You should call an emergency electrician when an electrical problem creates a real safety risk that cannot wait, such as a burning smell, hot or sparking equipment, or water reaching outlets, fixtures or the panel. If there is an active fire, smoke, a downed power line or an injury, call 911 first.
Other problems may be urgent without being emergencies. The signs below can help you decide.
Warning Signs That Should Not Wait
Outlets, switches or cover plates that feel hot, a burning odor with no obvious source, buzzing or crackling from the panel, sparks and scorch marks all point to conditions that may lead to fire. A shock from a fixture, appliance or faceplate, even a mild tingle, is also a warning that something may be wrong.
Damaged equipment is another reason to act quickly. Wiring or a panel that has been crushed, burned or exposed by storm damage or construction should not stay in service without an assessment. Damage to the meter or the service lines coming to the house should be reported to the utility, and nobody should touch or move damaged electrical equipment.
When Power Loss May Signal a Hazard
A neighborhood-wide outage is usually a utility matter, so check whether neighbors have power and report outages to Rocky Mountain Power, the utility that serves Salt Lake City and much of Utah. Losing power in only part of your home is different. It may be a tripped breaker, but it can also come from a failing connection, damaged wiring or a panel problem.
If power keeps dropping on the same circuit, a breaker will not stay on, or lights across the house suddenly turn very bright or very dim, the problem may need prompt attention. Resetting a breaker again and again is not a safe fix.
Water and Electricity
Flooded basements, burst pipes above ceilings and roof leaks near light fixtures can bring water into contact with wiring. Stay out of standing water if electrical equipment might be energized, and do not use outlets or appliances that got wet. Once it is safe, have the affected circuits and equipment evaluated before they are used again. Wet outlets, switches and other devices may need to be replaced rather than simply dried out.
Emergency Responders Versus Electricians
Firefighters and the utility handle immediate threats to life and property, including fires, injuries and downed lines. An electrician’s role is to find and correct the electrical problem once the scene is safe, and to explain what needs to happen before power is restored to the affected area. Anyone who has received a shock should also be checked by a medical professional, even if they feel fine afterward.
If you are unsure whether a problem at your Salt Lake City home can wait, call and describe what you are seeing. Our emergency electrical services page explains how urgent problems are handled, and we can help you decide on the safest next step.