Top Emergency Electricians in Cambridge, MA, 02138 | Compare & Call
E/R Electric, a trusted Cambridge electrical contractor, has served the community since 2007. Their skilled technicians handle everything from circuit breaker and panel repair to EV charger and generator installation. With a reputation built on honesty and code-compliant work, they provide reliable electrical solutions for homes and businesses across the Greater Boston area.
In Cambridge, MA, Morrissey Electric handles electrical repairs, EV charging station installation, and panel work for Greater Boston. With roots dating back to 2005, this local electrician is known for reliable residential and commercial service.
East Cambridge Lic Electric
East Cambridge Lic Electric provides reliable electrical service to Cambridge, MA and many surrounding towns. Their skilled electricians handle everything from inspections and EV charger setup to 24/7 emergency repairs. As a licensed local provider, they focus on safe installations and dependable solutions for homes across Middlesex County.
Since 1976, Colman Electric has been the trusted electrical contractor for Cambridge, MA homeowners and businesses. Their skilled electricians handle everything from panel repairs and wiring to EV charging station and light fixture installation. Serving Boston and over 30 surrounding towns, this family-run company is known for reliable service and strict adherence to Massachusetts electrical codes.
On Time Electrical Service
On Time Electrical Service is a trusted electrician in Cambridge, MA, providing 24/7 emergency electrical and security system solutions. Their skilled technicians handle everything from outlet repair and appliance installation to EV charger and panel upgrades for homes and businesses across Middlesex County.
Mt Auburn Electric Co provides reliable electrical services in Cambridge, MA. Their skilled electricians handle inspections, installations, repairs, and lighting work. Available 24/7 for emergency needs, this trusted local company serves Boston, Quincy, and surrounding communities with professional care.
Electrical Doctor is a trusted Cambridge, MA electrician, providing expert service since 2000. They specialize in electrical repair, panel upgrades, and EV charger installation for homes in the Greater Boston area. With skilled troubleshooting and 24/7 emergency availability, they guarantee reliable solutions for all your electrical needs.
For electrical inspections in South Boston, MA, Cotech Electric in Cambridge provides dependable service. Their licensed electricians are known for reliable work and clear communication, helping homeowners and businesses with essential electrical safety checks. Contact them for professional and thorough evaluations.
John McMillian Electric provides trusted electrical services for Cambridge, MA and surrounding areas. Their skilled technicians handle installations for panels, outlets, lighting, and EV charging stations. Known for reliable work, they offer a free estimate on all projects to help homeowners and businesses with their electrical needs.
Riverside Electrical Services
For Cambridge, MA, Riverside Electrical Services provides trusted electrical solutions like panel repair, generator installation, and EV charger setup. Their skilled electricians offer reliable 24/7 emergency service for both residential and commercial needs, prioritizing safety and quality workmanship throughout the local area.
When the Lights Go Out in Cambridge: Your Complete Guide to Emergency Electricians
You’re relaxing in your Cambridge home after a long day at MIT or Harvard, maybe in a classic triple-decker in Inman Square or a modern condo near Kendall Square. Suddenly, a pop comes from the basement, and half your lights flicker and die. Or maybe a summer storm just rolled over Fresh Pond, and now your kitchen outlet is buzzing angrily. In moments like these, knowing what an emergency electrician is—and having their number saved—isn’t just convenient; it’s a necessity for protecting your home and family.
At Cambridge Emergency Electrician, we’ve been responding to these urgent calls across the city for years. We know that electrical problems don’t wait for business hours, especially in a city with our unique mix of historic homes and high-tech labs. This guide is your local resource for understanding everything about emergency electrician services in Cambridge, MA.
What Exactly Is an Emergency Electrician?
An emergency electrician isn't just a regular electrician who works late. They are licensed, insured professionals who offer 24/7 response for situations that pose an immediate danger to people, property, or critical systems. Think of them as first responders for your home’s electrical system. They are equipped to diagnose and fix urgent problems at any hour, in any weather. While a standard electrician might schedule a panel upgrade for next Tuesday, an emergency electrician is the one you call when that panel starts smoking on a holiday weekend.
Is This a Real Electrical Emergency?
Not every electrical glitch requires a midnight service call. A true electrical emergency is one where delaying repair could lead to fire, electrocution, significant property damage, or a complete loss of essential power.
In Cambridge, these are the clear red flags:
- Smoke, Burning Smells, or Sparks: Coming from any outlet, switch, appliance, or your electrical panel. This is a top-priority, call-911-first-then-call-us situation.
- Exposed, Arcing, or Damaged Wires: Wires chewed by pests in an old Somerville-adjacent home or frayed from age.
- A Complete Power Loss that isn’t a widespread neighborhood outage (check with neighbors).
- Persistent Buzzing, Humming, or Crackling Sounds from electrical fixtures.
- Water Contact with Electricity: A flooded basement from a burst pipe in your Cambridgeport home that has reached outlets or the panel.
- Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips that won’t reset, especially if accompanied by warmth at the panel.
- Downed Power Lines on or near your property. For this, you must call Eversource, the local utility, at 800-592-2000 first, then call us for your home’s internal system assessment.
Why Cambridge Homes Face Unique Electrical Risks
Our city’s charm is also its challenge. Many of our beloved homes in neighborhoods like Harvard Square, West Cambridge, and East Cambridge were built decades—sometimes over a century—ago.
Homes built before 1970, especially the many two- and three-family houses, often have electrical systems that weren’t designed for today’s demands. You might still find knob-and-tube wiring or 60-amp service panels struggling to power multiple computers, air conditioners, and smart devices. Aluminum wiring, common in mid-century renovations, can become a fire hazard if connections loosen over time.
