Skip to content

Call today for electrical repairs and upgrades(651) 382-9397

Call Us Now(651) 382-9397
Emergency electrician in White Bear Lake, MN checking an open electrical panel

Emergency Electrician Serving White Bear Lake, MN

A burning smell, a sparking outlet or a sudden loss of power is not something to wait on. Call Chris Electric and tell us what is going on.

We take emergency calls 24/7. A licensed electrician will track down the cause, explain what we found and make your system safe again.

Get Emergency Help Now

Know the Risks

What Is an Electrical Emergency?

An electrical emergency is any problem that puts people or property at risk of fire or shock right now. When electrical issues cannot wait for a regular appointment, you need a licensed electrician to find the cause and make it safe.

Most start with a loose connection, a short circuit, an overloaded circuit or damaged wiring. Heat builds up and can melt insulation or start a fire inside your walls. If you notice any of the common signs of an electrical emergency in the table below, stop using that circuit and call us.

Electrical Emergency? Call (651) 382-9397
Chris Electric electrician working on wiring in an older basement

Immediate Safety Hazards

HazardWhat to Do
Sparking or arcing from outlets, switches or electrical panelsStop using it, turn off the breaker if safe and call us
A burning smell from any electrical componentTurn off that breaker if safe, then call us
Smoke coming from outlets, switches or panelsGet everyone out and call 911
Outlets or switches that are hot to the touchStop using it and call us
Electrical shocks when you touch appliances or switchesStop using it and call us. If someone is hurt, call 911
Visible flames or scorch marks near electrical componentsFor flames, get out and call 911. For scorch marks, stop using it and call us
Buzzing or sizzling sounds from the electrical panelKeep clear of the panel and call us
A complete loss of power in your home or businessCheck with neighbors, then call us

Warning Signs

When to Call an Emergency Electrician

Some electrical problems can wait for a regular visit. These can't. Here is when to call for emergency electrical service and what to do while you wait.

  • Burning Smell or Smoke

    A hot or burning plastic smell near an outlet, switch or panel often means wiring is overheating. Turn off the breaker for that area if you can reach it safely. Do not use that circuit until it has been checked.

  • Sparking or Hot Outlets

    A tiny spark when you plug something in can be normal. Large sparks, scorch marks or an outlet that feels warm are not. These point to loose connections or damaged wiring behind the wall.

  • Partial or Full Power Loss

    Check with a neighbor first. If they have power and you do not, the problem is likely in your home. A breaker that will not reset or trips again right away can mean a short or a failing breaker.

  • Buzzing or Warm Electrical Panel

    Your panel should be quiet and cool. Buzzing, crackling or a cover that feels warm can mean a loose connection or a breaker that is failing. Keep the area clear and give us a call.

  • Storm or Water Damage

    Flooded basements, roof leaks and fallen limbs can damage wiring. Stay out of standing water near outlets or the panel. Keep away from downed lines and call your utility. Have the system checked before power goes back on.

  • Not Sure If It Is an Emergency?

    Call and tell us what you see, hear or smell. We will help you decide what to do next.

    Call (651) 382-9397

Stay Safe

What to Do Before We Arrive

A few simple steps can keep your family safe and stop the problem from getting worse while you wait for an electrician.

Please Do Not

  • Open the panel cover or touch the wiring inside
  • Touch an outlet or switch that is hot, sparking or scorched
  • Keep resetting a breaker that trips right away
  • Run extension cords around a dead circuit
  • Go near downed power lines or standing water

  1. Get Everyone to Safety

    If you see smoke or flames, get everyone out of the house and call 911. Never use water on an electrical fire.

  2. Cut Power to the Problem Area

    If you can reach your panel without standing in water, switch off the breaker for that circuit. Not sure which one? Turn off the main breaker. If the panel itself is hot, smoking or buzzing, do not touch it.

  3. Stop Using That Circuit

    Leave lights, outlets and appliances on that circuit alone until it has been checked. A breaker that trips again after a reset is doing its job, so leave it off.

  4. Note What You Noticed

    Think about what you saw, heard or smelled and when it started. This helps our electrician find the cause faster once they arrive.

  5. Call Us

    Tell us what is going on and what you have already turned off. We will talk you through next steps and set up a visit.

What We Fix

Fast Emergency Electrical Service in White Bear Lake

Our electricians handle the problems that make a home unsafe. We fix the cause, not just the symptom, and explain the price before we start.

  • Breaker and Panel Problems

    Your panel feeds every circuit in the house. When something fails inside it, we find the bad part and repair or replace it.

    • Breakers that trip again right after a reset
    • Scorched, melted or worn out breakers
    • Loose or burned connections inside the panel
    • Panels that buzz, crackle or feel warm
    Electrical panel upgrades

  • Outlet, Switch and Wiring Faults

    Most sparks and burning smells start at a loose connection. We trace the fault back to its source so it does not come back.

    • Outlets that spark, feel hot or show scorch marks
    • Switches that buzz or feel warm
    • Dead outlets and GFCIs that will not reset
    • Overheated or damaged wiring
    Outlet installation

  • Storm Damage Repairs

    Minnesota storms can bring down limbs, flood basements and send power surges through your home. We check what was hit and make it safe.

    • Water damaged outlets, wiring and panels
    • Outdoor outlets and lights damaged by wind or ice
    • Circuits and devices hit by a power surge
    • A full safety check before power goes back on

How It Works

How Our Emergency Electrical Service Works

From your first call to the final test, here is what to expect when you call us for emergency electrical service.

  1. Step 1

    You Call and Describe the Problem

    Tell us what you see, hear or smell and what you have already turned off. We ask a few questions and tell you how to stay safe until we get there.

