Step-by-step response
- 1Check if it's just you
Look at neighbors' houses + streetlights. If they're dark too, call the utility. Toledo metro = Toledo Edison 1-888-544-4877. Findlay metro = AEP Ohio 1-800-672-2231.
- 2Check for tripped breakers
Open your panel. Look for a breaker that's centered (between ON and OFF) — that's tripped. Flip fully OFF then back ON to reset. If it stays on: fixed.
- 3Check GFCI outlets
Bathroom, kitchen, garage, outdoor outlets are usually GFCI-protected. A tripped GFCI takes out the whole circuit. Press the small RESET button on the GFCI outlet; you'll hear/feel a click.
- 4If breaker keeps tripping — STOP
Don't reset more than once. Repeated trips can melt wiring + start a fire. Call an electrician same-day. Common causes: short circuit, ground fault, overloaded circuit, aging breaker.
- 5Burning smell or warm panel?
Cut the main breaker (top of panel) immediately. Call an electrician now, not tomorrow. Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels (1960s-1980s) have a known fire-risk pattern — replacement is $1,800-3,200.
Verified electricians serving Fairfield, OH
Thomas & Galbraith Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical
Electrical Integrity Construction
Morris Electric Contracting & Service, INC
"I messed up trying to do some work myself, they were able to come out quick and undo my screw up. Reasonable pricing and good solution. Would recommend and will hire again!"
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The Orange Electrtic Company Inc
"They do amazing work, took the time to get the job done correctly and didn’t charge an arm and a leg. Great guys!"
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CC ELECTRIC LLC
"If I could give him a 10 star 🌟 I would, Fast, Fair, cool. He replaced my ectrical panel and Main Line. He even added an outlet for my semi truck 🚚"
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Mattar Service Inc
"Everyone We’ve used Matter Electric many times for all our electrical needs at our facility. They’ve been top notch and very professional. I would highly recommend"
View pro & call →Frequently asked
Why won't my breaker reset?
Either there's still a fault on the circuit, the breaker itself failed, or the panel has lost its bus connection. All three need an electrician — don't try to force a reset.
Should I worry about my old fuse box?
Pre-1965 fuse boxes are often 60A and undersized for modern loads. They're not inherently dangerous if intact, but most insurance carriers will require an upgrade to 100A+ before renewal. Plan a panel swap ($1,800-3,200).
Local context — Fairfield, OH
Large Butler County suburb north of Cincinnati. Mid-century ranches and 1980s-2000s subdivisions create a steady mix of HVAC changeouts, water-heater swaps, and service-panel upgrades before EV or hot-tub installs.