Never use water on an electrical fire. Use a Class C-rated extinguisher only if it's safe, otherwise get out.
Common home electrical emergencies
Smoke or fire from electrical equipment
Get everyone out and call 911.
Sparking or smoking outlets and switches
Turn off the breaker if safe and call an electrician.
Hot or buzzing panel
Reduce load, keep clear and call.
Water on electrical equipment
Stay out of standing water near outlets or cords; call for help.
Electrical shock injuries
Call 911 for injuries; don't touch the person until power is off.
Downed or damaged service lines
Stay back and call your utility.
What to tell the electrician
When you call, these details help get the right help quickly.
- What you see, smell or hear
- Which rooms or circuits are affected
- What you've already turned off
- Whether there's water involved
- Whether anyone was shocked
Signs this is an emergency
- Smoke or flames
- Persistent burning smell
- Sparks or arcing
- Shocks from fixtures or water
- Hot panel or meter
When should you call an electrician?
After emergency services handle fire or injuries, call an electrician to make the home safe and repair the cause. For urgent electrical problems without fire, call an electrician right away and keep the affected area clear.
Services that fix this problem
Emergency Electrician
Urgent help for burning smells, sparking, hot panels, water-exposed wiring and sudden loss of power at home.
Electrical Repair
Diagnosis and repair of dead circuits, failing outlets and switches, tripping breakers and other everyday electrical faults in your home.
Electrical Panel Services
Repairs, inspections and maintenance for breaker panels — loose connections, damaged breakers, labeling and capacity checks.
Electrical Troubleshooting
Systematic testing to find the cause of intermittent power loss, tripping, flickering and other electrical faults that aren't obvious.
Related electrical problems
Frequently asked questions
Call 911 for fire, smoke, injuries or downed lines. For urgent problems inside your home without those dangers, call an electrician.
If it's safe to reach — dry area, no smoke at the panel — turning off the affected circuit or main can help. Never touch a panel in water.
If neighbors are out too, report it to the utility. If only your home is out or you see damage, call an electrician.