Top Emergency Electricians in Arlington, VA, 20598 | Compare & Call
R&A Electrical Services is a trusted electrical contractor in Arlington, VA, founded in 2014. Owner Robert Juarez brings extensive expertise from high-end residential projects. The company provides reliable electrical inspection and repair services for homeowners, known for quality workmanship and strict adherence to local electrical codes. Their skilled electricians serve Arlington, Alexandria, and surrounding Northern Virginia communities.
For reliable electrical and security services in Arlington, VA, call Klein Electric. With over eight years of experience, their certified electricians handle repairs, EV charger installations, panel upgrades, and lighting. Trust their team for quality workmanship and clear communication across Northern Virginia. They offer dependable service for both scheduled projects and urgent electrical needs.
Since 2010, Mark Young Electric has provided trusted residential electrical service in Arlington, VA. Their skilled electricians handle installations, repairs, and electrical inspections with a focus on quality work and honest, friendly service. They offer reliable solutions for homeowners across Northern Virginia, backed by a strong local reputation for responsiveness and fair, affordable rates.
Muza Electric provides reliable electrical services for Arlington, VA homes and businesses. Their licensed electricians handle repairs, installations, and EV charger setup. With a strong reputation for quality and safety, they offer solutions for circuit panels, lighting, and wiring. Available for Arlington and surrounding Northern Virginia communities.
LLUGO General Contracting
LLUGO General Contracting in Arlington, VA, is a Class A licensed contractor serving homeowners since 2013. Their skilled team handles kitchen and bathroom remodels, new construction, and electrical or plumbing work. Known for reliable craftsmanship and integrity, they provide professional home improvement services for projects of any size.
Waver Construction is a trusted general contractor in Arlington, VA, skilled in kitchen remodeling, bathroom additions, and deck construction. Their team brings reliability and craftsmanship to every project, from home additions to epoxy flooring. They serve Arlington, Ashburn, and surrounding Northern Virginia communities.
In Arlington, VA, Godspeed provides reliable electrical, plumbing, and masonry services for homeowners. Their skilled technicians handle everything from circuit breaker repair and drain repair to patio construction and retaining walls. Known for clear communication and fair pricing, this trusted local company serves Arlington, Alexandria, and McLean with consistent quality.
I4 Construction is a trusted general contractor serving Arlington, VA, with over two decades of experience. Specializing in kitchen and bathroom remodeling, new construction, and electrical work, they provide reliable 24/7 service for clients across Northern Virginia. Their focus on client satisfaction and quality craftsmanship has built a strong local reputation.
LRV Construction provides trusted electrical, plumbing, and general contracting services to Arlington, VA and surrounding communities. Known for reliable workmanship, they offer 24/7 emergency service for repairs and installations. Their skilled team handles projects from bathroom remodels to building additions with a focus on quality and client satisfaction.
Task Solutions Company has been a trusted Arlington, VA electrician and plumber since 2011. Offering electrical inspections, plumbing repair, and water purification maintenance, their skilled technicians provide reliable service across Northern Virginia. They bring versatile expertise to every job, from sump pump installation to emergency repairs, helping homeowners maintain their properties with fair, local service.
When the Lights Go Out in Arlington: Your Complete Guide to Emergency Electricians
Living in Arlington, VA means enjoying a vibrant community, but it also means dealing with humid summers, sudden thunderstorms, and aging electrical systems in many of our beautiful, older homes. When you smell burning plastic from an outlet at midnight, or your power goes out during a summer storm while everywhere else on your block is lit up, you need help now. This is exactly when knowing about a reliable emergency electrician in Arlington, VA is essential. Let's talk about what an electrical emergency really is, what to expect, and how to get safe, fast help when you need it most.
What Is an Emergency Electrician?
An emergency electrician isn't just a regular electrician working late. They are specially equipped and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to handle dangerous, urgent electrical problems that can't wait for normal business hours. Think of them as the first responders for your home's electrical system. Their vans are stocked with common parts, they have direct contacts with local utilities like Dominion Energy, and they prioritize safety and speed above all else.
