When to Call an Emergency Electrician: Signs and Safety Tips

Electricity is a silent force—always there, often unnoticed, until something goes wrong. When it does, the stakes are high. Flickering lights, the sharp scent of burning plastic, or a sudden blackout can leave you rattled and worried for your safety. LintPro Electric understands that urgent electrical problems don’t keep office hours. Your safety is our priority, day or night.

Knowing when to call an emergency electrician can make the difference between a close call and a catastrophe. This guide will help you spot the warning signs, take action, and stay safe until help arrives.

What Is an Electrical Emergency? ⚡

Think of your home’s electrical system like the nervous system of your body—when something’s off, the signals can be subtle or intense. An electrical emergency is any situation where immediate action is needed to prevent injury, fire, property damage, or loss of power that impacts safety.

Common emergencies include:

• Sparks, smoke, or visible fire near outlets or wiring
• The strong smell of burning plastic or wires
• Power outages that affect part or all of your home/business, especially during severe weather
• Flooding or water exposure near electrical panels, outlets, or appliances
• Shocking or tingling sensations when touching appliances or switches

If you notice any of these, it’s time to act fast.

Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore

Not every electrical problem screams for attention. Some whisper. Here’s what to watch for:

• Flickering or dimming lights, especially if it happens often
• Outlets or switches that feel warm or hot
• Circuit breakers that trip repeatedly without clear cause
• Buzzing, crackling, or popping sounds from outlets or walls
• Sudden loss of power in specific rooms or zones

Small issues can grow into big disasters—don’t wait for the smell of smoke.

Quick Safety Checklist: What to Do Immediately

Your safety comes first. If you suspect an electrical emergency:

1. Turn off power at the main breaker if it’s safe to do so—never if you have to stand in water or if the panel is hot.
2. Evacuate the area if you smell burning, see smoke, or suspect a fire. Call 911 first if there’s an active fire.
3. Keep children and pets away from the affected area.
4. Call a licensed electrician like LintPro Electric immediately for emergency service.

Stay calm and follow these steps—your quick action can prevent injuries and damage.

When NOT to Touch Anything

Certain situations require you to keep your hands off everything:

• If water is present near electrical outlets or panels
• If you see exposed wires or sparks
• If you hear buzzing behind the walls

Electricity is invisible but lethal. If in doubt, wait outside for help.

DIY vs. Calling an Electrician: Where to Draw the Line

Changing a lightbulb? Go ahead. Resetting a tripped breaker? Sure, if you know why it tripped. But if breakers keep tripping, or you spot burnt marks on outlets, it’s time for a professional.

Trying to fix wiring or troubleshoot major outages yourself can be as risky as walking a tightrope over a canyon—one misstep can be serious.

What Emergency Electricians Do on Arrival

When our team arrives, the first step is making the scene safe. We’ll:

• Assess and isolate the problem area
• Test circuits and panels
• Repair or secure any hazardous wiring
• Restore power safely, if possible

We bring specialized tools for fault finding and repairs, following NEC (National Electrical Code) safety standards.

What to Tell Your Electrician: A Handy Checklist

Help us help you by sharing:

• What happened before the problem (e.g., storm, new appliance, weird noises)
• Any smells, smoke, or visible damage
• Which rooms are affected
• If you attempted any DIY fixes
• If water or flooding is present

Clear details help us arrive prepared to solve the issue quickly.

How to Keep Family and Property Safe While Waiting

• Keep everyone out of rooms with electrical hazards
• Avoid using water (sinks, baths) if electrical systems may be compromised
• Unplug sensitive electronics (if safe)
• If you must evacuate, close doors to contain smoke or fire

Stay outside until a professional gives the all-clear.

Common Mistakes That Make Things Worse

• Pouring water on an electrical fire (use a fire extinguisher rated for electrical fires)
• Removing burnt or damaged outlets yourself
• Ignoring repeated breaker trips or flickering lights

Unplugging and leaving things alone is often the safest move.

Electrical Emergencies: When Is It Time to Call?

You should call LintPro Electric for:

• Any sign of fire, smoke, or burning smell
• Shocks, tingling, or buzzing from outlets or appliances
• Power outages with no obvious outside cause
• Storm or flood damage near wiring
• Sudden loss of power to critical systems (fridges, medical equipment, security)

Remember: When it feels urgent, it probably is.

24-Hour Help: Around the Clock Service

Electrical problems don’t wait for business hours. That’s why LintPro Electric offers 24 Hour Service every day of the year. Our licensed and insured electricians are always on standby.

How Emergency Calls Work: Timeline and What to Expect

• You call us—day or night.
• We ask a few quick questions to assess the danger.
• Our team arrives as fast as possible, ready to secure the scene and make repairs.
• Most emergencies are stabilized within a few hours, but some repairs may need follow-up visits.

We work efficiently to minimize downtime and keep your property safe.

The Cost Factor: What Goes Into Emergency Electrical Service

Emergency calls may cost more than routine calls due to after-hours response and the urgency of repairs. Factors include:

• Time of day/night
• Severity of the issue
• Parts and equipment needed

We always explain costs up front—no surprises.

Prevention and Maintenance: Staying Ahead of Emergencies

Routine inspections, surge protection, and scheduled maintenance go a long way. Consider regular electrical safety inspections and upgrades to your system, especially if your property is older or you’ve added new appliances.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends checking smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at least once a month.

Electrical Emergencies by the Seasons

• Storm season: Watch for downed lines and flooding
• Winter: Overloaded circuits from heaters or holiday lights
• Summer: Pool and spa wiring risks, air conditioner overloads

Stay alert to seasonal hazards and call an electrician if in doubt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use my generator during an outage?
A: Only if it’s properly installed with a transfer switch. Improper use can backfeed electricity and harm utility workers.

Q: Is it safe to reset a tripped breaker more than once?
A: If a breaker trips repeatedly, it’s a sign of a deeper problem. Call an electrician.

Q: What should I do if my basement floods near wiring?
A: Stay out of the water and call for emergency help. Water and electricity are a deadly mix.

Where to Find a Reliable Electrician Near You

If you need Fault Finding, or any other urgent electrical help, LintPro Electric is always ready to respond. Our electricians are trained, insured, and background-checked for your peace of mind.

Final Thoughts: Your Safety Is the Priority

Electrical emergencies are stressful—but you don’t have to face them alone. Fast action, a clear head, and an experienced electrician are your best protection. Don’t take chances with your safety or property.

Call LintPro Electric now — or reach us anytime at  844-484-8656 .