If you smell burning or see sparks, do these things now
Electrical emergencies happen fast. Here is what to do in the most common situations while you wait for the electrician.
For all electrical emergencies: Call (800) 732-0585 for 24/7 service. We respond to emergency calls across Central NJ, typically within 1 to 2 hours.
Sparking outlet or switch
Do:
- Turn off the breaker that controls that outlet (if you know which one)
- If you cannot identify the breaker, turn off the main breaker
- Unplug anything connected to that outlet
- Do not use that outlet again until an electrician inspects it
- Plug anything back in to "test" if it is fixed
- Try to open the outlet cover and look inside
- Spray water on a sparking outlet
- Ignore it because the sparking stopped
Burning smell from the panel or walls
Do:
- Turn off the main breaker immediately
- Get everyone out of the house
- Call an electrician (and 911 if you see smoke)
- Wait outside until the electrician arrives
- Open the panel cover to look inside
- Touch the panel if it feels warm or hot
- Turn breakers on and off trying to isolate the problem
- Stay in the house and "keep an eye on it"
Power out in part of the house
Do:
- Check if your neighbors still have power (if they are also out, it is a utility issue, call PSE&G or JCP&L)
- Check your breaker panel for any tripped breakers (the handle will be in the middle position, between ON and OFF)
- Reset a tripped breaker by turning it fully OFF, then back ON
- If the breaker trips again immediately, leave it OFF and call an electrician
- Keep resetting a breaker that keeps tripping (it is tripping for a reason)
- Tape a breaker in the ON position (some people actually do this)
- Run extension cords from working circuits as a long-term solution
Total power outage (whole house)
Do:
- Check if your neighbors have power
- If only your house is dark, check the main breaker in your panel
- If the main breaker is tripped, reset it once
- If it trips again, or if it was never tripped, call your utility company (they may have disconnected your service or the connection from the street may be damaged)
- In a storm, stay away from any downed power lines near your home
- Go outside and touch the meter or the wires coming into your house
- Try to reconnect anything at the weatherhead (where the utility wires attach to your house)
Water near electrical equipment
Do:
- If your basement floods and the electrical panel or any outlets are submerged, do NOT enter the water
- Call your utility company to cut power from the street before entering a flooded area with electrical equipment
- After flooding, have an electrician inspect all affected wiring and equipment before restoring power
- Wade through standing water to reach the breaker panel
- Assume it is safe because the power is already out (water can conduct electricity from buried or concealed wiring)
Downed power line
Do:
- Stay at least 35 feet away
- Call 911 immediately
- If a downed line is touching your car, stay inside the car until utility crews arrive
- If you must leave the car (fire), jump clear without touching the car and the ground at the same time, then shuffle away with small steps
- Touch the line or anything it is touching (fences, trees, puddles)
- Assume it is dead because it is not sparking (it can be energized without visible arcing)
- Try to move it with a stick, broom, or any object
When to call 911 vs. an electrician
Call 911 if:
- You see flames or heavy smoke
- A power line is down
- Someone has been shocked and is injured
- There is water in contact with electrical equipment and you cannot safely cut power
- You smell burning but see no flames
- An outlet is sparking or arcing
- Part of the house has no power and resetting breakers does not fix it
- Your panel is making buzzing or crackling sounds
- You need to restore power after an emergency
24/7 emergency electrical service
Harrelson Electric provides 24/7 emergency service across Middlesex, Somerset, Mercer, Monmouth, and Union counties. Call (800) 732-0585). Bruce picks up. He does not send a dispatcher or put you on hold.