What Really Counts as an Electrical Emergency?
Not every flickering light needs a midnight service call. A true electrical emergency involves an immediate risk of fire, electrocution, or major property damage. Here are clear signs you have one:
- Smoke, Burning Smells, or Sparks: If you see sparks from an outlet, switch, or appliance, or smell something like burnt plastic or fish, shut off power to that area immediately if it's safe.
- Complete Power Loss (When Neighbors Have Power): If your entire house is dark but your neighbor's porch light is on, the problem is likely in your service drop, meter, or main panel.
- Sizzling or Buzzing Sounds from Walls or Panels: This often indicates a loose, arcing connection that can start a fire inside your walls.
- Water Contact with Electricity: If flooding, a leak, or a burst pipe has soaked outlets, switches, or a basement electrical panel.
- Exposed or Damaged Live Wires: Any visible, frayed wiring is a severe shock hazard.
- Frequent Circuit Breaker Tripping: If a breaker trips repeatedly and won't stay reset, it's signaling an overload or short circuit.
During summer storms in Arlington, it's not uncommon to see service drops—the wires from the pole to your house—damaged by falling branches. When that happens, you'll lose power and need both the utility and an emergency electrician to make safe repairs once Dominion Energy has done their part.
Arlington's Homes and Climate: A Recipe for Electrical Issues
Our local context matters. Arlington's housing stock is a mix of historic colonials in neighborhoods like Lyon Village, post-WWII ramblers in North Arlington, and modern high-rise condos in Ballston. Homes built before the 1970s often have electrical systems that weren't designed for today's demands.
- Older Wiring: You might still find outdated and hazardous knob-and-tube wiring in attics of homes in Cherrydale, or aluminum wiring in homes from the 1960s and 70s, which can overheat at connections.
- Undersized Panels: Many older Arlington homes have 60-amp or 100-amp service panels, which are overloaded by central air conditioning, multiple computers, and modern appliances.
- Summer Storm Surges: Our humid summers bring intense thunderstorms. Lightning strikes or power grid fluctuations can send surges through lines, frying electronics and damaging panels.
- High Humidity: Persistent humidity can lead to corrosion in outdoor panels and meter bases over time, especially in low-lying areas near Four Mile Run.
In older neighborhoods near Arlington National Cemetery, homes built before 1960 often still have those smaller panels. Adding a window AC unit or a space heater to an already-stretched circuit can be the final straw that causes an overload and requires an urgent call.
Understanding the Cost of an Emergency Electrical Call
Let's be transparent: emergency services cost more than a scheduled appointment. There's a premium for speed, after-hours labor, and immediate availability. Here’s a breakdown of what goes into the bill for a typical emergency electrician call-out fee in our area, based on current local industry averages.
- Emergency Dispatch/Trip Fee: This covers the electrician coming to you, regardless of the job. In Arlington, this typically ranges from $100 to $250.
- After-Hours Premium: Work performed on nights, weekends, or major holidays often has a labor multiplier. It's common to see rates 1.5x to 2x the standard rate. Standard hourly labor rates in Arlington range from $90 to $150 per hour.
- Diagnostics: There may be a separate fee for troubleshooting the problem, which is sometimes rolled into the first hour of labor.
- Parts & Materials: Breakers, wiring, outlets, etc., are charged at a markup over cost.
- Permits & Inspections: For certain major emergency repairs—like replacing a main service panel—a permit from Arlington County is required, and a final inspection will be needed. Permit fees vary but can add $50 to $200+ to the project cost.
Real-World Cost Examples
Scenario 1: Weekend Breaker Panel Repair. Your main panel is buzzing on a Saturday afternoon. The emergency trip fee is $150. The electrician works for 2 hours at an after-hours rate of $180/hr to diagnose and tighten a faulty main connection. Total: approximately $510 (plus any permit if panel work is extensive).
