Emergency Electrical Repairs: What to Do When the Power Fails

When the lights go out, panic often flickers before reason. Maybe you’re at work, watching computers blink off in a blink, or at home, caught mid-dinner as the oven dies. Power failures come out of nowhere—they don’t knock, they crash the party.

At Lombardo Electric Inc, we know these moments are more than an inconvenience. They’re stressful. Sometimes frightening. They always raise one urgent question: What do you do next?

Common Electrical Emergencies: The Scenarios

Picture this: It’s storming, and suddenly, your house falls quiet—no hum of the fridge, no glow from the lights. Or maybe you hear a crackle and spot an outlet sparking like it’s trying to start a campfire. Sometimes, commercial buildings lose half their power, computers drop offline, and security systems blink out.

Electrical emergencies don’t follow a schedule. They can happen to anyone: homeowners, landlords, business managers. The cause might be external—like a tree limb across a line—or internal, such as overloaded circuits or worn-out wiring.

Whatever the scenario, the first steps you take matter. They can keep you, your family, or your staff safe until help arrives.

Quick Safety Checklist ⚡

Before you do anything else, run through these essentials:

• Stay calm. Don’t rush. Electricity rewards caution, not speed.
• Assess the situation. Is it just your property, or do neighbors have power? Use a flashlight, not candles.
• Unplug sensitive electronics. TVs, computers, and kitchen appliances. This protects against surges when power returns.
• Check your panel. If you spot smoke, heat, or a burning smell, don’t touch anything—just evacuate.
• Shut off breakers if safe. If you know which breaker controls the affected area, flip it off. Never touch a wet or sparking panel.
• Keep away from water. Never step in a flooded basement or room with live electrical equipment.
• Don’t use damaged outlets or switches. If you see black marks, sparks, or hear buzzing, stay clear.
• Use backup generators outside only. Carbon monoxide is invisible, deadly, and generators should never run indoors.
• Avoid extension cord overload. Too many plugs in one spot can start a fire.

Should You Fix It Yourself or Call an Electrician?

It’s tempting to channel your inner problem solver. But electricity isn’t a puzzle to solve with guesswork. Think of it more like handling a wild animal—approach only with know-how and respect.

Call an electrician when:

• There’s visible smoke, sparking, or burning smells.
• Breakers repeatedly trip or won’t reset.
• You lose power in part or all of your home or business with no clear reason.
• Outlets or switches are hot, buzzing, or discolored.
• Flooding or leaks reach electrical equipment.
• You have no experience with electrical systems.

You can handle (with care):

• Unplugging devices.
• Resetting a tripped breaker once. If it keeps tripping, call for help.
• Using a flashlight to check for obvious (safe) issues, like a flipped switch.

In nearly all emergencies, especially with high-voltage circuits, it’s safer and smarter to call for professional maintenance near you.

What Happens When the Pros Arrive

When an electrician from Lombardo Electric Inc arrives, they don’t play guessing games. They bring the right tools, years of training, and a calm approach.

Here’s what happens:

1. Assessment: The electrician looks for visible hazards—smoke, melted wires, water, or signs of arcing.
2. Safety First: Power is shut off at the main panel before hands (or tools) go near the problem.
3. Testing: Specialized meters check for live wires, faulty breakers, and hidden damage.
4. Diagnosis: The root issue—whether a failed component, overloaded circuit, or wiring problem—is identified.
5. Temporary Fixes: If needed, safe, short-term solutions (like isolating a bad circuit) are put in place.
6. Permanent Repair: Faulty parts are replaced, and wiring is restored to code—safely and legally.
7. Testing & Inspection: Everything is checked, tested, and (if required) certified to meet the National Electrical Code and local safety standards.

Our process is designed to keep you, your property, and our team safe—every time.

Prevention & Maintenance: How to Stay Ready

You can’t control storms, but you can control how prepared you are.

Essentials for every home or business:

• Flashlights (with fresh batteries—check monthly).
• Battery-powered radio for weather updates during severe storms.
• Surge protectors for computers and TVs.
• First-aid kit and emergency contacts (including your go-to electrician).
• Backup generator—professionally installed, regularly maintained.
• Fire extinguisher (Class C for electrical fires).
• Clear circuit panel labelling—know which breaker controls what.
• Annual electrical safety checks by a licensed electrician.
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors—test monthly, change batteries as needed.

For businesses:

• Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) for critical equipment.
• Data backup—cloud or offsite, updated regularly.
• Employee safety training on what to do in a power emergency.

Staying prepared isn’t just smart—it’s the best way to minimize risk and loss.

Costs & Time Factors: What to Expect

No two emergencies are the same. Some fixes are quick; others take longer. Here’s what usually affects the time and cost:

• Severity of the damage: A single faulty outlet is faster and cheaper than a burned-out panel.
• Access: Hard-to-reach wiring (attics, crawlspaces, behind walls) takes longer.
• Parts availability: Standard breakers and outlets are quick to replace. Specialty equipment may take longer.
• Time of day: After-hours or holiday calls may take a bit more time to coordinate.

Most emergencies can be made safe within a few hours. Full repairs might take longer if parts or permits are needed. Professional electricians provide upfront explanations before work begins—no surprises.

When Is It an Emergency?

Some electrical issues can wait until business hours. Others need immediate attention. Here’s how to tell:

• Immediate emergencies:

  • Smoke, burning smells, or visible fire at outlets or panels.
  • Power lines down on your property.
  • Flooding or water near electrical systems.
  • Repeated loss of power to critical systems (medical equipment, security, refrigeration).

• Urgent, but not immediate:

  • One circuit isn’t working, but there’s no sign of danger.
  • Flickering lights or tripping breakers (if infrequent).
  • Outlets or switches that feel warm.

When in doubt, it’s always safer to call an electrician and ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reset a tripped breaker safely?
Turn off all appliances or lights on the affected circuit. Stand on a dry surface, use one hand, and firmly flip the breaker to OFF, then ON. If it trips again, call for help.

Can I use a generator indoors if I keep the window open?
Never. Generators produce carbon monoxide, which is deadly—even with ventilation. Always operate generators outside and away from openings.

Is it okay if my outlet sparks once when I plug something in?
A tiny spark isn’t always a sign of danger, but repeated sparking, buzzing, or heat means something’s wrong. Unplug and call an electrician.

How often should I have my electrical system inspected?
The Electrical Safety Foundation International recommends an inspection every 3–5 years, or with any major renovation, new appliance, or if you notice signs of trouble.

Local and Seasonal Considerations 🌩️

Some emergencies strike more often depending on where you live and the time of year.

• Storms & flooding: Spring and summer bring thunderstorms. Keep sump pumps on dedicated circuits, and never wade through water if power is still connected.
• Winter storms: Ice and snow can knock down lines. Have extra blankets and battery-powered lights.
• Heat waves: High demand can overload circuits. Avoid running heavy appliances all at once.
• Commercial properties: Schedule regular maintenance near you before busy seasons. Emergency lighting and backup systems might be required by local code.

Check with your local building authority or the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 70: National Electrical Code) for region-specific guidelines.

Power failures and electrical emergencies don’t wait for a convenient time. Protect your home, your business, and the people who rely on you by knowing what to do—then letting a professional take it from there.

Call Lombardo Electric Inc now — or reach us anytime at  877-779-0034 .