When it comes to your home’s electrical system, there’s no such thing as being too careful. Electrical emergencies are not only inconvenient; they can be dangerous or even life-threatening. Knowing the warning signs and how to respond quickly can prevent major damage, injury, or fire.
If you live in La Crosse, Onalaska, or anywhere across western Wisconsin, it’s important to have a reliable electrician you can call 24/7. At Kish & Sons Electric, we provide emergency electrical services designed to keep your home and family safe.
Here are 5 signs you’re having an electrical emergency and what you should do next.
1. Burning Smell or Scorch Marks Around Outlets
If you notice a burnt odor, especially near outlets or your electrical panel, it could be a sign of overheating wires or a short circuit. Scorch marks or discoloration around outlets are strong indicators that the wiring behind them is damaged and potentially sparking.
What to do:
- Turn off power to the affected outlet or area using your circuit breaker.
- Do not use the outlet until it’s been inspected.
- Call a licensed emergency electrician immediately.
Tip: Learn more about our residential electrical services and how we handle outlet replacements and wiring upgrades.
2. Sparking Outlets or Appliances
Sparking can occur occasionally when plugging in an appliance, but frequent or large sparks are never normal. This could be caused by faulty wiring, worn connections, or even an overloaded circuit, all of which pose a serious fire hazard.
What to do:
- Unplug the appliance safely and avoid using the outlet.
- Avoid using water to extinguish any sparks or small flames. This could make things worse.
- Contact Kish & Sons Electric’s emergency electricians right away.
3. Breaker Keeps Tripping Repeatedly
Circuit breakers are designed to shut off power when a circuit becomes overloaded, preventing fires. But if the same breaker keeps tripping again, it could indicate a deeper issue like faulty wiring, a ground fault, or deteriorating electrical components.
What to do:
- Try to isolate what’s on the affected circuit by unplugging devices.
- If the issue persists, avoid flipping the breaker back on repeatedly.
- Contact our team to inspect your electrical panel and identify the root cause.
Bonus Read: Wondering whether it’s time for an upgrade? Check out our blog on when to replace your electrical panel.
4. Flickering Lights Across Multiple Rooms
Flickering lights can sometimes be chalked up to a loose bulb. But if you’re noticing dimming or flickering lights across several rooms or throughout the entire house, it could be a sign of a bigger issue, such as:
- Loose or damaged wiring
- Fluctuating voltage
- Faulty electrical panel
These problems can quickly lead to overheating and electrical fires.
What to do:
- Check that bulbs are secure and replace if needed.
- If the flickering continues, avoid turning lights on and off.
- Contact Kish & Sons Electric for a fast electrical inspection and service.
Related: Explore our lighting services for safe, stylish upgrades.
5. You’ve Lost Power but Your Neighbors Haven’t
If your home loses power and nearby homes still have electricity, the issue is likely isolated to your home and could be caused by a failing electrical panel, faulty main breaker, or damaged wiring.
What to do:
- Check with your utility company to rule out an area-wide outage.
- Avoid attempting DIY fixes at the main panel.
- Call Kish & Sons immediately for emergency diagnostics and repair.
Explore more about our generator services to stay powered during Wisconsin’s stormy seasons.
Why La Crosse Area Homeowners Trust Kish & Sons
When you’re facing an electrical emergency, there’s no time to wait. That’s why homeowners throughout La Crosse County and western Wisconsin rely on Kish & Sons Electric for prompt, professional, and dependable service.
We offer:
- 24/7 emergency electrical repairs
- Fully licensed and experienced electricians
- Fast response times across the region
- Fair and transparent pricing
Our team is trained to handle even the most complex electrical issues, ensuring your home and family are safe from further risk.
Don’t Wait, Call Kish & Sons at the First Sign of Trouble
Electrical emergencies don’t resolve themselves. In fact, waiting too long can increase the danger to your home and loved ones. If you’re seeing any of the signs above or just have a gut feeling something isn’t right, trust your instincts.
Call Kish & Sons Electric, your friend in the business, at (608) 785-0207 for immediate emergency service, or contact us online anytime.
