What to Do While Waiting for an Emergency Electrician

When the lights flicker, the outlets spark, or your circuit breaker trips so hard it sounds like it’s filing for divorce, you know you’ve got an electrical emergency. In moments like this, most homeowners quickly Google “emergency electrician near me” and hope help is on the way.

But here’s the thing: even the fastest 24 hour emergency electrician needs time to get to your home.

In that gap between calling and their arrival, you still have a critical role to play. What you do (or don’t do) can protect your family, reduce damage, and make the repair process smoother.

At The Electricians, Colorado’s go-to team for electrician emergency service, we’ve seen it all.

So here’s your practical, safe, and slightly humorous guide for handling that awkward waiting period.

1. First, Make the Call — Immediately

Electrical problems rarely fix themselves. In fact, they often get worse if left unchecked. If you notice:

• Sparks or smoke from an outlet
• A burning smell from your panel
• Lights dimming when you use appliances
• A buzzing circuit breaker
• Power loss in part of the home while neighbors still have electricity

…you need to call an emergency electrician.

When to call an emergency electrician?

If there’s a safety risk, such as faulty wiring, potential fire, electrical shock hazard, or critical power loss, do not wait until morning. In Colorado’s unpredictable weather, even a short outage can cause bigger problems, especially in winter when heating systems are on the line.

2. Prioritize Safety Over Everything Else

Your first job isn’t to fix the problem, that’s why you’ve got a pro coming. Your job is to make sure you and your home stay safe until they arrive.

Steps to take right away:

• Turn off the power at the breaker if it’s safe to do so. If the panel is sparking or hot to the touch, skip this step and wait for the electrician.
• Avoid water near outlets or cords. If flooding is involved, do not touch anything electrical.
• Unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from surges.
• Keep kids and pets away from the affected area.

Think of it like waiting for a tow truck after a breakdown, you wouldn’t stand in traffic. Same principle here.

3. Document the Problem

If it’s safe, take photos or videos of the issue. This can:

• Help your electrician diagnose faster
• Provide evidence for insurance claims
• Help you remember details when explaining what happened

Plus, there’s something oddly satisfying about having “before” and “after” shots once everything’s working again.

4. Stay Calm and Don’t Play Hero

It’s tempting to “just check” inside that outlet or jiggle a breaker to see if it works now. Resist the urge.

Electrical systems don’t give second chances, and DIY attempts during emergencies can make things far worse, and far more expensive to fix.

At The Electricians, we’ve been called in after well-intentioned homeowners tried their own fixes. Let’s just say: sometimes the emergency becomes twice the emergency.

5. Know How Long an Emergency Electrician Call Out Takes

“How long does an emergency electrician call out take?” depends on:

• Time of day (yes, even at 2 AM, we answer)
• Your location in Colorado
• Road and weather conditions
• Current service call volume

At The Electricians, we aim to arrive as quickly as humanly (and safely) possible, usually within an hour or two for urgent situations.

6. Estimate the Cost Before They Arrive

We get it, one of the first thoughts homeowners have is, “How much is an emergency electrician?”

While rates vary, you can generally expect:

• Standard emergency call-outs in Colorado: $200–$300+ for after-hours visits
• Additional charges for complex repairs, parts replacement, or resolving serious electrical issues
• Higher rates during holidays or overnight hours

The Electricians are transparent with pricing, so you’ll know what to expect before we start work.

7. Prep the Area for the Electrician

When every minute counts, having a clear workspace helps:

• Move furniture or clutter away from the panel or affected outlets
• Make sure there’s adequate lighting (flashlights, not candles)
• Unlock gates or doors for easy access

This small step can speed up repairs and reduce overall downtime.

8. Have Your Questions Ready

When the electrician arrives, you’ll want to cover:

• What caused the problem?
• Is it fully resolved now?
• How can I prevent it in the future?
• Do I need follow-up work or an upgrade?

We encourage homeowners to ask away, knowledge is part of the service.

FAQ: Emergency Electrician in Colorado

Do I need an emergency electrician for a partial power outage?

If only part of your home has power, and the breaker reset doesn’t fix it, yes — especially if there’s a burning smell, faulty wiring, or unusual sounds.

What’s the difference between a regular electrician and an emergency electrician?

An emergency electrician is available 24/7 and trained to respond quickly to urgent, potentially dangerous situations.

Can I wait until morning for non-urgent issues?

If there’s no immediate safety hazard and you can live without that circuit for the night, you may be able to wait. But when in doubt, call.

What’s included in an emergency electrician service?

Assessment, immediate repairs or safe temporary fixes, and recommendations for permanent solutions.

Why The Electricians Are Colorado’s Go-To Emergency Pros

We’re not just any 24 hour emergency electrician, we’re a Colorado-based team with decades of experience, fast response times, and a commitment to keeping our neighbors safe.

When you call The Electricians, you get:

• Rapid arrival times across the Denver metro and beyond
• Licensed, insured, and highly trained electricians
• Upfront pricing with no surprise fees
• Work that meets or exceeds National Electric Code standards

The Bottom Line

While waiting for your emergency electrician near me, your focus should be on staying safe, preventing further damage, and preparing for a quick repair once help arrives.

And in Colorado, your safest bet is to call The Electricians, we’re always ready, day or night.

If you have an electrical emergency right now, call us immediately at 720-633-5937. Your safety comes first.