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 Gahanna, OH
Electric Medic
"Excellent and knowledgeable technician! Great work! Organized and efficient with a wonderful job hiding the long wire in the basement (through finished and unfinished parts of the "
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Romanoff Group
Electric Solutions Inc.
"These are some of the best in the business! Would absolutely recommend them. They have some awesome energy saving options that are awesome!"
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G&M Electrical Contractors Inc
"I have used G&M Electrical Contractors on numerous occasions. I will definitely call G&M again and give the company a five star rating. Very pleased."
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 — Gahanna, OH
NE Columbus suburb near John Glenn International. Mix of older Creekside-area housing and newer subdivisions. Common project mix: service-panel upgrades, backup sump systems, and HVAC replacements in 1980s-2000s homes.