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.
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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 — West Findlay (Blanchard River) (Findlay, OH)
West Findlay sits along the Blanchard River and includes the University of Findlay neighborhood. Older near-campus rentals + early-1900s family homes. Flooding history along the Blanchard means sump pumps, backflow preventers, and basement waterproofing are perennial work. The 2007 flood is still in living memory and shapes contractor recommendations here.