Scenario 2: Storm-Damaged Outdoor Receptacle. A tree limb breaks an outdoor GFCI outlet during a storm, exposing wires. A weeknight call-out fee is $175. One hour of after-hours labor at $195/hr replaces the outlet. Total: approximately $370.
Always ask for an estimate before work begins. A reputable emergency electrician will explain the fees clearly.
When to Call Immediately vs. When It Can Wait
Use this simple guide to triage your situation:
Call an Emergency Electrician NOW (Dial (888) 903-2131):
- Any sign of smoke, fire, or burning smell.
- Power out in your home only (check with neighbors).
- Water is in contact with any electrical component.
- You hear loud buzzing or popping from a panel.
- You see exposed, sparking, or damaged wires.
It's Likely Safe to Wait for Regular Hours:
- A single dead outlet (try resetting its GFCI first).
- Minor, occasional light flickering with no other symptoms.
- Planning an upgrade or addition.
- A circuit breaker that trips rarely under high load (like running a vacuum and hair dryer together).
How to Choose Your Arlington Emergency Electrician
In a panic, it's easy to just call the first number you find. But for your safety and wallet, look for these signs of a good local pro:
- Licensed & Insured: They must hold a valid Virginia journeyman or master electrician license and carry full liability insurance.
- 24/7 Availability: A dedicated electrician emergency number answered by a live person or a very responsive dispatch service.
- Local Knowledge: They should be familiar with Arlington County permit processes, Dominion Energy protocols, and common issues in our older homes.
- Transparent Pricing: They should explain their emergency call-out fee, hourly rates, and parts markup upfront.
- Positive Local Reviews: Check for consistent feedback about responsiveness, professionalism, and fair pricing.
Your local choice is Arlington Emergency Electrician. We're based right here in the community, understand the unique wiring challenges of Arlington homes, and are available around the clock.
What to Do Until Help Arrives: A Safety Checklist
- Assess Safely: Do not touch sparking or smoking fixtures. Keep people and pets away.
- Shut Off Power: If the problem is isolated (like a smoking appliance), unplug it. If it's a smoking outlet or switch, turn off the circuit at the breaker panel—if you can do so safely without touching any wet or damaged parts of the panel.
- Shut Off Main Power: If there's major smoke, burning smell from walls, or water flooding the panel, turn off the main breaker. Know where it is beforehand!
- Call the Utility: For downed power lines in your yard or street, call Dominion Energy immediately at 1-866-366-4357. Stay far away from downed lines.
- Call for Professional Help: Once you and your family are safe, call your emergency electrician. For immediate dispatch in Arlington, call (888) 903-2131 now.
- Document: Take photos of the damage for your insurance company.
Local Rules and Safety Tips
Arlington County has specific rules that affect emergency work:
- Permits: Major repairs—like replacing a service panel, adding new circuits, or rewiring a room—require an electrical permit. Your electrician should pull this permit. Emergency "make-safe" work might not require one immediately, but follow-up permitting is often needed.
- Inspections: Permitted work will require an inspection by the Arlington County Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development. This ensures the repair meets current National Electrical Code standards.
- Utility Coordination: Only Dominion Energy can work on the lines up to your meter. If the problem is with the service drop or meter, your electrician will coordinate the necessary utility shut-off for them to make repairs safely.
Don't Risk It—Call Your Local Arlington Experts Today
Electrical emergencies are scary, disruptive, and dangerous. Trying to wait it out or fix it yourself can lead to fire, serious injury, or more costly damage. In Arlington, with our mix of old-house charm and modern power needs, having a trusted expert on speed dial is just smart planning.
Whether it's a sizzling sound from a panel in a Lyon Village colonial after a storm, or total darkness in your Ballston condo while your neighbors have power, fast, professional help is available. Arlington Emergency Electrician provides 24/7 emergency service to every corner of our community, with typical response times of 60-120 minutes depending on traffic and weather conditions.
When you need an emergency electrician in Arlington, VA, don't hesitate. Call the local number answered day and night: (888) 903-2131. We'll get a licensed expert to your home fast, diagnose the problem safely, explain all costs upfront, and restore your power and peace of mind.
