeping them safe and away from the affected area. This not only prevents injuries but gives the electrician room to work.

Ready Your Emergency Tools

Dealing with an electrical emergency as a DIY is ill-advised. However, you should ready emergency tools such as a fire extinguisher, rubber gloves, and flashlight, especially when dealing with electrical fires. This way, you can bring the situation under control as you wait for the electrician.

Explore Emergency Services at Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach

Electrical issues are very dangerous and need to be handled by trained professionals. When you find yourself in an emergency, the first thing to do is call an emergency electrician. These professionals are trained to handle multiple electrical issues. Since it’s an emergency, the electricians will likely arrive at your location in the shortest time.

At Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach, we offer a wide range of electrical services, including emergency services. Contact us for more information on our services.

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Going Green: Top 6 Electrical Upgrades An Electrician Can Add to Your Home

Going Green: Top 6 Electrical Upgrades An Electrician Can Add to Your Home

Going green is a great way to reduce energy costs and carbon footprint. An electrician can help you make several upgrades to your home, making it energy efficient. These upgrades can range from installing a programmable thermostat to replacing traditional light bulbs with LED options. Not only will these upgrades reduce energy consumption, but they can also increase the value of your home.

This article will explore the top six electrical upgrades an electrician can add to your home to help you go green and reduce environmental impact. From installing solar panels to upgrading your lighting and appliances, these upgrades can also help you save money in the long run. Some green technology options that can make your home more environmentally friendly include:

Solar Panels

Solar panels are an effective way to generate renewable energy from the sun. Only a professional can install them, and they can be placed in the position of your choice as long as the sun shines brightly.

Once in place, they can generate clean, renewable electricity to power appliances and other electrical needs in your home, saving you money on energy bills and reducing your carbon footprint.

With solar panels, you may not have to worry about rising energy costs, as you can capture the sun’s energy and use it to power your home. Plus, you get the satisfaction of knowing you are doing your part for the environment.

LED Lighting

LED lighting is a highly efficient and cost-effective solution for homeowners and businesses. It uses up to 75 percent less energy than other forms of lighting, such as incandescent. LED lighting also has a much longer lifespan than its incandescent counterpart, so you may not need to replace them as often.

This can further reduce your energy consumption and the amount of waste generated by throwing away old bulbs. LED lights also produce significantly less heat than traditional bulbs, which can help your home stay cool in the summer and reduce the energy needed to cool your home.

In addition, you can use LED lighting indoors and outdoors, reducing your home’s lighting footprint further and making it even greener. Overall, LED lighting is a great way to make your home more sustainable and cost-effective.

Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats are a great way to make your home greener. They are designed to help you save energy by learning your habits and automatically controlling your HVAC system to use less energy when unnecessary. These devices can also sense when people are home and adjust the temperature accordingly to prevent energy wastage when the house is unoccupied.

Smart thermostats can also automatically switch to energy-saving modes when you are away from home, such as eco-mode or sleep mode. Additionally, a smart thermostat can give you reports about your home’s energy usage, allowing you to make more informed decisions about your energy consumption.

It can also be programmed to turn off lights when you are not at home and can be set to turn off your appliances when they are not in use. With a smart thermostat, you can reduce your energy consumption and lower your carbon footprint.

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular and available, making home and office charging ports a real possibility. By installing a charging port for your electric car, you can charge your vehicle overnight or during the day, depending on your needs and preferences.

A professional electrician can help you find the right electric car charger for your needs and install it at your chosen location, such as your garage or driveway. A certified technician can also advise on the best location and wiring to use to ensure maximum efficiency and safety. Installing a charging port for your electric car is a great way to save time and money in the long run and can be a great investment for homeowners looking to switch to an electric vehicle.

Occupancy Sensors

Occupancy sensors are an energy-saving measure becoming increasingly popular in residential and commercial buildings. These sensors can detect when a person is in a room and turn off the lights when the space is unoccupied. This can help save energy, money, and time. It also reduces frustrations since you no longer need to constantly remind your family to turn the lights off when they leave a room.

Additionally, using occupancy sensors helps reduce the environmental impact of lighting by eliminating the unnecessary use of energy. With occupancy sensors, lights can automatically turn off after a set time or when no one is in the room, reducing energy consumption and saving money on your electric bills.

Dimmer Switches

Dimmer switches are a great way to save energy and money on your lighting costs. It allows you to control how much energy each light uses, lowering electricity bills. Moreover, dimmers can help you create a specific mood or atmosphere in your home. As the voltage is reduced, the light from the bulb becomes softer and more inviting, perfect for a relaxed evening.

