When Should You Call an Emergency Electrician?

Most electrical issues can wait for a scheduled visit. A few cannot. Knowing the difference protects your home and your family, and it saves you from paying for an after hours call when a normal appointment would do. Here is a clear guide to when an electrical problem is a real emergency in the GTA.

Call right away for these

Some situations need a licensed electrician now, not tomorrow:

• A burning smell or smoke near an outlet, switch, or the panel.
• Sparking, arcing, or a buzzing sound from outlets or the panel.
• Outlets, switch plates, or the panel that are hot to the touch.
• Scorch marks or melted plastic around a receptacle.
• A main breaker that keeps tripping or will not reset.
• Exposed or damaged wiring after a flood, storm, or renovation accident.

If you ever see smoke or flames, leave the home and call 911 first. After safety is handled, an electrician addresses the cause.

What to do while you wait

Once you have called, a few steps keep things safer:

• Stop using the affected circuit or outlet.
• If it is safe to reach the panel, switch off the breaker for that circuit.
• Unplug devices on the circuit if you can do so safely.
• Keep water away from any sparking or exposed wiring.

Do not try to open the panel or repair wiring yourself. Live electrical work is dangerous and belongs with a licensed professional.

What can usually wait

Not every annoyance is an emergency. These can typically wait for a regular appointment:

• A single breaker that trips occasionally but resets fine.
• One outlet that stopped working with no heat or smell.
• A light fixture you want replaced or a new outlet you want added.
• Flickering tied to one bulb or fixture.

These still deserve attention, just not an after hours call. You can book them through our residential electrical services.

How emergency service works at Kolji Bros

Kolji Bros Electrical offers emergency response across Toronto and the GTA. Standard rates apply Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm. Calls outside those hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, are billed at our emergency rate, and we confirm that rate with you upfront before we head out. There are no surprises on the invoice.

Frequently asked questions

What counts as an electrical emergency?

Burning smells, smoke, sparking, hot outlets or panels, scorch marks, a main breaker that will not reset, and exposed wiring after damage. These need a licensed electrician right away.

Should I turn off my power in an emergency?

If it is safe to reach the panel, switching off the affected breaker or the main can help. If you see smoke or flames, leave the home and call 911 first.

Is a tripping breaker an emergency?

Usually not if it resets and there is no heat or smell. A main breaker that keeps tripping, or a breaker paired with a burning smell, is a reason to call right away.

Do you charge extra for emergency calls?

Standard rates apply Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm. After hours, weekend, and holiday calls are billed at our emergency rate, which we confirm with you upfront before any work begins.

What should I avoid doing in an electrical emergency?

Do not open the panel, touch exposed wiring, or use water near sparking equipment. Keep the circuit off and wait for a licensed electrician.

Facing an electrical emergency in the GTA? Kolji Bros Electrical offers emergency response with the rate confirmed upfront. Standard rates apply Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm. Serving Toronto and the surrounding area.

Call now