What Is Your Electrical Doing?
Pick the symptom that matches. Each page explains what usually causes it, what you can safely check yourself first, and when it's time to stop and call.
Some electrical problems end with a GFCI outlet that tripped in another room, or a breaker that just needed resetting once. If a quick, safe check fixes it, good. You keep your money and your evening.
If the checks don't fix it, you'll at least be able to tell us exactly what's happening, which makes the visit faster. None of these checks involve opening a panel or touching wiring, and none ever should. These pages cover homes and businesses across Midland, Bay and Saginaw Counties.
Safety first
- Smoke, flames, or a burning smell you can't locate: get everyone out and call 911 from outside. Don't go back in to find the source.
- A downed or sagging wire: assume it's live. Stay at least 30 feet away, keep people and pets back, and call 911 and your utility (Consumers Energy at 1-800-477-5050, or Bay City Electric Light & Power inside Bay City).
- Water near a panel, outlet or cord: don't touch it or wade in to reach it. Keep away until the power to that area is off.
- A shock or tingle from a faucet, tub, appliance or switch: stop using it and call.
- Breaker Keeps Tripping It trips again as soon as you reset it, or every time the microwave runs. What to check
- Lights Flickering or Dimming One room, the whole house, or when something big turns on. What to check
- Outlet Not Working A dead outlet, or a GFCI that won't reset. What to check
- Half the House Has No Power Some rooms dead, others fine, or lights oddly bright and dim. What to check
- Burning Smell, Buzzing or a Hot Outlet Warm cover plates, scorch marks, a panel that hums. What to check
- Smoke Detector Chirping or False Alarms A chirp every minute, or alarms going off with no smoke. What to check
- Power's Out: Generator Questions Backfeeding, extension cords, transfer switches and what's safe. What to check
- Flooded Basement or Wet Electrical Water reached the panel, outlets or furnace. What to do first. What to check
- Shop or Office Lights Flickering or Out Tube fixtures buzzing, strobing, or banks of lights dead. What to check
- Parking Lot Lights Out or Cycling Pole lights dark, cycling on and off, or on all day. What to check
Ready for Your Next Electrical Project?
Allow us to exceed your expectations for your next electrical need. Serving Midland, Bay and Saginaw Counties.