With a slide dimmer, you can adjust the brightness of the light to the desired level, so you may not have to worry about changing the lights every time you enter the room. In addition, dimmer switches are designed to last longer than traditional switches, saving you money in the long run.

Go Green and Save Big With These Electrical Upgrades

Start going green today! Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach offers expert advice and service to help you make the necessary changes to start conserving energy and reducing your carbon footprint. Let our team of experienced professionals help you make a difference.

Conclusion

Going green is a good thing, and there are many electrical upgrades an electrician can add to a home to help save energy and money.

These upgrades range from simple changes like switching to LED light bulbs to more complex updates like adding solar panels or a smart home system. By making these upgrades, homeowners can save money on their energy bills and help to protect the environment.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

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Important Qualities of a Good Electrical Services Provider

Important Qualities of a Good Electrical Services Provider

Modern life relies on electricity so much that it is hard to imagine how we would survive without electric energy in our homes. Indeed, electricity is needed for lighting and running appliances that make our life more comfortable and convenient. Therefore, the electrical system has to be one of the most important components of your house. It essentially makes it possible for you to easily, efficiently, and safely access and use electric energy supplied by your utility company. Unfortunately, although your electrical system is quite reliable, it can sometimes develop problems that could put you, your family, and your house in grave danger or even make it impossible for you to continue accessing electricity.

However, no matter how much you like solving problems on your own, you should not be tempted to fix electrical problems on your own. This is because electrical jobs are usually more complex and dangerous than they seem. Instead, you should have a professional electrical services provider on speed dial. However, if you do not have a reliable electrician already, finding one may not be easy. This is because although there are a lot of electricians near you, many of them are not good enough to be trusted with something as sensitive and valuable as your electrical system. As you shop for an electrician near you, here are some important qualities you should be looking for.

They Should Be Licensed

Licensing is one of the most important factors to consider when hiring a professional electrician. This is because electricians in most places are regulated by local authorities. The regulation is meant to protect people and property from possible dangers associated with poor electrical solutions. As such, professional electricians have to be vetted and licensed by the relevant authorities. It is only after undergoing some years of formal training, passing some tests, and acquiring some experience that professional electricians qualify to receive the licenses that allow them to offer their services legally. If you make the mistake of trusting an unlicensed electrician, they might make mistakes that could prove costly in the end. Therefore, before you can hire a given electrician, you must demand to see their licenses. If they seem hesitant to show you their license and you have reasons to believe that they may be unlicensed, you should not take the risk of hiring them.

They Should Be Insured

Handling electrical systems can be quite dangerous. Therefore, even if you hire a well-trained electrician, they may be at risk of sustaining severe injuries while working on your electrical system. Unfortunately, this means that you might be at risk of getting held financially liable for such injuries. The good news is that some electrical services providers protect their customers against such injuries by getting insured. If your electrician is adequately insured, you will not have to worry about the risk of financial losses you might suffer as a result of their injuries since their insurance will cover them. Therefore, as you consider hiring a given electrician, insurance is one of the most important factors to consider. If an electrician is not well insured, hiring them will be too risky, and we advise you not to do it.

They Should Be Available For Emergencies

Electrical problems can strike at any time and on any day. Therefore, while you can prepare for electrical emergencies, you cannot predict when you will need an emergency electrical services provider. Therefore, a good electrician should always be ready to respond swiftly any time you need their attention. If you pick an electrician who is not always available, you may risk living with a dangerous electrical problem for many hours waiting for help to arrive. On the other hand, by picking an electrician who is always available for emergencies, you can get electrical emergencies in your house fixed within the shortest time humanly possible. Therefore, before you can choose to add a given electrician to your speed dial, you need to ask them if they offer 24/7 emergency services. If they don’t, you should continue searching.

They Should Be Experienced

Electrical problems are technical in nature, and therefore, electricians seem to get better at their work with experience. Therefore, a good electrician should have more than a few years of experience. If you hire an inexperienced electrician, they might mess up your electrical system and put your home and family in danger due to their incompetence. On the other hand, experienced electricians are conversant with most electrical problems you might run into, and they will handle them correctly and in a way that will not cause any trouble. Therefore, if the electrician you are about to hire has not been in the business for more than a few years, you should continue searching.

They Should Be Willing To Offer Warranties

No matter how experienced an electrical services provider might be, there is no guarantee that they will do a good job. This is because they are human beings, and they could make some mistakes and fail to resolve your issues decisively. Unfortunately, this means that you could end up spending more money on the same issues after a few days or weeks. The good news is that good electrician is usually willing to protect their customers against such risks. They do this by offering warranties for the services offered. Therefore, before you can settle for a given electrician, you need to find out of they will give you a warranty for the job to be done. If the answer is negative, you should not take the risk of trusting them to lay their hands on your electrical system.

