Most Common Reasons to Call an Emergency Electrician

When the lights flicker, the power goes out, or you smell something burning behind the wall, one question races through every homeowner’s mind: Is this bad enough to call an emergency electrician?

Spoiler alert—it usually is.

Electrical issues are not something to “wait and see.” They can quickly turn from a mild inconvenience to a serious safety hazard.

Whether it is a sparking outlet, a tripped breaker that refuses to reset, or a total power loss, knowing the common reasons to call an emergency electrician can help protect your family and your home.

At The Electricians, we have helped thousands of Colorado homeowners through every type of electrical emergency you can imagine. (Yes—even the mysterious “half-the-house-is-out” problem.)

Let’s look at the most common situations when you should pick up the phone and call us right away.

1. Power Outages That Are Not Utility-Related

When your neighborhood goes dark, that’s a job for the power company. But if your neighbors’ lights are still on and yours are not, the issue is likely inside your home.

This could mean:

• A faulty circuit breaker or main panel issue
• A damaged service mast (often caused by wind or ice)
• Loose or burned electrical connections
• A short circuit in a key area of your electrical system

If you are not sure whether it is a power company problem or a home issue, you can check your breaker panel or call your utility. If the issue is on your property, it is time to call an emergency electrician near Lakewood to prevent further damage or fire risk.

2. Burning Smells or Smoke From Outlets

This one is simple: if it smells like burning plastic, call an electrician immediately.

A burning odor, especially around outlets or switches, often indicates overheating wires, short circuits, or melting insulation. These are early warning signs of electrical fires.

Unplug everything from the outlet, switch off the breaker if possible, and leave the area until help arrives.

The good news? The Electricians in Lakewood handle electrical emergencies like these 24/7—and our response times are some of the fastest in Colorado.

3. Sparks or Smoke Coming From Your Electrical Panel

Your breaker box is like the brain of your home electrical system. So if you see sparks, hear buzzing, or notice a strange odor near it, it is not just concerning—it is dangerous.

A sparking or smoking panel could indicate:

• Loose wiring connections
• Corroded breakers
• An overloaded circuit
• A failing main breaker

This kind of electrician emergency can escalate fast. If you suspect a problem with your electrical panel, do not touch it, call an emergency electrician immediately.

4. Constantly Tripping Breakers

Occasional breaker trips are normal; they protect your circuits from overload. But if breakers trip repeatedly or will not reset, it is a sign something more serious is going on.

Possible causes include:

• Overloaded circuits from too many appliances
• Faulty wiring or short circuits
• A malfunctioning breaker that needs replacement

If you find yourself making multiple trips to the breaker box every day, that’s your home crying out for professional help. Our Lakewood team can identify whether it’s a wiring issue, a bad breaker, or an electrical system overload—and fix it safely.

5. Flickering or Dimming Lights

If your lights flicker every time you run the microwave or the A/C kicks on, your circuits may be overloaded or improperly balanced.

This can also signal loose wiring, a failing breaker, or issues with your electrical service panel.

While flickering lights might seem harmless, they can be the early stages of something much bigger, especially in older homes around Lakewood where electrical systems may not be designed for today’s high-power appliances.

6. Electric Shocks From Switches or Outlets

That “tiny zap” when you touch a light switch? It’s not normal and it’s not something to ignore.

Static electricity might be to blame occasionally, but repeated shocks usually mean faulty wiring or grounding issues.

If this happens, switch off power to that circuit and call an emergency electrician right away. Touching the wrong thing could result in a serious electric shock or worse.

7. Water and Electricity in the Same Place

If you experience flooding, leaking, or water dripping near outlets, fixtures, or your electrical panel, you are in a potentially life-threatening situation.

Water conducts electricity, which can cause severe short circuits or even electrocution.

If safe, turn off your main power and stay clear until a professional can inspect it. The Electricians’ emergency electrical services in Lakewood and Denver are equipped to safely assess water-related electrical hazards.

8. Exposed or Damaged Wiring

Whether from renovations, rodents, or old age, exposed wiring is a big red flag. Damaged insulation or frayed wires can arc, overheat, or cause electrical fires.

If you spot any exposed electrical components or notice a buzzing sound behind walls, turn off power to that area and call an electrician immediately. The repair might be simple, but delaying can be costly or dangerous.

9. Partial Power Loss in the Home

Sometimes, half your home will lose power while the other half stays lit. This often points to a faulty neutral connection or a problem with your main service line.

These are serious issues that can damage appliances and even cause fires. This is a textbook example of when to call an emergency electrician near Denver or Lakewood, the problem won’t fix itself.

10. Strange Buzzing, Humming, or Popping Sounds

Electricity should be silent. Any kind of buzzing, humming, or popping from outlets, light switches, or your breaker panel is an urgent warning sign.

It often means loose connections, arcing, or faulty wiring, all of which are dangerous and should be handled by professionals.

The sooner you call, the less damage (and expense) you’ll face later.

When to Call an Emergency Electrician

If you are ever unsure, here’s a quick test:

If it sparks, smokes, shocks, smells, or makes weird noises—call an emergency electrician.

When safety or comfort is on the line, it’s always better to be cautious. The Electricians’ certified team responds quickly anywhere in Lakewood, Denver, or the surrounding areas, day or night.

How Much Does an Emergency Electrician Cost Per Hour?

In Colorado, the cost for an emergency electrician typically ranges between $200 to $400 per hour, depending on the time of day, complexity, and response time.

While that might sound steep, keep in mind that addressing a problem early can save you thousands in electrical repairs and prevent fire hazards or damage to expensive home appliances.

FAQs
What constitutes an electrical emergency?

Anything that risks your safety or could damage your home, burning smells, smoke, sparks, exposed wiring, or loss of power, is considered an electrical emergency.

Can I fix small electrical problems myself?

DIY electrical work can be dangerous and often violates code. Always call a licensed electrician to ensure your repairs are safe and compliant.

Are emergency electricians available 24/7 in Lakewood?

Yes. The Electricians provide round-the-clock emergency electrical services throughout Lakewood, Denver, and surrounding Colorado communities.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Electricity is amazing, but it’s also unforgiving. If something feels off, sounds weird, or smells wrong, trust your instincts and call an emergency electrician.

At The Electricians, we’re known across Colorado for fast response times, honest pricing, and reliable service, whether it’s 3 PM or 3 AM.

From emergency repairs to full electrical system inspections, we’ve got your back.

Schedule a Free Estimate today and keep your home powered, safe, and worry-free.