At Uncommon Electricians, we’ve seen it all, and we know that cutting corners with electricity is never worth the risk. It’s a risk that could lead to serious injury, electrical fires, or even death. This guide will help you understand the most common warning signs of electrical issues and reinforce why calling a licenced professional is the only safe and legal solution.
The Golden Rule: Only Licensed Professionals
Before we dive into the warning signs, let’s be absolutely clear on the law. According to the Electrical Safety Act 2002 in Queensland, any work involving the manufacturing, installing, testing, maintaining, repairing, altering, or replacing of electrical equipment must be performed by a fully licenced and qualified electrician.
As a homeowner, the only electrical tasks you can legally and safely perform are very limited. These include:
Changing a light globe, a fluorescent tube, or a starter.
Replacing a blown fuse (after safely turning off the power).
Resetting a safety switch or circuit breaker.
Replacing the batteries in a smoke alarm.
Anything beyond these simple tasks—such as installing a new power point, changing a light fitting, or even replacing a plug on an extension lead—is considered electrical work and must be performed by a professional.
5 Clear Signs It’s Time to Call an Electrician
Your home’s electrical system often gives off clear warning signs when something is wrong. Paying attention to these can prevent a small issue from becoming a major incident. If you notice any of these signs, don’t try to fix it yourself—call a licenced electrician immediately.
1. Flickering or Dimming Lights
If your lights dim when an appliance like a microwave or air conditioner turns on, it’s a sign that the circuit is being overloaded. This can be caused by faulty wiring, loose connections, or a circuit that can’t handle the power demand. A DIY fix will not address the underlying problem and could lead to overheating and a fire risk.
2. Frequent Circuit Breaker Tripping
A circuit breaker’s job is to trip and cut the power when it detects an electrical fault or an overload. If a breaker trips once, it’s usually just a reminder that you have too many appliances running on the same circuit. However, if it happens frequently, it’s not an inconvenience—it’s a warning sign. This indicates a serious underlying issue with the wiring or a faulty appliance that needs to be diagnosed and repaired by a professional.
3. Buzzing, Humming, or Crackling Sounds
Electricity should be silent. Any buzzing, humming, or crackling sounds coming from your switchboard, a power point, or a light switch is a major red flag. These sounds often indicate a loose connection or arcing—where electricity is jumping between two points—which is a huge fire risk.
4. Strange Smells
The smell of burning plastic or a hot, acrid odour coming from an outlet, appliance, or your switchboard is a critical sign of an electrical emergency. It means something is overheating and could be on the verge of catching fire. If you ever smell something burning, immediately turn off the main power at your switchboard and call an electrician straight away.
5. Scorched Outlets or Switches
A power point or light switch that is warm to the touch, has scorch marks, or shows any sign of melting plastic is a clear indication of a serious fault. It means that the wiring behind the outlet is overheating, and it’s an urgent safety matter. Do not use the outlet and contact a professional immediately.
The Dangers of a DIY Electrical Fix
It’s tempting to think you can save a few dollars by doing a quick fix yourself, but the risks are simply too high.
Serious Injury or Death: Without the right training and safety equipment, you risk electric shock, severe burns, or even death.
Fire Hazards: A poorly executed DIY job can create a hidden electrical fault that could cause a fire long after the work is done, putting your family and home at risk.
Voided Insurance and Fines: Unlicensed electrical work can void your home insurance policy. If a fire or an accident occurs and a DIY job is to blame, you may not be covered. Additionally, you could face significant fines for performing illegal electrical work.
Making the Problem Worse: Without the correct knowledge, you may fix the symptom but fail to address the root cause, leading to a more complex and expensive repair down the line.
At Uncommon Electricians, our goal is to provide a stress-free and safe solution. Our team is fully licenced, insured, and trained to quickly and accurately diagnose and fix any electrical issue. We adhere to all Australian standards and provide a professional, guaranteed service that gives you peace of mind.
Don’t risk your safety for a quick fix. If you’ve noticed any of the signs above or have any electrical concerns, please call us. You can visit our website or call us on 07 3074 9486 to book an inspection or get a professional opinion.
