Is It an Emergency? 5 Warning Signs You Need an Emergency Electrician in Prince George

emily68895
Jan 20
2 min read

When the power goes out or an outlet starts acting up, your first instinct is usually to wait until morning. But in Prince George, where our winters are cold and our homes vary in age from the historic Hart to newer developments in College Heights, electrical issues can escalate quickly.

Knowing the difference between a minor nuisance and a major safety hazard can save your home from an electrical fire. As your local 24/7 emergency electrician in Prince George, the team at Fraser Current Electric has seen it all.

Here are the top electrical warning signs that mean you should call for an after-hours electrician immediately.

1. The Sudden "Burning Smell" (Fishy or Plastic)

If you smell burning plastic or a strange "fishy" odor near an outlet or your electrical panel, do not ignore it. This is a primary indicator of arcing or wires melting behind your walls.

What to do: Turn off the main breaker and call an emergency electrician right away. This is a high-priority fire risk.

2. Flickering Lights When Using Appliances

Do your lights dim or flicker when the microwave kicks in or the furnace starts up? While common in older Prince George homes, persistent flickering lights often mean your electrical circuit is overloaded or your electrical panel needs an upgrade.

3. Frequent Tripping Breakers

A circuit breaker that trips once is doing its job. A tripping breaker that happens repeatedly—especially when you’re just trying to run your heater or a kettle—is a sign that your system can’t handle the load. This could lead to a permanent failure or a "fried" panel.

4. Shocking Outlets or Hot Switch Plates

If you feel a "tingle" or a small shock from an outlet when plugging something in, the outlet is likely improperly grounded or the wiring is loose. Similarly, if a light switch feels hot to the touch, there is a dangerous buildup of heat occurring behind the wall.

5. Buzzing or Humming Noises

Electricity should be silent. If you hear a distinct buzzing or humming sound coming from your walls, outlets, or your breaker box, it’s a sign of a loose connection or a failing component.

Why Choose Fraser Current Electric for Your Emergency?

When you’re searching for an electrician near me at 2:00 AM, you need someone who knows the local area and the specific challenges of Northern BC electrical systems.

24/7 Availability: Electrical emergencies don’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither do we.
Prince George Local: We serve the Hart, College Heights, Beaverly, and all surrounding areas.
Licensed & Insured: We are Red Seal certified and fully compliant with Technical Safety BC standards.
Upfront Pricing: No "emergency" surprises. We provide clear communication on costs before the tools come out.

Safety Tip: If you see sparks, smoke, or a fire, evacuate your home immediately and call 911 before contacting an electrician.

Need an Emergency Electrician in Prince George?

Don’t leave your family’s safety to chance. Whether it’s a power outage limited to your home, a burning smell, or a tripped main breaker, Fraser Current Electric is ready to help.