When is the Right Time to Call an Emergency Electrician?

So, when is it the right time to call an emergency electrician in Katy? This brief article brought to you by Mr. Electric contains our two cents on the matter. If the stakes are high, then contact Mr. Electric for urgent electrical repair at any time of the day - or night.

Burning Smells or Smoke? That’s a Red Flag

If you notice a burning smell coming from an outlet, light fixture, or your breaker box, then stop what you’re doing. This is one of the clearest signs of an electrical emergency. The smell of burning plastic or wires is your home’s way of waving a red flag.

In some cases, the issue could be internal arcing or overheating. Both of these are dangerous and could spark an electrical fire. Don’t wait around to "see if it goes away." Shut off power to the area if it’s safe, and call a licensed electrician immediately.

You’ve Lost Power But the Neighbors Haven’t

A power outage can feel like an emergency, but it doesn’t always require emergency electrical repair. If the entire block is dark, then chances are your utility company is already aware and working on the issue.

However, if you’ve lost power and the houses around you are lit up like Times Square, then it’s time to dig deeper. The problem could stem from a blown main breaker, a damaged service panel, or a faulty connection at the meter. All of these urgently demand the expertise of a certified electrician.

Sparks, Shocks, or Buzzing Outlets

If your outlets spark when you plug something in, your breaker box buzzes like an angry wasp’s nest, or you’ve ever been zapped by an appliance or outlet, then call for help - and fast! Small shocks might seem harmless, but they can be a sign of deteriorating wiring, poor grounding, or overload.

When ignored, these issues can cause more serious damage to your electrical system - or your household, guests, employees, and customers. A professional electrician can diagnose and correct the issue before it becomes a larger hazard.

When Water and Electricity Meet

Whether it’s from a flood in your basement, a leaky roof near the breaker panel, or an appliance that’s been soaked, the runaway water should not contact any electrical wiring or components.

Moisture and water around outlets, fixtures, or electrical panels should always be treated as an emergency. Do not touch any affected areas, and avoid using electrical devices nearby. Call a licensed electrician to safely assess the situation and handle any necessary repairs.

The Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

We all know a tripped breaker now and then is part of owning a home or running a business, but constantly resetting the same circuit should not be a daily or even weekly chore. If you're flipping circuit breakers regularly, then you might have a more serious problem on your hands.

Repeated breaker trips can mean that the circuit is overloaded, short-circuiting, or experiencing a ground fault. These issues can overheat wires and create a fire risk. Don't force the breakers on. Call a certified electrician to investigate.

When It’s NOT an Emergency

Not every flickering light or non-working outlet needs an immediate fix. Sometimes, it’s okay to wait for standard scheduling if:

• A single outlet isn’t working, but others are fine.
• A bulb is flickering but securely in place.
• A light switch or dimmer acting quirky (but not hot or sparking).
• A breaker trips for the first time, and it resets fine.

In cases like these, schedule an appointment during regular hours. You’ll get peace of mind - and maybe save on emergency fees - while still getting professional electrical repair.

Homeowners and businesses in the area are always welcome to call or message Mr. Electric to speak with a courteous member of our team. We are ready when you are.