Signs You Need an Emergency Electrician (And When You Can Wait)

When the lights flicker or a breaker trips, it’s easy to wonder: Is this just a minor issue, or something dangerous? Knowing the difference between a simple fix and a true electrical emergency can help you protect your home and your safety. At Mac-Vik Plumbing, Heating, Electrical, and Air Conditioning, we provide 24/7 emergency electrician services in Denver and beyond. Our licensed electricians are trained to quickly diagnose and repair urgent issues while keeping your family safe. In this post, we’ll break down when it’s time to call right away and when it’s okay to wait for regular hours.

When to Call an Emergency Electrician Immediately

Some electrical problems aren’t just inconvenient — they’re dangerous. If you experience any of the following, don’t wait. Shut off power (if safe to do so) and call a professional emergency electrician right away.

Burning Smell or Smoke

If you notice the smell of burning plastic, see smoke from an outlet, or hear crackling sounds, you may have a wire shorting out or overheating. This can lead to an electrical fire and should be handled immediately.

Power Outage (But Only in Your Home)

If your neighbors still have power and your home doesn’t, it may be more than just a flipped breaker. Faulty wiring, a blown fuse, or a failing panel could be the cause.

Sparking Outlets or Panels

A small zap when plugging in a device can sometimes happen, but if you see visible sparks from an outlet or electrical panel, it’s time to shut down and call an expert.

Repeated Breaker Trips

Tripping breakers aren’t just annoying; they can be a sign of an overloaded circuit or faulty wiring. If a breaker trips repeatedly, especially after resetting, you may have a bigger issue behind the walls.

Shock or Tingling Sensation

If you or anyone in your household experiences a tingling shock when touching an appliance or switch, it’s time to call an emergency electrician. This can be a sign of faulty grounding, which puts people at risk.

When It’s Okay to Wait for a Scheduled Service

Some issues are still important but don’t necessarily require immediate emergency service:

These can be handled during regular hours by a licensed electrician. You’ll still want to book quickly, but they don’t pose an immediate danger.

Check out our full range of electrical services or schedule an inspection today.

What to Expect from Mac-Vik’s Emergency Electricians

When you call Mac-Vik for an electrical emergency, we respond fast, day or night. Our team arrives equipped to safely assess the situation, make immediate repairs, and ensure your electrical system is safe and code-compliant.

We serve Denver, Lakewood, Arvada, and surrounding areas with professionalism, transparency, and care. As a trusted, full-service company, we’re ready to help—whether it’s a sudden outage or something doesn’t feel right.