Our climate plays a role too. Summer thunderstorms can send tree limbs crashing onto overhead service lines, a common sight in the tree-lined streets of North Cambridge. Winter freezes and thaws stress external connections. Furthermore, the dense, urban environment means an electrical fire in one unit of a triple-decker can quickly become a tragedy for all.
Understanding the Cost of an Emergency Electrical Call
Let’s talk plainly about cost, because we know it’s a major concern. Yes, emergency service costs more than a scheduled appointment. Here’s why: you’re paying for immediate priority dispatch, a team ready to go at any hour, specialized after-hours logistics, and the expertise to solve high-stakes problems quickly.
Based on current local market rates in the Boston area, here’s a typical breakdown for emergency electrician services in Cambridge:
- Emergency Call-Out/Service Fee: This is a flat fee to dispatch a truck, typically ranging from $150 to $250. It covers the initial travel and diagnostics.
- After-Hours Premium: Work performed on nights, weekends, or holidays usually incurs a labor multiplier. It's common to see rates 1.5 to 2 times the standard hourly rate.
- Hourly Labor Rates: Standard hourly rates for licensed electricians in Cambridge range from $90 to $150 per hour. During an emergency, the applied rate would include the after-hours premium.
- Parts & Materials: You pay for any breakers, wiring, outlets, or other components used, often at a markup for immediate availability.
- Permit & Inspection Fees: If the emergency repair requires a permit (like a service panel replacement), the city of Cambridge will charge a fee, which we handle on your behalf. These fees vary based on the job's value.
Typical Emergency Scenarios and Estimated Cost Ranges:
- Replacing a Faulty, Smoking Circuit Breaker: $300 - $600 (includes call-out, 1-2 hours of premium labor, and the breaker).
- Repairing a Short-Circuit in a Kitchen Outlet Causing Power Loss: $400 - $750 (call-out, diagnostic time, repair labor, and new outlet/ wiring segment).
- Temporary Power Restoration After Storm Damage to External Wiring: $500 - $1,200+ (highly variable based on damage extent and materials; may involve utility coordination).
We always provide a clear estimate before starting any non-life-safety work. For true imminent dangers, we act first to secure the home.
When to Call Immediately vs. When It Can Wait
Use this simple triage guide:
Call an Emergency Electrician NOW (Day or Night): For any of the "red flag" situations listed above—smoke, sparks, burning smell, water contact, downed lines (after calling utility), or total unexplained power loss.
It’s Probably Safe to Schedule a Standard Appointment: For a single non-functioning outlet (with no other symptoms), a light switch that stopped working, planning an upgrade, or installing new fixtures. If you’re in doubt, call us at (888) 903-2131 for advice—we’d rather you call than take a risk.
How to Choose Your Local Emergency Electrician
Don’t just Google "electrician near me" in a panic. Be prepared. Look for a service that:
- Explicitly advertises 24/7 emergency service for Cambridge, MA.
- Is licensed, insured, and bonded in Massachusetts.
- Has experience with older home wiring systems common in our area.
- Can provide clear, upfront pricing over the phone for the dispatch.
- Offers a prompt local response time. In Cambridge, a reputable service should be able to reach most neighborhoods like Porter Square or Mid-Cambridge within 60 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic.
Keep the number for Cambridge Emergency Electrician – (888) 903-2131 in your phone contacts. We are a local team dedicated solely to the Cambridge area, so we know the streets, the housing stock, and the city’s electrical code requirements intimately.
What to Do Until Help Arrives: A Safety Checklist
- Evacuate & Call: If you see smoke or flames, get everyone out and call 911 first. Then call us.
- Shut Off Power at the Main Breaker: Only if you can do so safely—without touching a wet or damaged panel. This is the single safest action for most internal emergencies.
- Unplug Appliances: On the affected circuit if possible.
- Do NOT Use Water: On an electrical fire. Use a Class C fire extinguisher.
- Stay Away: From downed power lines, puddles near electrical equipment, and any sparking devices.
- Document: Take photos of any visible damage for your insurance company.
Cambridge Codes, Permits, and Your Safety
Cambridge has strict electrical codes to protect its dense population and historic buildings. Most major emergency repairs—like replacing a service panel, a meter socket, or rewiring a circuit—will require a permit from the Cambridge Inspectional Services Department. A professional emergency electrician will manage this process. The inspection ensures the repair meets code, making your home safer and keeping you in compliance. Never hire someone who offers to do "permit-free" work on major components; it’s a red flag and can void insurance and complicate future sales.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
During a summer storm last year in West Cambridge, a tree limb took out an overhead service line to a home. The homeowners saw the sparking wire and wisely called Eversource immediately. Once the utility made the line safe, they called us. We were on-site within the hour to assess the damage to their weatherhead and meter base, securing the home and starting the repair process before the next wave of rain hit. That’s the peace of mind that comes with having a plan.
Electrical emergencies are stressful, but you don’t have to face them unprepared or alone. Knowing the signs, the costs, and having a trusted professional on speed dial makes all the difference.
Need an Emergency Electrician in Cambridge, MA? Call Now.
If you’re reading this because you have a flickering light, a warm outlet, or no power at all, don’t hesitate. Every minute counts in preventing damage or danger.
Call Cambridge Emergency Electrician at (888) 903-2131. We are your local 24/7 emergency electrical service. Our licensed technicians are dispatched immediately, day or night, weekends and holidays. We promise clear communication, transparent pricing, and the expertise to handle any electrical crisis in your Cambridge home. Let us restore your safety and power today.
