Don’t Wait Until It’s an Emergency
Why Electrical Warning Signs Should Never Be Ignored
A lot of homeowners and business owners ignore small electrical problems simply because they’re not causing any major issues—until they become big, expensive, and even dangerous.
Here are some of the top warning signs that mean times up and you need to call a licensed electrician.

1. Flickering or Dimming Lights
If your lights flicker or dim when appliances turn on, it could mean your electrical system is overloaded or the wiring is faulty. It’s more than annoying—it could also lead to a fire.
2. Frequently Tripped Circuit Breakers
A tripped breaker now and then is normal. But if it’s happening often, it could point to a deeper issue like circuit overloads or faulty wiring that needs immediate attention.
3. A Burning Smell or Discoloured Power Points
A burnt smell coming from outlets, switches, or your fuse box is a major red flag. If you see brown marks or feel heat coming from outlets, shut off power and call an electrician immediately.
4. Buzzing Sounds From Switches or Power Points
Electricity should be silent so if its not get an urgent inspection! A buzzing or sizzling noise is a sign of loose or faulty wiring.
5. Outdated Switchboard
Old fuse boxes or outdated switchboards may not meet today’s safety standards. If your home hasn’t had an upgrade in 20+ years, it’s time to modernise.
6. Shock or Tingling When Touching Appliances
Feeling a slight shock when you touch an appliance is dangerous (and not pleasant). It could be caused by grounding issues, faulty wiring or unsafe installations.
7. Power Points Not Working
Dead outlets could mean a wiring fault behind the wall, or something more serious like a melted connection or electrical surge.
Don’t Risk It — Call a Pro
Noticed any of these signs? Don’t wait. Call us or fill in our form to book an inspection with our licensed electricians in Melbourne today.
At Automation By Design, we offer expert diagnostics, repairs, and upgrades to keep your home or business safe and compliant.
✅ Fully licensed & insured
✅ Fast response times across Melbourne
✅ Safety-focused and customer-first
