Top Emergency Electricians in Los Angeles, CA, 90001 | Compare & Call
USA Electric is a licensed electrical contractor serving Los Angeles, CA since 1985. They provide trusted electrical repair, panel upgrades, and EV charger installation with 24/7 emergency service. Their skilled technicians are known for reliable work and upfront pricing.
USA Pro Electric
USA Pro Electric is a trusted electrical contractor in Los Angeles, CA, with over 8 years of industry experience. They handle everything from panel upgrades and lighting installation to emergency repairs and EV charger setups. Known for reliable service and skilled technicians, they serve both residential and commercial clients across the greater LA area.
With 25 years of experience, JMJP Electric is a trusted electrical contractor serving Los Angeles, CA. Their skilled electricians handle everything from panel upgrades and EV charger installation to commercial lighting and emergency repairs. They provide reliable service for homes and businesses across Hollywood, Echo Park, and Silver Lake.
D & W Electric provides reliable electrical services in Los Angeles, CA. With 20 years of experience and a CSLB-licensed electrician, they handle everything from circuit breaker repair to EV charging station installation. They are a trusted local choice for homes and businesses, offering a guarantee on all work.
HDJ Electric Service is a trusted electrical contractor in Los Angeles, CA, with years of experience. Their skilled technicians provide 24/7 emergency service for panel upgrades, EV charger installations, and all types of wiring repairs. They are a reliable choice for both residential and commercial electrical needs across the greater LA area.
Bill Smith Electric provides expert electrical services in Los Angeles, CA, with over 30 years of local experience. This trusted company handles everything from circuit breaker and panel repair to EV charger and light fixture installation for homes and businesses. Known for honest and dependable work, they serve the Westside and surrounding communities.
Cranky John's Electric is a licensed and bonded electrical contractor serving Los Angeles, CA. They handle installations, repairs, and electrical inspections for homes. Their skilled team provides reliable service across Hollywood, Silver Lake, and surrounding areas, building a reputation for trustworthy electrical work.
Prime Charge provides expert electrical services in Los Angeles, CA, with over 20 years of trusted experience. Their skilled technicians handle circuit breaker and panel work, lighting, outlet repair, and EV charger installation. Available for emergency calls 24/7, they ensure reliable solutions for residential and commercial projects.
CW Electric provides reliable electrical services in Los Angeles, CA. Their skilled electricians handle inspections, panel installations, and light fixture work. They are a trusted local company known for dependable service and quick response times for urgent electrical needs. Serving areas from Hollywood to Santa Monica, they focus on quality electrical solutions for homes and businesses.
Prime Voltage Electric is a licensed electrical contractor serving Los Angeles, CA. Established in 2021, they provide reliable residential and commercial electrical services, from panel upgrades and EV charger installation to lighting repairs. Known for their prompt response, they offer 24/7 emergency electrical service for the local community.
When the Lights Go Out in LA: Your Guide to Emergency Electricians in Los Angeles, CA
Living in Los Angeles means enjoying sunshine, vibrant neighborhoods, and, sometimes, sudden electrical problems. During a summer heatwave when everyone's AC is maxed out, or after a rare but powerful Santa Ana wind event, your home's electrical system can be pushed to its limit. If you're facing sparks, smoke, or a complete blackout, you need help fast. This guide is for every Angeleno wondering what to do during an electrical crisis. We'll cover what counts as a real emergency, what it typically costs, and most importantly, who to call for reliable, 24/7 help right here in our city.
What Exactly Is an Emergency Electrician?
An emergency electrician is a licensed professional who is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays, to handle dangerous electrical situations that can't wait. They're not just electricians who work late; they are specialists trained to diagnose and fix critical problems quickly to protect your home and family from fire or electrocution risks. Think of them as the first responders for your home's electrical system.
Is This Really an Emergency? Common Crises in Los Angeles Homes
Not every flickering light requires a midnight service call. A true electrical emergency involves immediate danger to people or property. Here are the clear signs you need to pick up the phone:
- Smell of Burning or Seeing Smoke: This is the number one sign. If you smell burning plastic or see smoke from an outlet, switch, or appliance, it's an emergency.
- Sparks or Arcing: Visible sparks or a buzzing/zapping sound from any electrical component.
- Power Outage Isolated to Your Home: If your neighbors have power but you don't, the issue is likely in your service drop or main panel.
- Water and Electricity Mixing: Flooding in a basement or a leak near outlets and fixtures creates a severe shock hazard.
- Exposed Live Wires: Any wiring that is bare and accessible.
- Persistent Circuit Breaker Tripping: If a breaker trips immediately when reset, there's a serious fault on that circuit.
In Los Angeles, specific local factors make these issues more common. In older neighborhoods like Silver Lake or historic areas of Pasadena, homes built before 1970 often still have older 60-amp or 100-amp service panels and sometimes aluminum branch wiring, which can overheat under today's high electrical loads. Coastal areas from Santa Monica to San Pedro deal with salt air corrosion that can degrade outdoor connections and meter bases. And during our dry, windy seasons, falling tree branches in hillside communities can damage overhead service lines in an instant.
