1. A burning smell near an outlet or panel

A sharp, hot-plastic or burning odour can indicate a serious fault. Stop using the affected area and arrange qualified help.

If there is smoke or fire, leave the area and call 911. Don't keep resetting breakers or plugging equipment back in to “test” the problem.

2. An outlet or switch is unusually hot

An outlet that feels hot, shows discolouration or appears melted needs assessment. Heat can arise from a damaged connection, device or overloaded circuit.

Don't open the device to look inside. Avoid using it until a licensed electrician has assessed the cause.

3. Lights flicker or dim unexpectedly

One flickering fixture might have a local issue. Several rooms dimming together, particularly when large equipment starts, deserves a wider investigation.

A qualified electrician can help determine whether the problem is inside the home or requires utility involvement.

4. A breaker repeatedly trips

Breakers are protective devices. Repeated trips can signal excess load, faulty equipment or circuit trouble.

Don't install a larger breaker, bypass protection or repeatedly reset without knowing why the circuit is tripping.

If panel capacity is part of the conversation, read signs you may need a panel upgrade. An upgrade is not the automatic fix.

5. You feel a shock or tingling sensation

A shock from an appliance, outlet, outdoor fitting or hot tub area is a serious warning.

Stop using the equipment. If anyone is injured, seek medical assistance and appropriate emergency response. Do not touch someone who may still be in contact with an energised source.

6. An outlet sparks, arcs or makes crackling sounds

Electrical arcing and persistent crackling are signs something requires prompt attention. A momentary visible spark can have different causes, but recurring sparking, sound, heat or discolouration must not be ignored.

Stay away from affected equipment and request qualified help.

7. Water has reached electrical equipment

Flooded basements, leaking near a panel or wet devices may create shock risks. Don't step into standing water to switch equipment off.

Do not re-energise affected circuits or use damaged equipment until a qualified professional confirms it is safe.

8. Damaged outdoor wiring or a downed power line

Storm damage can leave wires energised even when they appear harmless.

Stay well away. Do not move a cable, branch or object touching a line. Contact the utility or emergency services as appropriate.

What to do first: a simple decision guide

Situation First action
Smoke, fire or immediate danger Move to safety and call 911
Downed line Stay clear and contact utility/emergency services
Shock or injury Avoid further contact and seek emergency medical help
Burning smell, heat, repeated arcing Stop using affected equipment and seek prompt professional help
Persistent but non-urgent flickering/trips Book a qualified electrical assessment

This is a safety guide, not a remote diagnosis. Avoid actions that would put you closer to live equipment.

Can you troubleshoot any of this yourself?

You can safely observe when a problem happens and note affected rooms or appliances. That information helps an electrician.

Don't remove the front of a panel, open junction boxes, handle exposed wiring or perform live testing. Electrical hazards can remain even when a breaker is off.

Ontario's Electrical Safety Authority advises hiring a Licensed Electrical Contractor for electrical repair work and following applicable notification requirements.

When should Sarnia homeowners call?

If something feels unsafe, don't wait for the next scheduled renovation.

Great Lakes Electric's website lists after-hours emergency support, but availability and response time should be confirmed by phone. For non-emergency work, use the electrical service contact page.

For urgent electrical concerns, call (519) 384-3664 to check current availability. For immediate life-threatening danger, call 911—not a business enquiry form.