abel-electric

Electrical Emergency? Here's What to Do (and When to Call Us)

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 18:41:03 GMT

24/7 emergency electrical service for homes and businesses in Columbus, Phenix City, Auburn, Opelika and the Chattahoochee Valley

Electrical problems don't wait for business hours. It's 10 at night, the kitchen lights are flickering, and there's a smell you can't quite place. Do you wait until morning, or do you call someone now?

Here's a simple way to tell the difference, plus what to do while help is on the way.

Signs It's an Emergency

Call right away if you notice any of these:

A burning or hot plastic smell near an outlet, switch or your electrical panel
Sparks, scorch marks, or outlets and switch plates that feel warm to the touch
Buzzing, crackling or popping sounds from the panel or inside a wall
Part of your home or building lost power, but the rest of the street didn't
A breaker that trips again every time you reset it
Water anywhere near electrical equipment, like a flooded basement or a roof leak over a fixture
Storm damage to the meter base or the line coming into your home

If you see smoke or flames, get everyone out and call 911 first.

What to Do While You Wait

Don't touch anything that's sparking, wet or hot. Keep kids and pets away from the area.

Shut off power to the problem if you can do it safely. If the panel is dry and you're not standing in water, flip the breaker for the affected circuit, or the main breaker if you're not sure which one. If there's any doubt, leave it alone.

Unplug what you can safely reach on the affected circuit.

Stay away from downed lines. If a power line is down in your yard or on the street, keep your distance and call your utility company right away.

Is It the Utility or Your Wiring?

A quick check can save you a call. Look outside. If the whole neighborhood is dark, it's most likely a utility outage, and your power company is the one to call.

If it's just your home or building, or only part of it, the problem is likely on your side of the meter. That's when you call an electrician.

What Happens When You Call Abel

Call 706-442-9093 , day or night. After hours, your call goes to our after-hours line for urgent needs. Tell us what's going on, and we'll help you figure out whether it's safe to wait until morning or needs a licensed electrician now.

Once we're there, the first job is making things safe. Then we find what caused the problem and walk you through the fix before any work starts.

A Few Ways to Head Off Emergencies

Pay attention to warning signs like flickering lights, warm outlets or breakers that trip often. They're usually trying to tell you something.
If your home is older or you've added big loads like a hot tub, shop equipment or an EV charger, have your panel checked.
For homes that can't go without power, a Generac home standby generator keeps the lights, fridge and HVAC running during an outage.

We're Here Day or Night

Abel Electric has been serving homes and businesses in the Chattahoochee Valley since 2008. We're licensed in Alabama and Georgia, and we answer the phone 24/7.

Save our number in your phone now so it's there when you need it: 706-442-9093 . For non-emergency work, visit our General Electrical Services page. Estimates are free.

Thinking About an EV Charger at Home? Here's What to Know First

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 17:49:42 GMT

Level 2 chargers, panel capacity and permits for homeowners in Columbus, Phenix City, Auburn and Opelika

You brought home the new EV. It's quiet, it's quick, and the first week is fun. Then you realize the cord that came with it, plugged into a regular wall outlet, takes all night (and then some) to put a real charge back in the battery.

That's usually when the questions start. Do I need a special charger? Can my panel handle it? Who do I call?

We install home EV chargers across Columbus, Phenix City, Auburn, Opelika and the rest of the Chattahoochee Valley, and these are the questions we hear most.

Level 1 vs. Level 2: What's the Difference?

Level 1 is the cord that comes with most EVs. It plugs into a standard 120-volt household outlet. It works, but it's slow. If you drive a lot, it may not keep up.

Level 2 runs on 240 volts, the same kind of circuit a dryer or range uses. It charges a lot faster, which is why most EV owners end up wanting one in the garage or driveway. A Level 2 charger needs its own dedicated circuit, and that's where an electrician comes in.

Can My Electrical Panel Handle It?

This is the big one. A Level 2 charger adds a large, steady load to your home's electrical system, often for hours at a time.

Before we install anything, we look at:

How much capacity your panel has
What's already running on it (HVAC, water heater, pool equipment, a shop)
Whether there's physical room for a new breaker
How far the charger will sit from the panel

Plenty of homes have room to spare. Some, especially older homes, need a panel upgrade first. If that's the case, we'll tell you straight and walk you through the options. We handle panel upgrades too, so it's one crew start to finish.

Where Should the Charger Go?

Think about where you actually park. Most people put it in the garage, close to wherever the charging port lines up. Outdoor installs work too, as long as the equipment is rated for it.

A shorter run from the panel usually means a simpler install, but we'll find the spot that makes sense for how you use your car day to day.

Do I Need a Permit?

In most cases, yes. A new 240-volt circuit is the kind of work local inspectors want to see done right. We pull the permits and schedule the inspections, so you don't have to figure out the paperwork.

Why Not Just DIY It?

We get it. There are plenty of videos online. But a Level 2 charger is a high-amperage circuit running for hours at a time, often overnight while you're asleep. Wire size, breaker size, and connections all matter. A licensed electrician makes sure it's safe, up to code, and ready to pass inspection.

Planning a Generator Down the Road?

If a Generac home standby generator is on your list too, mention it when we come out. Planning the panel with the future in mind can save you from doing the work twice.

Ready to Plug In?

Abel Electric is licensed in Alabama and Georgia and has been wiring homes and businesses in the Chattahoochee Valley since 2008. Estimates are free.

Call us at 706-442-9093 or visit our General Electrical Services page to get started on your home EV charger installation in Columbus, Phenix City, Auburn, Opelika or nearby.