You should call an electrician at night when an electrical problem creates a risk of fire, shock or loss of power to something you cannot go without. Heat, sparking, burning smells and exposed wiring are common reasons not to wait.
If there is smoke or fire, call 911 first. Once everyone is safe, an electrician can help with the cause.
Problems That Usually Should Not Wait
Some problems can get worse in a few hours. An outlet, switch or panel that feels hot is one example. A burning or melting smell that you cannot explain is another.
Sparking outlets, buzzing or crackling from the panel and visible damage to wiring also deserve prompt attention. So does a breaker that trips again right after you reset it.
Water near outlets, fixtures or the panel can create a shock risk. If a basement floods or a ceiling leaks near lights, stay away from the water and get help.
Power Loss That Affects Health or Safety
Losing power at night can be more than an inconvenience. Medical equipment, heating in cold weather and sump pumps during heavy rain may all depend on electricity.
First, check whether neighbors also lost power. If they did, the outage is likely on the utility side, and you should report it to your utility. If only your home is affected, the problem may be inside your electrical system and may need an electrician.
If someone depends on powered medical equipment, have a backup plan and contact emergency services if their safety is at risk.
Problems That Can Usually Wait Until Morning
Many issues are inconvenient but stable. A single dead outlet, a light that will not turn on or a switch that feels loose can often be scheduled for a regular visit.
These problems become more urgent if they come with heat, smells, sparks or repeated breaker trips. If you are unsure, describing the problem to an electrician can help you decide.
What to Do While You Wait
If a specific circuit seems to be the problem, and it is safe to reach the panel, switch off its breaker. Unplug devices on that circuit if you can do so safely.
Keep children and pets away from the area. Do not touch damaged wires, and do not try to repair anything yourself.
Use flashlights instead of candles if the lights are out. Candles add a fire risk during an outage. Write down what you noticed and when it started, since those details can help an electrician find the cause.
For problems that cannot wait, our 24 hour emergency electrician service is available for urgent electrical issues in Denver. Contact us, explain what is happening and we can help you decide on the safest next step.