  2. Step 2

    We Make It Safe First

    The first job is to stop the danger. That can mean shutting off a circuit, isolating a damaged part or covering exposed wiring.

  3. Step 3

    We Find the Cause and Give You a Price

    With the area safe, we test the circuit to find what failed. You get a clear price for the repair before any work starts.

  4. Step 4

    We Repair and Test

    We fix the problem to the Minnesota electrical code, then test the circuit again to make sure everything works the way it should.

Why Chris Electric

Emergency Electricians Available Around the Clock

Electrical problems do not keep business hours. We take emergency calls day and night, including weekends, and offer same day electrician service across White Bear Lake and nearby towns. You get a licensed electrician you can trust inside your home.

  • Licensed, Bonded and Insured

    Every emergency repair is done by a licensed electrician. Our license number is EA701047, so you can check it before we arrive.

  • Same Day Electrician Service in White Bear Lake

    Call us and we work to get your repair done the same day, so you are not left without power for days. We still take time to find the real cause, because a rushed fix can lead to a second emergency.

  • You See the Price First

    Even in an emergency, nothing gets repaired until you know the cost and say yes.

  • Work Done to Code

    Our repairs follow the Minnesota electrical code. If the job needs a permit, we pull it so the work is ready for inspection.

Emergency electrician in a hard hat and safety glasses repairing wiring
  • A+BBB rating
  • 4.9on HomeAdvisor
  • 20+years of experience

Stay Ahead of Problems

Preventing Electrical Emergencies

Most electrical emergencies give a warning first. These simple habits lower the risk of a fire, a shock or a sudden loss of power.

  • Do Not Overload Outlets

    Space heaters, microwaves and other high power appliances can overheat an outlet or power strip. Give them their own outlet and use extension cords only for short term needs.

  • Test Your GFCI Outlets

    Press the TEST and RESET buttons on kitchen, bathroom, garage and outdoor GFCI outlets from time to time. If one will not trip or reset, have it replaced.

  • Protect Against Power Surges

    Storms and utility switching can send surges through your wiring. A whole home surge protector at the panel helps guard your appliances and electronics.

  • Have Older Panels and Wiring Checked

    Many older homes have small panels and worn wiring that were not built for the loads homes carry today. An inspection can catch loose connections and tired breakers before they fail.

  • Get Small Problems Checked Early

    A flickering light, a warm switch or a breaker that trips now and then is an early warning. Fixing it now is easier than waiting for it to fail.

Related Electrical Help

Customer Reviews

Read Our Reviews from Satisfied Customers

4.9out of 5 on HomeAdvisorRead all reviews

  • "...they consistently deliver excellent service at an afforable rate. Whether its remodeling, new construction, or handling jobs big and small their attention to detail is unmatched. As a builder, developer and remodeler, i rely heavily on the quality and professionalism of my subcontractors and this team sets the standard!"

    Rashad K.Google

  • "The crew at Chris Electric has been great every time I've worked with them. They're knowledgeable, efficient, and easy to work with. They will continue to be my go to for all electrical needs!"

    Michelle Y.Google

  • "Chris Electric is extremely responsive. His team upgraded our panel last summer 2020. ... We passed the city inspection with flying colors. I'd use these guys again."

    Mitch B.April 2021 · HomeAdvisor

  • "Chris was professional and explained the work they were going to perform. Tim was his electrician he assigned to my job. Tim was efficient and quick. I will use this company again."

    Vicki M.September 2020 · HomeAdvisor

  • "He is a master electrician and he is very professional. He does what he says he's going to do and does it when he says he's going to do it."

    Bill S.May 2018 · HomeAdvisor

  • "Was able to connect with Chris and get status updates while i was at work. I was very satisfied with my experience."

    Richard A.June 2020 · HomeAdvisor

Our Service Area

Licensed Emergency Electrician Near White Bear Lake

We are based in White Bear Lake, MN and take emergency calls from homes and businesses in the towns below. Not sure if we can reach you? Call and ask.

FAQs

White Bear Lake Emergency Electrician FAQs

Electrical problem at your home in White Bear Lake? Call us and tell us what is going on.

(651) 382-9397

What should I do if an outlet or wiring gets wet?

Do not touch the outlet or plug anything into it. If you can reach the panel without standing in water, turn off the breaker for that area. Leave it off and have the outlet and wiring checked before you use them again.

Should I call you or 911?

If you see smoke or flames, or someone has been shocked, call 911 first and get everyone to safety. For sparks, hot outlets, burning smells with no smoke, or a loss of power, call us.

Is it safe to keep resetting a tripped breaker?

Resetting a breaker once is fine. If it trips again right away, leave it off. A breaker that keeps tripping is protecting you from a short, an overload or a failing part, and it needs to be checked.

My power is out. How do I know if the problem is in my home?

Look outside. If your neighbors and streetlights are dark too, it is likely a utility outage, so check with your power company. If only your home is out, check your main breaker. If that does not bring the power back, call us.

Can flickering lights be an emergency?

One flickering light is often a loose bulb or a worn fixture. Lights that flicker or dim across several rooms, or flicker along with a buzzing sound or burning smell, can point to a loose connection. That needs an electrician soon.

How much does an emergency electrician cost?

It depends on what failed and what it takes to fix it. A loose connection costs far less than a damaged panel. Our electrician finds the cause first and tells you the price before any repair starts.

Chris Electric electrician wiring breakers inside a panel in a stone basement

Licensed, Bonded and Insured

24/7 Emergency Electrical Services in White Bear Lake, MN

Sparks, heat, a burning smell or lost power should not wait. Call us any time, day or night, tell us what you are seeing, and we will help you take the next step safely.

(651) 382-9397
Call Now: (651) 382-9397