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 North Toledo (Toledo, OH)
Led Electric LLC
Porter Heating, Air Conditioning And Electrical LLC
"I've used Porter Heating 2 times now in a span of a month or so and have had nothing but the best results. Very fair, honest and timely. Porter Heating will now be my first call."
Romanoff Electric Co LLC
Z and Z Electric, Inc.
"John did a excellent job. I had lost power to my garage and he was able to diagnosed the problem and fix it within a hour. Came out the same day I called. I would definitely call a"
Diamond Electric
"Dan and all the guys at Diamond Electric were great to work with on my residential job. I would highly recommend Diamond Electric."
GHW Enterprise, Inc
"I've had work done with this company at my shop on atleast three separate occasions. They have always been fast, friendly, and reliable with a fair price. Thanks for another great "
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 — North Toledo (Toledo, OH)
North Toledo has older homes adjacent to industrial corridors. Lake-Erie weather hits roofs, sump pumps, and outdoor plumbing hard. Spring sewer backups are common — sump pump replacement and backflow-preventer install make up a big share of plumber work.