Need a professional electrician to make a service call? In a typical scenario, you are likely to pay between $140 and $378.

This average cost to order an electrical service call applies to normal working hours; emergency electrical service late at night, on weekends, or on holidays will usually cost more. It includes labor only and can vary depending on whether your electrician charges per job or by the hour (which may involve a minimum fee).

Cost Breakdown

The cost of an electrical service call includes:

• Labor -- When you order the electrical service call, clarify how the labor cost is calculated: flat per-job fee, basic hourly rate, hourly rate with a minimum, or hourly rate plus a travel charge.

The cost that you are quoted might also include:

• Materials and Supplies -- A flat fee per job will normally include all major materials, as well as supplies. On the other hand, an hourly rate will usually include small parts and incidental supplies, but larger parts will be billed separately. When you first contact the electrician, discuss exactly what you'll be charged for and the quality of parts to be used.

Get the Most for Your Money

First, a friendly warning: Keep yourself, your family, and your home safe. Take care of electrical troubles right away and be sure to hire only a licensed, bonded, and insured electrician. The pros know how to install and repair electrical devices to comply with code and to keep your insurance provider happy.

Another reason to hire a professional electrician is that their vehicle will be well-stocked with parts and supplies. once your electrical problem is diagnosed, your electrician can get to work and complete the job without taking time out to go purchase parts.

Keep on top of potential problems. Inspect your electrical appliances, breaker boards, outlets, and so on regularly so that you can call an electrician before they need emergency work. The cost to hire an electrician is almost always substantially lower during normal working hours.

Be sure to get a warranty on parts and labor. If you need a substantial amount of electrical work, ask about the possibility of financing.

Put together a list of electrical repairs or upgrades so that you don't have to pay a sizable minimum charge for a service call to take care of just one item.