Our Expert Tips
How to Spot Electrical Hazards & When to Call an Electrician
How to Spot Electrical Hazards & When to Call an Electrician

Electricity is an essential part of how we function in our everyday life–and something we hope to enjoy without ever thinking about it. But when something goes wrong, from flickering lights to warm outlets, you need to take action as soon as possible.
Electrical hazards aren’t something you should ignore and can escalate quickly and put your family and household at risk.
The Newton electricians and Norwood electricians at Castle Electric have some pro tips for spotting issues and knowing when to seek professional help.
So read on to learn more, or reach out to us to schedule your electrical safety inspection in Newton, Norwood, or the surrounding area!
Recognizing Warning Signs Early
Electrical systems can be complex, but they also give subtle hints before a significant issue arises. Here are some of the signs that can save you from costly repairs or a dangerous situation.
1) Burning Smells
A burning or smoking smell especially near an outlet or appliance, could indicate overheating wires or a short circuit issue. Turn off the power immediately and check if the problem is with something like a lamp, cord, or plugged in electronics.
2) Buzzing Sounds
Electrical systems are usually silent. If you hear buzzing, crackling, or unusual noises near outlets or breaker panels, you could have loose wiring or faulty connections.
3) Charred Outlets
Have you noticed any discoloration or scorch marks around your outlets? These are red flags that could be a sign of faulty wiring and need to be addressed as soon as possible.
If you discover a lamp cord is fraying or you’re having an issue with a device, that could be the end of the story. But you can’t really know if there’s still an electrical problem without the help of a professional. Call our experienced electricians as soon as possible to ensure your home is safe and your electricity is in good working order.
Why Hire an Electrician?
It’s important to remember that not all electrical issues are visible to the untrained eye. Electrical repairs are not DIY projects, making an electrician crucial to safeguarding your home:
- Professional Diagnosis: Our trained electricians have the commercial-grade tools and expertise to properly assess your system and figure out what’s going on. We’ll take a look at your set-up and detect any overloaded circuits, outdated wiring, or hidden damage.
- Preventative Maintenance: Scheduling routine inspections with an experienced electrician keeps your system up-to-date and compliant with safety standards.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your home’s electrical system is in good shape gives you more peace of mind that everything is safe, especially during high-usage seasons like winter.
Call Castle Electric’s skilled electricians to come out to identify and resolve hidden problems before they become hazards. Our team specializes in delivering reliable electrical services to ensure your home is safe and ready to handle the load.
What to Know About Electrical Codes
Electrical codes and permits may seem like a lot of red tape to wade through, but they’re also essential for your safety. The regulations make sure any electrical work is done correctly and minimizes risks, including:
- Electrical Fires: Properly installing your electrical panel, wiring, and circuits and adhering to the latest codes reduces the odds of faulty wiring that could spark a fire.
- Shock Hazards: Your home needs grounded outlets and up-to-date circuit breakers to prevent dangerous shocks or accidental electrocution.
- Insurance Compliance: Most home insurance policies mandate that a licensed electrician perform electrical work that keeps your home up to code. If you’re not compliant with your homeowners’ policy, you could end up voiding your coverage in case of an accident.
Basic Electrical Safety Practices
Taking a proactive approach to electrical safety can go a long way to prevent hazards. Here are a few simple yet effective steps to take:
- Proper Insulation: It’s crucial to keep your wires properly insulated to avoid exposure and short circuits. You should also inspect your rewiring to detect any signs of wear and tear or degradation.
- Grounded Outlets: Grounded outlets will protect against electrical surges and reduce the risk of accidental shocks. Ask the team at Castle Electric about an upgrade if you have an older home or ungrounded outlets.
- Circuit Labels: Make sure your circuit breakers are clearly labeled to help you identify and isolate any problems, saving you time while preventing damage and emergencies.
When to Call for Electrical Help
Your electrical issues won’t resolve on their own. Call an electrical safety professional if you’re experiencing any of the following:
- Lights flicker or dim regularly
- Outlets feel warm or emit strange smells
- Circuit breakers trip frequently, even after resetting
- You hear strange noises from your breaker panel or outlets
Never underestimate the warning signs of electrical problems. Getting on top of potential issues as soon as possible helps prevent a small problem from turning into a major disaster.
Call Castle Electric for All of Your Electrical Service Needs
Electrical hazards don’t announce themselves with flashing neon signs. They may show up quietly and need some proactive attention and care to figure out what’s going on.
Call the team at Castle Electric anytime you need electrical service in Newton, MA and Norwood, MA, from outdated circuit breakers to electrical panel upgrade needs. We’ll come out as soon as possible to assess what’s going on and get on top of the problem to keep your home safe.
Schedule your appointment today!