Top Causes of Emergency Electrical Calls (and How to Prevent Them)

When your lights flicker, breakers trip, or outlets start to smell like burning plastic, it is never at a convenient time.

In Colorado, where storms, old wiring, and power surges can create electrical chaos, emergency calls to electricians spike every season.

At The Electricians, we have seen it all — from sparking outlets in century-old Denver homes to overloaded panels in modern Highlands Ranch builds.

The good news? Most electrical emergencies are preventable once you understand what causes them and how to stop them before they start.

So, let’s plug into the most common causes of electrical emergencies, how to prevent them, and when it is time to pick up the phone for a 24/7 electrical emergency call out.

What Counts as an Electrical Emergency?

An electrical emergency is any situation that poses a risk of fire, electric shock, or loss of power to critical systems in your home. If something smells burnt, sparks are visible, or a circuit keeps tripping for no clear reason, that is a red flag.

Common electrical emergencies include:

• Burning smells from outlets or walls
• Smoke or sparks from electrical devices
• Frequent breaker trips or flickering lights
• Loss of power to major appliances
• Buzzing or humming electrical panels
• Wet or flooded electrical components

If you notice any of these warning signs, it is time to call The Electricians for an electrical emergency call out anywhere in the Denver metro area.

Top Causes of Electrical Emergencies

1. Overloaded Circuits

One of the most frequent causes of electrical emergencies in homes is overloaded circuits. Plugging too many devices into the same outlet or running high-power appliances like space heaters, microwaves, and hairdryers on a single circuit can overheat wiring and trip breakers.

How to prevent it:

Spread out appliance use across multiple outlets, and make sure large appliances like refrigerators and washing machines are on dedicated circuits. During an electrical inspection, The Electricians can verify that your load is balanced safely.

2. Faulty Wiring or Aging Electrical Panels

Many Colorado homes still run on outdated wiring or older panels that were never designed for today’s energy demand. Systems like Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels are notorious for failing to trip breakers, which can lead to overheating and fires.

How to prevent it:

If your home was built before 1980 or has never had a panel upgrade, it is time to schedule a panel inspection. Replacing old panels (like federal pacific) and upgrading wiring can prevent serious electrical hazards before they start.

3. Water and Electricity Do Not Mix

Colorado weather can change fast — from dry heat to heavy snow and rain. Water leaks or flooding near outlets, basements, or outdoor electrical systems are major causes of electrical emergencies. Moisture can short out circuits, corrode wiring, and create shock risks.

How to prevent it:

Seal all outdoor outlets with waterproof covers, keep cords off damp floors, and install GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor areas. If your power goes out after a storm, do not enter flooded areas until a licensed electrician has inspected it.

4. DIY Electrical Work Gone Wrong

YouTube tutorials make wiring look simple — until someone crosses a hot wire and a neutral. Unpermitted or poorly executed electrical work is a leading cause of short circuits, shocks, and emergency repairs.

How to prevent it:

Skip the DIY and call a licensed electrician. The Electricians are trained to handle every job safely and in compliance with the National Electric Code (NEC). That keeps your home and insurance coverage safe.

5. Rodent Damage

Squirrels, mice, and other critters love chewing through electrical insulation, especially in attics and crawl spaces. Frayed wires create hidden shock and fire hazards that can lead to emergency electrical call outs when circuits short unexpectedly.

How to prevent it:

Schedule annual electrical inspections, seal entry points, and replace damaged wiring immediately. We can also install conduit or protective sheathing to prevent further damage.

6. Power Surges and Lightning Strikes

Colorado ranks among the top U.S. states for lightning strikes. Sudden surges can fry appliances, damage breakers, or even melt wiring inside your walls.

How to prevent it:

Use surge protectors on major appliances and install a whole-home surge protection system to safeguard your electrical system during storms. The Electricians can recommend a surge solution that fits your home’s needs.

7. Outdated or Damaged Outlets

Loose outlets, cracked cover plates, and burnt plugs are small issues that can turn into big emergencies. Damaged outlets can arc — when electricity jumps between connections — leading to potential fires.

How to prevent it:

Replace damaged outlets immediately. Consider upgrading to tamper-resistant or USB outlets for safety and convenience.

When to Call a Professional

Wondering who to call for an electrical emergency?

If you live anywhere in the Denver metro area, call The Electricians. We are licensed, insured, and available for 24/7 electrical emergency call outs. Whether it is a midnight outage or a weekend breaker failure, our team responds quickly with the tools, training, and expertise to restore safety to your home.

If you are ever unsure whether something qualifies as an emergency, here is a quick rule:

When in doubt, turn it off and call The Electricians.

FAQs About Electrical Emergencies

Who should I call for an electrical emergency in Colorado?

Contact The Electricians, your local certified professionals. We offer fast 24/7 emergency call outs across the Denver metro area.

What is the most common cause of electrical emergencies?

Overloaded circuits and outdated panels are top culprits, especially in older homes.

Can I fix an electrical issue myself?

Unless you are a licensed electrician, it is best not to. Even simple wiring mistakes can cause shorts, shocks, or fires.

How can I prevent electrical emergencies in the future?

Schedule an annual home electrical inspection, upgrade outdated systems, and never ignore signs like buzzing outlets or tripping breakers.

Stay Safe with The Electricians

Electrical emergencies can be scary — but they do not have to be frequent. With the right maintenance, upgrades, and professional help, you can prevent most of them entirely.

If you suspect a problem or need fast help, schedule a free estimate or 24/7 emergency call out today.

The Electricians — Colorado’s trusted experts for safe, reliable electrical service.