Electrical emergencies don’t wait for a convenient time to strike. Whether it’s power loss, sparking outlets, or an electrical fire hazard, these situations require immediate attention from a licensed professional. Ignoring electrical problems can put your home, business, and safety at risk, leading to costly damage or even life-threatening situations.
At Doc Watts Electric, we specialize in 24/7 emergency electrical services either for your business or home in Orlando, ensuring your electrical issues are handled quickly, safely, and efficiently.
In this article, we’ll break down the top five reasons you need an Orlando emergency electrician right now—and what to do when disaster strikes.
1. Sudden Power Outage in Your Home or Business
A sudden and unexplained power outage in your home or business could be a sign of a serious electrical fault. While power outages can sometimes be due to utility provider issues, they may also be caused by:
- Blown fuses or tripped breakers
- Overloaded circuits
- Faulty electrical panels
- Damaged wiring or electrical shorts
- Weather-related electrical damage
What You Should Do
First, check if your neighbors are also experiencing a power outage. If it’s only your home or business, reset your breaker panel. If the power doesn’t return—or your breaker trips again—call an Orlando emergency electrician immediately.
Lost power? Get immediate assistance! Call Doc Watts Electric now for emergency service.
2. Sparks, Smoke, or Burning Smells from Outlets or Electrical Panels
If you see sparks, smell burning, or notice smoke coming from an outlet, switch, or breaker panel, this is a major warning sign of an electrical fire hazard. Overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, or aging electrical systems can lead to overheating and fire risks.
Signs of Electrical Fire Hazards
- Scorch marks on outlets or light switches
- Constantly buzzing or sizzling sounds from electrical panels
- Outlets feel warm or hot to the touch
- A lingering burning plastic smell
What You Should Do
Turn off the main breaker to cut power to your home or business, then call Doc Watts Electric immediately. If you see flames or excessive smoke, call 911 first before contacting an electrician.
Burning smell or sparks from your outlets? Call an emergency electrician now before it turns into a fire! And you will know why Doc Watts Electric is the go to electrician in Orlando
3. Frequent Tripping Circuit Breakers or Electrical Panel Issues
Circuit breakers are designed to trip as a safety measure when there is an overload or electrical short. However, if your breaker keeps tripping repeatedly, this could indicate:
- A faulty circuit breaker
- Overloaded wiring from high-power appliances
- A short circuit or ground fault
- An outdated electrical panel unable to handle modern energy demands
What You Should Do
If a breaker trips occasionally, reset it and monitor if the issue persists. However, if it keeps tripping repeatedly or you notice burning smells from the breaker panel, it’s time to call a licensed Orlando emergency electrician.
Experiencing frequent breaker trips? Contact Doc Watts Electric to inspect and repair your electrical panel today.
4. Exposed, Damaged, or Chewed Electrical Wiring
Damaged wiring is extremely dangerous as it can cause electric shocks, fires, and power failures. Exposed wires can result from wear and tear, rodent damage, or recent construction work. If you notice frayed, cut, or exposed electrical wires in your home or business, you should treat it as an emergency.
Signs of Damaged or Unsafe Wiring
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Buzzing or sizzling sounds from walls or outlets
- Rodent activity near wiring or insulation
- Appliances short-circuiting frequently
What You Should Do
Never attempt to handle exposed or damaged wires yourself. Turn off the circuit breaker controlling the affected area and call a licensed emergency electrician immediately.
Damaged or exposed wiring is a serious safety risk! Call Doc Watts Electric now for emergency repairs.
5. Electrical Shock When Plugging in Appliances or Touching Outlets
Experiencing a shock when plugging in appliances or touching metal fixtures near outlets is a clear sign of grounding or wiring issues. This can happen due to:
- Faulty grounding
- Incorrectly wired outlets
- Exposed live wires
- Water damage near electrical systems
What You Should Do
If you or someone in your household experiences an electrical shock, avoid touching any metal appliances, outlets, or switches until an electrician has inspected your system.
Electrical shocks can be life-threatening! Call Doc Watts Electric for immediate assistance.
How to Prevent Electrical Emergencies
While some electrical issues occur unexpectedly, you can take steps to reduce your risk of emergencies.
1. Schedule Regular Electrical Inspections
Having an electrician inspect your wiring, panel, and outlets every 3-5 years can help catch small problems before they become major hazards.
2. Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
Older homes may have electrical panels that can’t handle modern energy demands, increasing the risk of overloads and failures. Upgrading to a higher-capacity electrical panel ensures safe and efficient power distribution.
3. Avoid DIY Electrical Repairs
Electrical systems are complex and dangerous if handled incorrectly. Attempting DIY repairs can lead to code violations, electrocution, or fire hazards. Always call a licensed electrician for any electrical work.
4. Install Surge Protection
Power surges from storms or utility fluctuations can damage appliances and wiring. Installing whole-home surge protection helps safeguard your electrical system.
Want to prevent electrical emergencies? Schedule an inspection with Doc Watts Electric today!
Why Choose Doc Watts Electric as Your Orlando Emergency Electrician?
