When to Call an Emergency Electrician: A Clear Guide

What Counts as an Electrical Emergency?

Not every electrical problem needs same-day attention. Here's how to judge whether you need emergency callout or can schedule normal service.

IMMEDIATE EMERGENCIES - Call Now

These situations require urgent professional attention:

1. Burning Smell from Electrics

Signs:

• Smell of burning plastic or rubber
• Visible smoke from sockets/switches
• Heat from electrical points

Action:

• Turn off main switch
• Call emergency electrician immediately
• Don't turn power back on

Why urgent: Fire risk is imminent.

2. Sparking or Arcing

Signs:

• Blue/white sparks from outlets
• Crackling sounds from consumer unit
• Visible arcing in fuse board

Action:

• Don't touch anything
• Turn off at main if safe
• Call emergency electrician

Why urgent: Can cause fire within minutes.

3. Electric Shock from Fixtures

Signs:

• Shock when touching light switches
• Tingling from appliances
• Shock from metal plumbing

Action:

• Avoid the item causing shock
• Turn off power to that circuit
• Call emergency electrician

Why urgent: Indicates dangerous earth fault.

4. Complete Power Loss (Not Area-Wide)

Signs:

• Your power is off but neighbours have power
• RCD won't stay on
• Main switch trips immediately

Action:

• Check if fuse board is damaged
• Unplug all appliances
• Call emergency electrician

Why urgent: May indicate serious fault.

5. Exposed Live Wires

Signs:

• Damaged cable exposing copper
• Wires pulled from sockets
• Damaged extension leads in use

Action:

• Don't touch
• Turn off circuit if known
• Keep everyone away
• Call emergency electrician

Why urgent: Direct shock and fire risk.

6. Water Contact with Electrics

Signs:

• Flooding reaching sockets
• Water leaking onto consumer unit
• Wet electrical equipment

Action:

• Turn off main switch if safe (not standing in water)
• Call emergency electrician
• Address water source if possible

Why urgent: Electrocution risk.

CAN WAIT - Schedule Regular Appointment

These issues should be addressed but aren't emergencies:

Non-Working Socket (Single)

If one socket stops working but others are fine, it's inconvenient but not dangerous.

What to do: Book routine appointment for investigation.

Light Not Working

Unless accompanied by burning smell or tripping, a non-working light can wait.

What to do: Check bulb first, then book routine visit.

Tripping That Resets Successfully

If your RCD trips occasionally but resets and stays on, investigate but not urgent.

What to do: Note when it happens, book routine EICR.

Minor Flickering

Occasional light flicker can be normal. Persistent flickering warrants investigation but isn't urgent.

What to do: Book routine appointment.

More Sockets Wanted

Additional sockets or switches are definitely not emergencies.

What to do: Request quote at your convenience.

Emergency Callout vs Regular Service

What to Tell the Electrician

When calling about a potential emergency:

• What happened - be specific
• What you see/smell - describe accurately
• Has power been turned off - confirm status
• Address and access - especially if after hours
• Is anyone injured - if so, call 999 first

Emergency Safety Steps

While waiting for electrician:

If Safe to Do So:

• Turn off main switch
• Unplug appliances from affected circuit
• Keep family/pets away from danger area
• Don't touch anything wet near electrics

If NOT Safe:

• Don't enter the area
• Keep everyone out
• Wait for professional

Emergency Electrician Costs

Expect to pay more for out-of-hours service:

Plus hourly rate and materials

Grant's Electrical Solutions Emergency Service

We provide 24/7 emergency cover across Devon:

• Fast response - typically within 2 hours
• Fully equipped vans - most repairs same visit
• CHAS approved - proper certification
• Transparent pricing - no surprise charges

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I attempt any repairs myself?

No. Electrical emergencies should only be handled by qualified electricians.

Can I turn off individual circuits?

Yes, if you know which MCB controls the problem area. Otherwise, use main switch.

What if I can't turn off the power?

Call 105 (power network emergency) or 999 if there's immediate danger.

Electrical emergency in Devon? Call Grant's Electrical Solutions on 01626 374 059 - 24/7 response.