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 Toledo, OH
Great Lakes Electrical Contracting Inc
Transtar Electric, Security & Technologies
"We were very pleased with the service on our Generac generator They come once a year and it’s not necessary for you to be home. I highly recommend them as your service provider"
Action Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical
Led Electric LLC
Mister Sparky of Toledo
"Tyler is who came and installed my exhaust fan in bathroom and added an outlet and upgraded a couple of breakers for me and he was beyond professional. A+ job from start to finish"
Schneider Sons' Electric Corp.
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 — Toledo, OH
Older housing stock (median 1957) drives demand for HVAC, sewer-line, and panel-upgrade work. Lake-Erie weather extremes hit furnaces hard November–March.