When dealing with electrical emergencies, you need a fast, reliable, and experienced electrician who can quickly diagnose and resolve the issue. At Doc Watts Electric, we offer:
✔ 24/7 emergency service – available day or night
✔ Licensed and insured electricians for residential and commercial properties
✔ Fast response times to minimize downtime and safety risks
✔ Affordable, upfront pricing with no hidden fees
✔ Trusted by homeowners and businesses across Orlando
Need an emergency electrician now? Call Doc Watts Electric for immediate service.
Get Emergency Electrical Help in Orlando Today!
Electrical emergencies require immediate attention to protect your home, business, and loved ones. If you’re experiencing power outages, sparks, electrical shocks, or burning smells, don’t wait.
Contact Doc Watts Electric for fast emergency electrical repairs in Orlando.
Don’t risk your safety—get help now!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Orlando Emergency Electrician
How much does emergency electrical service cost?
The cost of emergency electrical service varies depending on the time of day, complexity of the issue, and the electrician’s location. In Orlando, the average cost ranges from $100 to $300 for an emergency service call, with additional charges for repairs or parts. After-hours, weekend, and holiday rates may be higher.
What qualifies as an electrical emergency?
An electrical emergency is any situation that poses an immediate risk of fire, electrocution, or significant property damage. Common electrical emergencies include:
- Power outages affecting only your home or business
- Burning smells from outlets or electrical panels
- Sparking or smoking outlets
- Exposed or damaged wiring
- Frequent circuit breaker trips
- Electrical shocks when touching appliances or outlets
If you experience any of these issues, call an Orlando emergency electrician immediately.
When should you call an emergency electrician?
Call an emergency electrician if you experience:
- Sudden power loss not related to a utility outage
- Burning smells or smoke coming from electrical fixtures
- Exposed, frayed, or damaged wiring
- Frequent electrical surges or circuit breaker trips
- A buzzing or sizzling sound coming from outlets or panels
- Electrical shocks when using appliances
If you’re unsure whether your situation is an emergency, call an electrician for guidance.
How much is a call out for an electrician?
A standard call-out fee for an electrician in Orlando ranges from $75 to $150 during business hours. Emergency call-outs, especially at night or on weekends, can range from $100 to $300, with additional charges for labor and parts.
Is a short circuit an emergency?
Yes, a short circuit can be an electrical emergency, as it can cause fires, shocks, or damage to appliances. If a short circuit occurs, turn off power to the affected area immediately and call an emergency electrician to inspect and repair the issue.
What should you do before calling an electrician?
Before calling an electrician, take these steps to ensure safety and streamline the repair process:
- Turn off power to the affected area if it’s safe to do so.
- Check your circuit breaker panel to see if a tripped breaker caused the issue.
- Unplug appliances or devices that might be overloading the circuit.
- Observe and note any unusual signs like sparks, smoke, or burning smells.
- Gather details about the problem so you can explain it clearly to the electrician.
How much does it cost to call an electrician?
The cost of calling an electrician depends on the service required. In Orlando, rates typically include:
- Service Call Fee: $75 – $150 for regular hours, $100 – $300 for emergencies
- Hourly Rate: $50 – $150 per hour, depending on the job’s complexity
- Parts & Repairs: Additional charges apply based on the type of repair needed
Do electricians come at night?
Yes, many emergency electricians offer 24/7 service, including nights, weekends, and holidays. However, after-hours service often comes with a higher call-out fee. If your situation is an emergency, calling a licensed Orlando emergency electrician immediately is the safest option.
What is considered a power emergency?
A power emergency is any electrical issue that:
- Creates a fire or shock hazard (e.g., sparking, smoking outlets, exposed wires)
- Causes a sudden loss of power to your home or business
- Compromises the electrical system’s safety (e.g., faulty breakers, burning smells)
If you experience any of these, contact an emergency electrician right away.
When should you call an emergency contact at work for an electrical issue?
Call an emergency contact at work for an electrical issue when:
- There is a fire risk due to electrical sparks, smoke, or burning smells.
- A power outage affects critical business operations.
- There is exposed or damaged wiring that poses a safety hazard.
- Employees are at risk of electrical shocks or injury.
It’s crucial to have a clear emergency response plan in place at work for electrical incidents.
Should I contact an electrician for any electrical problem?
If you are experiencing any electrical issue beyond a simple tripped breaker, it’s best to contact a licensed electrician. Even minor electrical problems can worsen over time and become hazardous. Never attempt DIY electrical work, as it can be dangerous and may violate local building codes.
What are the emergency procedures following an electrical incident?
If an electrical incident occurs, follow these emergency procedures:
- Turn off the power immediately at the breaker panel if it’s safe to do so.
- Evacuate the area if you smell burning or see smoke.
- Call 911 if there is a fire or risk of injury.
- Avoid touching electrical equipment until a professional arrives.
- Contact an emergency electrician to assess and repair the issue.
Do electricians do free quotes?
Many electricians offer free quotes for non-emergency services such as electrical installations, upgrades, or inspections. However, emergency call-outs typically come with a service fee due to the urgent nature of the work. Always ask about pricing before scheduling an appointment.