Is it an electrical emergency, or can it wait until morning?
Quick answer
Call an emergency electrician now for a burning smell, sparks, scorch marks, water near electrics, a shock from a switch or appliance, a board that buzzes or feels hot, or a total loss of power you cannot reset. A single dead socket, one blown bulb or a light that flickers occasionally can usually wait for a daytime visit.
- 1
Call now: these will not wait
A burning, fishy or hot-plastic smell. Sparks, crackling or buzzing. Scorch marks on sockets, switches or the fuse board. Water leaking into lights or sockets. Anyone getting a shock or tingle from a tap, switch or appliance. No power at all that you cannot reset. Vulnerable people without heat, light or medical equipment.
For any of these, switch off at the main switch if it is safe and call us on 07703 295654.
- 2
Usually safe until morning
One socket or one light not working while the rest of the circuit is fine. A bulb that has blown. A light that flickers now and then with no smell or heat. A breaker that tripped once, reset and has held since.
Leave the affected item off and book a daytime visit. That costs less than an out-of-hours call-out, and we will tell you honestly if that is the better option.
- 3
Not sure? Send us a photo
Take a photo or a short video of the socket, fitting or board and send it on WhatsApp. An electrician will look at it and tell you whether it needs someone tonight.
Related questions
Is a flickering light an emergency?
Usually not, unless it comes with buzzing, a burning smell or heat at the switch or fitting. Frequent flicker on several lights can point to a loose connection, which is worth getting checked soon.
I got a small shock from a switch. What should I do?
Treat it as urgent. Stop using the switch, turn off the circuit or the main switch, and call us. If the person who got the shock feels unwell, has burns or collapsed, call 999.
Is it cheaper to wait for a daytime electrician?
Yes, out-of-hours call-outs cost more because of the time of day. If it is safe to wait, we will tell you, and our sister company Mister Electrics can book the daytime visit.