Electrical emergencies do not keep office hours. Whether it is a total power loss at midnight, a burning smell from a socket, or a tripped board that will not reset, knowing who to call — and what to do in the meantime — can make a real difference.

Olectrics Ltd provides 24/7 emergency electrical cover across all 24 London boroughs. Here is everything you need to know.

What Counts as an Electrical Emergency?

Not every electrical problem needs an immediate call-out. Here is how to judge the severity:

Genuine emergencies — call immediately

• Burning smell or visible scorch marks from sockets, switches, or the consumer unit
• Sparks or arcing from any electrical fitting
• Total power loss with no obvious cause (not just a tripped breaker)
• Flooding near electrical installations — water and electricity are a dangerous combination
• Electric shock — even a minor one. Seek medical attention first, then call an electrician
• Smoke or fire from electrical equipment — call 999 first, then us

Urgent but not an emergency

• A single circuit tripping repeatedly
• A socket or switch that is warm to the touch
• Flickering lights on one circuit
• A faulty outdoor socket or garden lighting

These need attention within 24–48 hours but are unlikely to require a middle-of-the-night call-out.

What to Do Before the Electrician Arrives

If you smell burning or see sparks:

1. Switch off the main isolator at your consumer unit if it is safe to do so
2. Do not use the affected circuit
3. Do not attempt to investigate inside sockets or fittings yourself
4. Call us on 07946 436585

If you have lost power:

1. Check whether your neighbours are also affected — it may be a DNO (Distribution Network Operator) fault
2. Check your consumer unit for tripped breakers or RCDs
3. Try resetting the RCD — if it trips again immediately, there is a fault on the circuit
4. If you cannot identify the cause, call an electrician

If there is water near electrics:

1. Do not touch any electrical fittings
2. Switch off the main isolator if it is safe to reach without touching water
3. Call us immediately

Why You Should Always Use a Registered Electrician

In an emergency, it can be tempting to call whoever answers first. But using an unregistered electrician for emergency work carries real risks:

• Work may not comply with BS 7671 wiring regulations
• You may not receive a certificate, which can affect your insurance and future property sales
• Substandard repairs can create new hazards

Olectrics Ltd is NICEIC and NAPIT approved. Every emergency call-out is carried out by a qualified electrician, and we issue the appropriate certification for any remedial work.

Our 24/7 Emergency Service

We cover all 24 London boroughs, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our response times vary depending on location and time of day, but we aim to reach you within 2–4 hours for genuine emergencies.

When you call, we will:

1. Ask you to describe the problem so we can assess the urgency
2. Advise you on any immediate safety steps
3. Confirm an estimated arrival time
4. Carry out the repair and test the installation before leaving

We carry a comprehensive stock of parts on our vans, so most emergency repairs can be completed in a single visit.

Common Emergency Call-Outs We Attend

Consumer unit faults — tripped RCDs that will not reset, blown fuses, faulty MCBs. Often caused by a failing appliance on the circuit.

Socket and switch failures — overloaded circuits, loose connections, or water ingress. Common in older properties and kitchens.

Power loss after flooding — water ingress into sockets, consumer units, or buried cables. Requires isolation and full testing before power is restored.

Outdoor electrical faults — garden sockets, external lighting, and EV chargers are particularly vulnerable to weather damage.

Commercial electrical emergencies — power loss in a business premises, faulty distribution boards, or tripped three-phase supplies.

How Much Does an Emergency Call-Out Cost?

Emergency call-out rates are higher than standard daytime rates, reflecting the out-of-hours service. We are transparent about our pricing — call us on 07946 436585 and we will give you a clear indication of costs before we attend.

For most emergency repairs, the call-out fee covers the first hour of labour. Additional time and parts are charged separately.

Areas We Cover

Olectrics Ltd attends emergency call-outs across all 24 London boroughs, including:

• SW London: Wandsworth, Clapham, Wimbledon, Kew, Richmond, Twickenham, Fulham
• West London: Hammersmith, Chiswick, Ealing, Hounslow
• Central London: Westminster, Kensington, Chelsea, Lambeth
• North and East London: Camden, Islington, and beyond

Call Us Now

If you have an electrical emergency, do not wait. Call Olectrics Ltd on 07946 436585 — we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across all of London.