When it comes to electrical safety, the little things matter most. Dimming lights or a slight burning odour may seem small — just minor inconveniences — but they can serve as the first line of defence against much more serious electrical problems. Failing to address it could result in damaged wiring, a power outage or a fire. We at Elcolem believe that prevention is the number one thing — knowing when to act could save your home, your business, and your loved ones.
1. What Causes Flickering Lights?
There can be various reasons why the lights are flickering, from something simple to enormous electrical problems. Common reasons include:
- Bulbs that are loose or bad: A quick tightening or replacing might solve the problem.
- Overworked circuits: If an overloaded circuit causes the voltage to drop, lights may flicker.
- Loose wiring or connections: These are at far greater risk. A loose wire can arc, overheat and possibly burn.
- Bad switches or fixtures: Worn-out parts can cause an irregular current flow.
If the flickering occurs everywhere you have lights or gets worse when other electric appliances are running, it’s essential to call a licensed electrician right away.
2. What That Burning Smell Really Means
A burning odour, especially one that smells like melting plastic or rubber, is never something to ignore. It can indicate:
- Overheating wires or outlets
- Damaged insulation around wires
- Defective electrical panels or breakers
- Sparkless shorts in walls or appliances
There’s a maximum amount of current that you can draw from any electrical component. With overheating, the insulating sheath becomes molten — that’s the smell. If you continue to smoke in the system when it is like this, this can become quite a fire hazard.
3. The Hidden Dangers Behind Ignoring the Signs
It’s not uncommon for electrical problems to worsen over time. That twinkling can turn into a blackout, fried gear, or worse—an electrical fire. Amongst the most significant risks are:
- Fire Risks: Frayed or loose wires can smoulder out of sight behind the walls before they are detected.
- Damage to Equipment: Appliances, computers and electronics can be damaged by power surges.
- Higher Repair Bills: The earlier, the better when it comes to expensive rewiring or a new panel.
Taking prompt action not only defends your property but can also save lives.
4. What to Do If You Notice These Warning Signs
Here’s what you can do immediately if you have flickering lights or burning smells:
- Disconnect the device or turn off the circuit.
- Please do not use the outlets or lights affected until a professional inspects them.
- Have a licensed electrician check your system out.
- Don’t attempt DIY electrical fixes. As with all first aid, doing it wrong without the proper training can hurt or even shock you.
Our licensed electricians at Elcolem use sophisticated diagnostic technology to safely and efficiently identify electrical problems.
5. How Elcolem Can Help
At Elcolem, we also offer complete electrical inspection, repair and maintenance for residential and commercial properties. Whatever the issue — whether it’s an inexpensive flicker or serious wiring issues — we keep your electricity running smoothly and safely.
We specialize in:
- Electrical troubleshooting and repairs
- Panel and circuit inspections
- Rewiring and safety upgrades
- Emergency electrical services
Don’t rely on luck for safety, trust experience!
Conclusion
Flickering lights or the smell of something burning is your home’s way of saying, “Please help me!” Ignoring them could leave your home or business at serious risk. The safest move? Please have our experts, such as Elcolem, call you for a quick evaluation and peace of mind.
Stay safe. Stay powered. Contact Elcolem — Your Trusted Local Electrician.