A burning smell from a socket, sparks from a switch or a circuit that keeps tripping are not problems to leave until Monday. An emergency electrician in the UK typically charges £80 to £150 per hour for out-of-hours work, often with a minimum call-out fee of £100 to £200, so knowing when to call an emergency electrician – and when a problem can safely wait – can save you money as well as keep your home safe.
This guide helps you judge how urgent an electrical fault really is, what to do in the first few minutes, what emergency call-out charges usually look like and how to avoid being overcharged when you need help fast.
Is it really an emergency?
Power cut? Check this first
If the whole street is dark, the problem is with the network, not your wiring. Call 105, the free national power cut number, to reach your local network operator. They fix faults on the supply up to your meter at no cost to you, so there is no need to pay an electrician.
If only your home has lost power, look at the consumer unit. A tripped switch is often caused by a faulty appliance. Unplug everything on that circuit, reset the switch and plug items back in one at a time to find the culprit.
What to do while you wait
- If there is smoke or fire, leave the property and call 999. Never use water on an electrical fire.
- If it is safe to do so, switch off the main switch on your consumer unit.
- Keep children and pets away from the affected area.
- Do not touch damaged sockets, cables or anything wet.
- Take photos of the fault and note when it started – this helps the electrician diagnose it quickly.
The most common causes of electrical emergencies
Kettles, washing machines and old heaters are frequent culprits behind sudden tripping.
Extension leads plugged into extension leads can overheat and melt sockets.
Leaks from bathrooms or roofs reaching light fittings and cables.
Ageing terminals inside sockets and switches that heat up over time.
Nails or screws driven through hidden wiring during DIY projects.
Deteriorating insulation in properties that have never been rewired.
Emergency electrician prices
| Charge | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Out-of-hours hourly rate | £80–£150 |
| Minimum call-out (first hour) | £100–£200 |
| Bank holiday or overnight | Up to double the standard rate |
| Fault finding and temporary make-safe | Often included in the first hour |
Parts are charged on top. A common approach is a make-safe visit at night, with the permanent repair booked at normal rates the next day – ask if this option is available, as it can halve the cost.
Avoiding rogue emergency call-outs
People in a hurry are an easy target. Before you agree to anything over the phone, ask three questions: What is the call-out fee? What is the hourly rate after the first hour? Which competent person scheme are you registered with? A genuine electrician will answer clearly. Be cautious of anyone who refuses to give a price until they arrive, demands cash only or pushes a full rewire on the spot.
Some home emergency policies cover call-outs, labour and parts up to a set limit. Check your policy or bank account benefits before paying out of pocket.
If you rent your home
Tenants should report electrical faults to their landlord or letting agent straight away, in writing if possible. In England, Scotland and Wales, private landlords must keep the electrical installation safe and have it inspected regularly, so the cost of repairing faulty wiring normally falls on them. In a genuine emergency, make the property safe first – switch off the main switch and call 999 if there is fire – then contact the landlord. Avoid arranging major repairs yourself unless the tenancy agreement or the landlord allows it, as you may not be reimbursed.
After the emergency
- Ask for a written explanation of the cause and what was done.
- Request a Minor Works certificate for any repair that altered a circuit.
- If the fault came from old wiring, consider booking an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to find other hidden problems.
- Test your smoke alarms and RCDs using the test buttons every few months.
Rates reflect typical UK out-of-hours pricing.
Independent guide – not linked to any electrician or network operator.