Emergency electrician: safety steps, costs and checks

Electrical faults can be dangerous, so safety comes first. Follow the steps below, then find a registered electrician. You can send us your job and we will pass it to up to five local electricians.

What to do right now

Do not take risks with electricity, because it can kill. If anyone is hurt or a fire has started, call 999 and leave the building before you do anything else.

Fuse board keeps tripping

Switch off everything on the tripping circuit, then reset the board. If it trips again, a faulty appliance or a wiring fault is the likely cause, since a healthy circuit stays on. Unplug appliances one at a time to find the culprit, but stop if you smell burning.

Burning smell, smoke or sparks

While it is safe to reach, switch off the power at the main switch. Then leave the room and call 999 if you see smoke or flames. Never touch a socket that is hot, scorched or sparking.

Power cut to your home only

Check whether your neighbours have power, because a local cut is not a fault in your home. If they do not, call 105 to report a power cut to your network operator. If only your home is dark, check the fuse board for a tripped switch before you call anyone.

Water near electrics

Keep clear and switch off at the mains only if you can reach it without stepping in water. Do not touch wet appliances or sockets.

What does an electrician cost?

Price guides from Checkatrade and HaMuch put electricians at about £40 to £70 an hour for normal domestic work. Emergency and out-of-hours rates are often higher, with one guide suggesting £80 to £150 an hour. London and the South East usually cost more.

Many electricians charge a minimum fee, often for the first hour. These are guides, not quotes, so ask for the total before the electrician starts. Our electrician cost guide has more detail.

How to choose an electrician

Look for membership of a competent person scheme such as NICEIC or NAPIT, and check the scheme’s own website, because a logo proves nothing. Ask for ID and proof of insurance. A registered electrician should give you a certificate for notifiable work, and you should keep it. We do not vet or guarantee the electricians who respond, so the checks are yours to make.

Our guide to finding a tradesman you can trust lists every check. You can also read about electricians near you.

Frequently asked questions

How much does an emergency electrician cost?

Guides we checked suggest about £80 to £150 an hour out of hours, often with a minimum fee, although prices vary. Ask for the total price before work starts.

My fuse box keeps tripping. Is it an emergency?

It is urgent but not always an emergency, although some signs mean danger. If you smell burning or see scorch marks, treat it as an emergency. Otherwise, switch off the faulty circuit and book an electrician soon.

What should I do in an electrical emergency?

Make yourself safe first. Switch off at the mains if you can do so safely, leave the area, and call 999 if there is fire or injury.

Do I need a registered electrician?

For anything beyond a simple swap, yes. In England, new circuits and consumer units are notifiable under Building Regulations.