Electrical issues have a way of showing up at the worst possible time. A strange smell, a sparking outlet, or a breaker that won’t stay on can quickly go from “minor annoyance” to a serious safety concern.
The good news is that many electrical emergencies give warning signs. If you know what to look for and how to respond, you can protect your home and avoid the risk of electrical fire or shock.
Below are some of the most common electrical emergencies Ottawa homeowners experience, what causes them, and what you should do next.
Burning Smell from an Outlet
If you notice a burning smell near an outlet, switch, or electrical panel, treat it as urgent. That smell often means something is overheating behind the wall, and the longer it continues, the higher the risk of damage or fire.
Common causes:
- Overloaded circuits (too many devices drawing power)
- Loose wiring creating heat inside the outlet box
- Damaged wires or insulation breaking down over time
- A failing outlet that can’t handle the load
What to do right away:
- Unplug anything connected to that outlet
- Turn off the breaker controlling that area
- Avoid using the outlet again until it’s inspected
If the smell continues, or you see smoke, discoloration, or melted plastic, it’s time to call an electrician. A burning smell is one of the most evident signs of an electrical emergency at home.
Sparks from an Electrical Outlet
A tiny spark when plugging something in can happen occasionally. Repeated sparks, loud popping sounds, or sparks shooting outward are not normal. This usually means electricity is arcing, which can ignite surrounding materials.
Common causes
- Loose outlet connections
- Short circuits
- Worn-out outlets
- A faulty appliance that cause electrical feedback
What to do right away
- Unplug any devices (if it’s safe to do so)
- Shut off the circuit at the breaker panel
- Do not use that outlet again until it’s checked
If an outlet is actively sparking or shows signs of burning, it’s safest to contact an emergency electrician in Ottawa right away.
Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping
Your breaker panel is designed to shut off power when a circuit is unsafe. If a breaker trips once, it could be a temporary overload. If it continues, there’s likely a larger issue that needs attention.
Common causes
- Overloaded circuits (especially kitchens, basements, and home offices)
- Short circuits from damaged wiring or appliances
- Arc faults (dangerous electrical arcing inside the wall)
- An aging electrical panel that is struggling with modern power demand
What to do right away
- Unplug a few devices on that circuit and reset the breaker
- If it trips again quickly, stop resetting it
- Avoid using that circuit until it’s inspected
This is one of the most common electrical problems in Ottawa homes, especially in older neighbourhoods where wiring wasn’t designed for today’s electrical loads.
Power Outages That Become an Electrical Emergency
Not every outage is dangerous, but some situations require quick action.
When a power outage becomes urgent
- Downed power lines cause the outage
- Your home has a partial power loss (some rooms work, others don’t)
- Someone relies on medical equipment
- You hear buzzing near the panel or see damaged wiring
What to do?
- Confirm whether the outage is just your home or the whole area
- If you see a downed line, keep your distance and call emergency services
- For partial outages, avoid “testing” outlets repeatedly and call an electrician, as it may signal wiring damage
Downed lines and exposed wiring are serious hazards and should always be treated as an emergency.
When to Call an Emergency Electrician in Ottawa?
If you’re unsure whether something is urgent, a good rule is this: if there’s heat, burning smells, sparks, smoke, or repeated breaker tripping, don’t wait.
Electrical emergencies aren’t always dramatic, but they can escalate quickly. Calling a professional early can prevent damage and keep your family safe.
Evolta Electric: Trusted Help for Residential Electrical Emergencies
Evolta Electric provides safe, reliable electrical service for homeowners across Ottawa. If you’re dealing with a burning smell, sparking outlet, or a circuit breaker that keeps tripping, our team can help you identify the cause and fix the issue properly.
When something feels off electrically, it’s always better to be cautious and get it checked.
If you think you’re facing an electrical emergency, call Evolta Electric today to book urgent service and get your home back to safe working order.