The Bottom Line

Overall, it is now clear that there are several qualities your electrician should have. If you are looking for a dependable electrician near you, Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach is an excellent choice. We have been solving electrical problems for many years, and you can trust us to do an excellent job. Feel free to get in touch with us today to learn more about our company and services.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

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5 Urgent Reasons to Call an Emergency Electrician

5 Urgent Reasons to Call an Emergency Electrician

There are a lot of home repair tasks that can be pushed off to another day. For instance, if you need to put in a garden, fix the planks on the deck, or finish painting the playroom you can comfortably wait a few weekends for some more free time. However, if you have an electrical problem, you have to take quick action. Electrical issues bring with them a high risk of electrocution or fire, which is why you need to know when you need an emergency electrician to make sure everyone in your home stays safe.

Of course, the goal is to identify a potential electrical problem before any type of danger actually arises, which is why it is so important to know the potential signs of fire. Even a simple thing like your lights flickering can sometimes indicate that you have an overloaded circuit. Take a minute to read over these urgent signs you need an electrician, and if you notice any of them happening in your home, make sure you call for help right away.

Burning Smells or Smoke Near an Air Vent In Your Home

Your air vents should only smell of fresh air, which is why a burning smell or any type of smoke should be instantly alarming. Usually, this indicates a wiring issue with your unit or an overloaded circuit that is leading to a dangerous surge. In either case, if you are noticing burning smells coming out of your air vents, you need to quickly turn off your AC and call an emergency electrician for help. Keep in mind that sometimes smoke or that burning odor can get pushed out into your home via the HVAC system, but the smell can come from another area in your home. Make sure to thoroughly investigate while waiting for the electrician to ensure you aren’t missing a second emergency.

Flickering Lights

As we mentioned briefly, flickering lights can be a sign of trouble for your home, especially if the issue occurs when a major appliance turns on. The lights flicker because the circuit cannot accommodate the power needs of the larger appliance, so the lights dim in order to balance out the power demands. Eventually, this indicates that your circuit is going to get overloaded which can lead to a surge or potential electrocution if there are sparks. Many people notice this happening when their HVAC system cycles, their oven turns on, the dishwasher starts running, etc. Large power draws tend to make the issue more prominent, but luckily it can be easily fixed by upgrading your circuit board or electrical box in most cases.

Sparks in Outlets

Your outlet should never spark when you plug in a power cord. Some people will dismiss this as a one-time occurrence, but this is the wrong move because the next time this happens in the same outlet could be when someone is getting electrocuted. There are several reasons why an electrical outlet might spark when you plug something in, but none of them are good. Therefore, you need to make sure that you address this problem right away with the help of an emergency electrician to decrease the risk of shock and fire within your home.

Hot Outlets

Another sign that there is trouble brewing behind your electrical outlets is if you notice that the plates are warm to the touch. This can also occur behind light plates in your home. It is a good idea to walk through your home and occasionally brush your hand over plates to make sure that everything is still safe within your home. A hot plate indicates that there is electrical activity occurring behind the plate to warm it up. This can be extremely dangerous and the first sign of an electrical fire brewing. Therefore, you don’t want to ignore it. If you notice any plate in your home is hot to the touch, you want to call an electrician for help right away. They can investigate behind the plate and quickly fix the wiring issue to alleviate the issue.

Buzzing Noises In Your Home

Another sign of trouble brewing in your home is buzzing noises. Your electrical lines should be quiet, as should the circuit breaker in our utility closet. If you start to notice a buzzing noise near any of your outlets or near your electrical box you have a major problem on your hand that needs to be looked at. The buzzing noise is often the result of an electrical surge, and it means that more power is running through your lines than should be. You need to get to the bottom of this situation because it is both a fire and electrocution hazard.

Circuit Breakers Trip Repeatedly

Finally, if you notice that your circuit breakers are always tripping, then you need to call an emergency electrician to come out and get to the bottom of why this is happening. Every so once in a while, a circuit breaker can trip, and this doesn’t mean anything. In fact, the circuit is designed to trip to keep dangerous surges from happening. Usually, it is because you have too many items plugged into the circuit. When you reduce your energy usage, then the problem is solved. However, if the same circuit is tripping multiple times a week and there is no apparent reason why, you need to have a professional come out and diagnose the problem before it leads to a dangerous situation.

Are you worried about the electrical system in your home? Contact Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach to schedule an appointment today.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

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Do You Need an Emergency Electrician?

Do You Need an Emergency Electrician?

