Things to Check Before Calling an Electrician

Knowing what to look for before you pick up the phone can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. In this brief article brought to you by the electrical repair service professionals at Mr. Electric, we share a few things every homeowner or business manager should check before scheduling a service call.

If you're dealing with buzzing sounds, smoke, burning smells, or electrical sparks, then call Mr. Electric to hire an emergency electrician as soon as possible. These are red flags that demand urgent attention.

Check the Circuit Breaker

If you’ve lost power to an outlet, room, or appliance, the first place to check is your circuit breaker panel. Sometimes circuits trip without warning, especially if you’ve recently plugged in a high-powered appliance like a space heater or microwave.

Open your breaker box and look for switches that are out of alignment or appear to be in a middle position. Flip them fully off and then back on. If the power returns, you may have simply overloaded the circuit. Keep an eye on that zone and try to reduce the electrical load. If the breaker quickly trips again, though, that’s your cue to call in a pro.

Test GFCI Outlets

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt (GFCI) outlets are usually found in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor spaces - pretty much anywhere moisture might be present. You can identify these outlets because they have "reset" and "test" buttons. They are designed to shut off power to protect you from electric shock.

If an outlet in a bathroom or kitchen isn’t working, then press the reset button. Also, keep in mind that one GFCI outlet can control multiple downstream outlets, so check all the GFCIs in the area.

Look for Obvious Damage

Visible wear and tear on cords, plugs, or faceplates can be a red flag, but not always a reason to panic. Pets chewing cords, vacuum cleaners scuffing outlets, or furniture pressing against plugs can all cause issues that are easy to see and fix.

If a faceplate is cracked or feels warm to the touch, for instance, then replace it and avoid plugging anything into that outlet until you're confident it's safe. If you're unsure, it's okay to call an electrician - but not every cracked cover requires a full inspection.

Sniff Around (Yes, Really)

This one might seem a little odd, but your nose can be a surprisingly good diagnostic tool. Electrical fires often have a distinct burning or acrid smell. However, don’t assume the worst if you smell something off.

Try to pinpoint the source. Is it coming from a specific appliance? New electronics (like toasters, heaters, or even light fixtures) can give off a "hot" smell the first few times they’re used. If the smell persists or gets stronger, turn off the power at the breaker and call an electrician in Cottonwood Heights.

Try a Different Device or Outlet

Not getting power from an outlet? Before blaming the wiring, make sure the issue isn’t with the appliance or device itself. Plug the item into another outlet to see if it works. If the device is the issue, no need to call an electrician. But if the outlet seems dead, refer back to the circuit breaker or GFCI steps before bringing in the pros.

Consider Recent Weather or Construction Work

Power surges and outages caused by storms can fry outlets or trip breakers. Similarly, if there’s been nearby digging or construction, there might be unexpected damage to underground lines or nearby systems.

If your electrical issue coincides with recent weather events or work near your property, then make note of it. You may need to contact your utility companies before bringing in the electrician.

Hire Uniformed and Certified Electricians

If you DO need an electrician, then make sure to hire a competent and experienced one. The certified electricians at Mr. Electric can handle everything from a routine inspection or outlet repair to a ceiling fan replacement or EV charger installation. We are a full-service company offering residential and commercial electrical service.