Understanding the Cost: What to Expect for Emergency Service in LA
Emergency electrical service costs more than a scheduled appointment, and for good reason. You're paying for immediate priority, specialized after-hours staffing, and the urgency of preventing damage. Transparency is key, so let's break down the typical costs for an emergency electrician in Los Angeles, CA.
Based on current local market data, here are the general components and ranges:
- Emergency Call-Out / Trip Fee: This is a flat fee just for the urgent dispatch. In Los Angeles, this typically ranges from $100 to $250.
- After-Hours / Premium Labor Rate: Regular hourly rates for electricians in LA are between $80 and $120. For nights, weekends, or holidays, expect a multiplier of 1.5x to 2.5x, resulting in an hourly rate of $150 to $300.
- Diagnostics Fee: Often included in the call-out fee or first hour of labor.
- Parts & Materials: Standard retail cost plus a markup for immediate availability.
- Permit Fees: For any work that alters the system (new circuits, panel upgrades), the city of Los Angeles requires permits. Emergency repairs to restore safety may be done first, but permitting follows. Permit costs vary but can add $100 to $500+ to the project.
Real-World Cost Scenarios
Scenario 1: Nighttime Breaker Panel Repair. Your main panel is buzzing and hot on a Saturday night. The electrician diagnoses a faulty main breaker. Call-out fee: $150. 2 hours of after-hours labor at $225/hr: $450. New breaker part: $200. Estimated Total: $800.
Scenario 2: Storm-Damaged Service Line. A windstorm in the Valley causes a tree limb to pull your service mast loose from the roof. This requires coordination with the LADWP. The electrician secures the area, performs temporary repair for safety, and schedules a permanent fix. Call-out, 1.5 hours labor, and temporary materials: ~$500. Permanent repair and permit later: additional $1,000+.
Always ask for an estimate before work begins. A reputable emergency electrician will be upfront about these costs.
When to Call vs. When to Wait: Your Triage Guide
Use this simple guide to decide:
CALL 24/7 IMMEDIATELY: For any sign of fire (smell, smoke, sparks), major water intrusion on live circuits, total loss of power in your home only, or exposed wires.
Schedule for the Next Business Day: A single non-working outlet, a light switch that feels warm, or a GFCI outlet that won't reset. These are important but not immediately dangerous if you stop using the affected circuit.
During summer storms in Los Angeles, it's not uncommon to see service drops damaged by falling palms. If your power goes out but your neighbor's Christmas lights are still glowing, that's a sign the problem is on your property. Don't wait—call for help.
Who to Call: Choosing Your Local Emergency Electrician
Don't just Google "electrician near me" in a panic. Look for a licensed, insured, and locally-established company that explicitly advertises 24/7 emergency service. Check for good reviews that mention prompt after-hours response. They should be familiar with Los Angeles's specific codes and the LADWP's requirements.
Keep this number saved in your phone: For trusted, local emergency electrical service, you can call Los Angeles Emergency Electrician at (888) 903-2131. We're based here in LA and understand the unique wiring in everything from Downtown lofts to Brentwood estates.
Safety First: What to Do Until Help Arrives
Your safety is the priority. Here's your checklist:
- If you see/smell fire or smoke: Evacuate everyone from the house and call 911 first.
- Shut off power: If it's safe to do so (you know where your main panel is and can access it without touching water or exposed wires), turn off the main circuit breaker.
- Isolate the problem: If the issue is with a specific appliance (like a smoking oven), unplug it or turn off its dedicated breaker.
- Stay away from water and danger zones: Keep away from standing water if electricity is involved.
- Call the utility for downed lines: If you see a downed power line outside, stay back at least 30 feet and call the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) at 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397).
- Document for insurance: Take photos of any damage, sparks, or the affected area safely from a distance.
Local Laws, Permits, and Working with LADWP
In the City of Los Angeles, most electrical work beyond simple repair requires a permit from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). A licensed emergency electrician will know when a permit is needed. For emergencies, the work to make the situation safe can be performed immediately, but the permit must be pulled afterward to ensure the permanent repair is up to code and inspected. This protects you and is required for home insurance claims. Always ask your electrician about the permitting process for the work being done.
You're Not Alone in the City of Angels
Electrical emergencies are stressful, but knowing what to do brings peace of mind. In a sprawling city like Los Angeles, response times can vary from 60 to 120 minutes depending on your neighborhood, traffic, and weather conditions. A local company familiar with the layout will always strive to be there as fast as possible.
If you're experiencing any of the dangerous signs we've discussed, don't hesitate. For immediate, licensed, and professional emergency electrical service across Los Angeles, call the local experts at Los Angeles Emergency Electrician. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to protect your home. Call us right now at (888) 903-2131 for same-day, urgent dispatch.
