Electrical emergency? What qualifies.
Not every electrical issue is an emergency, and not every emergency requires the same response. Knowing the priority levels saves urgency for true emergencies.
By Steven Lockhart · Reviewed by Alex Towery, C-10 #989290
Updated 2026-06-16
Three tiers: (1) 911 emergency — visible fire, smoke from electrical, anyone in active contact with electricity. Call 911 first. (2) Same-day emergency dispatch — burning smell, scorching, sparking, hot panel, repeated trips with no obvious cause, exposed wiring in living areas. (3) Same-day standard — total outage when neighbors have power, partial outage, intermittent issues, GFCI/breaker that won't reset. Most concerning conditions are tier 2-3.
01Tier 1: Call 911 first.
Visible fire from electrical components (panel, outlet, fixture): 911 immediately. Don't try to fight the fire with water (electrical fire — water makes it worse). Fire extinguishers rated for electrical (Class C) work; if you don't have one or aren't trained, leave and let fire department handle. Call PG&E (1-800-743-5000) once safe to do so to request emergency disconnect.
Visible smoke from electrical components without flame yet: still 911 — smoke means active or imminent combustion. Leave the area, close doors behind you to contain spread, call 911 from outside. Don't try to assess or address yourself.
Anyone in active electrical contact (someone touching live wire, frozen on energized component): 911. Don't try to pull them off — you become part of the circuit. If you can safely de-energize (flip the main breaker), do so. Otherwise wait for emergency services.
02Tier 2 and Tier 3 specifics.
Tier 2 — Same-day emergency (call within hours)
Burning smell from any electrical component; visible scorch marks or melted plastic; sparking outlets, switches, or fixtures; hot panel (warm to touch beyond ambient); repeated breaker trips that won't stay reset; exposed wiring in living areas where people might touch; main breaker won't reset; loud humming/buzzing/crackling from electrical components.
Tier 3 — Same-day standard (call during business hours)
Total outage when PG&E grid is fine and neighbors have power; partial outage (some circuits work, others don't); intermittent power on specific circuits; GFCI that won't reset; outlet that doesn't work but no other signs; light fixture that doesn't work; circuit that occasionally trips under heavy load.
Schedulable — Within days to weeks
Outlet feels slightly warm under heavy use; planned upgrades (panel, EV charger, new circuits); cosmetic issues (loose outlet faceplate, switch operates roughly); inspections after purchase or remodel.
03How Towery Electric handles each tier.
Tier 1: Call 911 directly — we don't substitute for emergency services. After fire department arrives and addresses immediate safety, we can be called to repair the underlying electrical issue (often coordinating with insurance restoration contractors). Same-day after fire department clears.
Tier 2: Emergency dispatch — typically 1-3 hours from call across Marin during business hours; 1-4 hours after-hours and weekends. Emergency rate applies for after-hours and weekend calls. Standard rate for in-hours emergency dispatch. We prioritize Tier 2 calls and stop other work as needed.
Tier 3: Same-day standard dispatch when capacity allows — typically 3-6 hours from call. Standard rates. If we're fully booked: next-day at earliest, prioritized appointment. Most Marin same-day standard calls fit same-day. We're upfront about capacity if it requires next-day scheduling.
Common questions.
What if I'm not sure which tier?
Err toward higher urgency. The cost difference between same-day standard and same-day emergency is modest (maybe $50-$150 in rate difference); the safety difference of getting wrong-direction dispatch can be significant. Describe the symptoms when you call — we help triage on the phone and recommend appropriate response level.
Do you charge differently for emergency vs standard?
Yes. Standard business hours rate applies for non-emergency and standard same-day calls during 7am-5pm weekdays. Emergency rate applies for after-hours (after 5pm weekdays, weekends, holidays) and for explicitly urgent dispatch even during hours. Difference typically $50-$150 on hourly rate plus minimum 1-hour billing. We're upfront about rates when you call.
Can I avoid emergency rates by waiting?
For genuine Tier 2 emergencies: no, waiting risks fire or further damage. The rate premium is reasonable insurance cost. For Tier 3 scenarios you discover after-hours: yes, often appropriate to wait until next business day for standard rate. Use phone consultation to triage — we help determine if waiting is safe.
What about weekends and holidays?
After-hours rates apply (typically Saturday afternoon through Sunday evening, federal holidays). Dispatch availability is reduced — typical 1-4 hour response time, occasionally longer for full-weekend deep nights. Emergency triage still applies — true Tier 1 (call 911) and Tier 2 dispatch operate every day. Tier 3 standard typically deferred to next business day on weekends.
How do you handle pricing — flat fee or hourly?
Both, depending on scope. Routine service calls and predictable scope (panel replacement, EV charger install, transfer switch install, fixture replacement) are flat-fee quoted up front. Diagnostic visits and emergency scope are hourly because we don't know what we'll find. Either way, you get a written quote before work starts on anything significant, and we don't proceed beyond the quote without your sign-off.
How quickly can you schedule?
Depends on scope and season. Emergency dispatch: same-day across Marin County (1-3 hours business hours, 1-4 hours after-hours). Same-day standard service: 3-6 hours from call when capacity allows; otherwise next business day. Scheduled service work: 1-3 weeks typical. Larger projects requiring permits and PG&E coordination: 4-12 weeks depending on scope. We're upfront about timeline at the quote stage.
What warranty do you offer on work?
Our standard residential warranty: 2 years on labor, manufacturer warranty on parts (varies by product — typically 1-10 years). Major installs (panels, generators, EV chargers) often have longer manufacturer warranties (5-10 years). If there's an issue with our work in the warranty period, we come back and fix it at no cost. We also stand behind work past warranty — repeat customers and referrals matter more than a transactional fix.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. California State License Board C-10 Electrical Contractor #989290, in good standing. Carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance as required by California law. Bondable on projects requiring it. Happy to provide proof of insurance to clients or property managers on request. License lookup: cslb.ca.gov.
Emergency response across Marin County.
Same-day dispatch for safety scenarios. Typical on-site time 1-3 hours weekday, 1-4 hours after-hours.