You may be wondering who is an emergency electrician and if there is a difference between them and regular electricians. There isn’t any difference between the two when it comes to technical skills. Both professionals are trained and licensed to handle multiple electrical works and problems. However, the difference is in service delivery. 

Unlike regular electric electricians, the emergency response team is available for any issue round the clock, including weekends and nights. Due to their availability and response time, an emergency electrical service will charge more. 

An emergency electrical expert is always ready to help you with your issues and will likely get the job done correctly. However, homeowners find themselves with the question, when should I call an emergency electrical technician? 

When to Call an Emergency Electrical Expert

Commercial and residential property owners rely on electricians to install and maintain electrical systems. However, there are emergencies, you may need to place an urgent call to your electrician. Below are moments to call an emergency electrician:

Blown Fuse

A fuse is one of the most important components in your electrical system. It helps regulate the power channeled through your building, acting as a defense against power surges. From time to time, you may have to deal with a blown fuse which is considered normal. However, if this situation frequently occurs in short intervals, it may be a reason to call an electrician.

A blown fuse means your electrical panel takes in more power than your fuse can handle. In normal circumstances, you can change the fuse yourself. However, it’s best to have a professional check your voltage and advise you accordingly.

Flickering Lights

Flickering lights are often ignored, especially when they occur rarely. Most people consider them normal as it is caused by tuning on some electrical appliances that draw a lot of power. However, a constant flicker is a reason to call your electrician, as it may result from increased demand from your power outlet.

In some cases, flickering lights could be a sign of faulty wiring, causing your light bulb to receive less power. Finding the exact cause of this issue is difficult, with limited or no background in electrical systems. Have your electrician inspect your power outlets to ensure you have enough to supply power to the light bulbs and appliances.

Your electrician may suggest installing additional power outlets to cater to heavy machinery. This way, the appliance can draw power from its circuit without affecting other sections of your system. 

Electrical Fire

An electrical fire is one of the most dangerous emergencies at home as it can quickly spread to other sections of the house if not properly managed. Some causes of electrical fires include faulty wiring in your system or overload. In some cases, a defective appliance can cause fires leading to the destruction of property.

The first sign of a fire is usually a burning smell from various components. Immediately you get this smell, you should take preventive action as you wait for the electrician. Experts at Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach encourage customers to have a fire extinguisher ready just in case it grows into a fire before the situation is arrested. 

When you experience this emergency, turn off the power supply or disconnect the appliance from the outlet. Call a professional electrician to inspect your system and troubleshoot the cause of the fire, initiate repairs, and put in place preventive measures. 

Electrical Shock

An electric shock from an outlet or power line is dangerous and can lead to serious injuries or even death. Damaged outlets, switches, and plugs are the main points of electrocution. However, you can get electrocuted while changing a fuse or bulb if you don’t turn off the power to the room. 

In this situation, you cut power to the affected area while waiting for the electrician to arrive. Your immediate action when handling electric shocks helps prevent further hazards, including injury to other people. Have your electrician look at the system for exposed wires or connections that could expose you to electric currents. 

Short Circuits and Circuit Breaker Failure

Your circuit breaker is an important component in your electrical system to protect you from power surges and short circuits. Both issues are serious electrical problems that could affect the performance of your system and even damage your appliances. Unchecked, these issues can cause unrepairable damage to your circuit breaker, cutting the power supply to the rest of the building. 

A damaged circuit breaker may also present itself as frequent tripping. While a tripped breaker may not be cause for alarm; however, frequent tripping qualifies as an emergency and need an immediate response. Your first response to this situation is to shut off power to your home from the main source. This move helps prevent potential hazards, including electrocution and fires, as you wait for the electrician. 

No Power

No power in your local area may not be classified as an emergency since the issue is widespread. However, an isolated case is a reason to call an emergency electrician to inspect and troubleshoot the cause. Immediately you notice no power at home, you should check your circuit breaker and ensure everything is in place. A blown fuse box can also cause a power outage in your home, throwing you into darkness. 

No matter the cause, it’s wise to have an electrician over to run diagnostics to find the reason for the power outage. When troubleshooting your system, the electrician will suggest unplugging your appliances and switching off lights and outlets. This way, you can avert potential dangers in case of a power surge.

Enjoy Excellent Services at Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach

Electrical issues are not your typical DIY and need a professional to handle them effectively. These professionals provide several services, including installation, repair, and maintenance, to boost the performance of your electrical system. However, in an emergency, you need an emergency electrician to respond and address your issue within the shortest time. 

We offer a wide range of electrical services at Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach. Contact us for more information on our services, including emergency electrical service.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

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