If your power just went out: check whether neighboring homes lost power too. If it's just your house, check your breaker panel for a tripped breaker. If you smell burning, see sparks, or a breaker won't stay reset, stop and call a licensed electrician at +1 (888) 655-9080.
In This Guide
Is It a Utility Outage or Your Electrical System?
Before touching your breaker panel, figure out whether the problem is on your side of the meter or the utility company's. This determines who you actually need to call.
- Check your neighbors: If their lights are also out, it's almost certainly a utility-side outage. Report it to your power company and wait — no electrician needed.
- Check your phone's outage map: Most utility providers have an outage map or text alert system that confirms outages in your area within minutes.
- If only your home is dark: The issue is likely inside your electrical system — most often a tripped breaker, which is the next thing to check.
How to Safely Reset a Tripped Breaker
Step 1
Open your breaker panel and look for a breaker switch that's sitting in the middle position, between "on" and "off" — that's the tripped one.
Step 2
Before resetting it, unplug or turn off whatever device was running on that circuit when it tripped, since an overloaded circuit is the most common cause.
Step 3
Push the breaker firmly to the full "off" position first, then switch it back to "on." Don't just nudge it from the middle — a full off-then-on cycle is what actually resets it.
Step 4
If power restores and stays on, you're likely dealing with a simple overload. If it trips again immediately, stop resetting it and move to the next section.
Warning Signs That Mean Stop and Call a Pro
Burning smell near an outlet or panel — this signals overheating wiring or a failing connection. Shut off power to that circuit and don't use the outlet again until it's inspected.
Visible sparks or scorch marks — any sign of arcing at an outlet, switch, or panel means stop immediately and call an electrician.
A breaker that trips repeatedly — even after unplugging everything on that circuit, a breaker that won't stay reset usually indicates a wiring fault, not just an overload.
Warm or discolored outlet covers — outlets shouldn't feel warm to the touch; this can indicate a loose connection generating heat behind the wall.
Flickering lights across multiple rooms — this can point to a problem at the panel level rather than a single bulb or fixture.
Seeing any of these warning signs? Get a licensed electrician dispatched to your home now.
📞 Call +1 (888) 655-9080Common Causes of Repeated Breaker Trips
- Circuit overload: Too many high-draw devices (space heaters, hair dryers, microwaves) running on the same circuit at once.
- Short circuits: A hot wire touching a neutral or ground wire, often from damaged insulation or a faulty appliance.
- Ground faults: Current leaking to a ground path, commonly near water sources like kitchens and bathrooms.
- Aging wiring or connections: Loose or corroded connections in older homes that worsen with normal daily use.
- A failing breaker itself: Breakers wear out over time and can trip prematurely even without an actual fault.
Safe DIY Checks vs. Calling an Electrician
Reasonable to Check Yourself
- Resetting a breaker that tripped once from an obvious overload
- Confirming a utility-wide outage vs. your home only
- Unplugging devices to test if a single appliance is the cause
Call an Electrician
- Burning smells, sparks, or scorch marks anywhere
- A breaker that trips repeatedly after unplugging everything
- Warm outlets, switch plates, or panel covers
- Any work involving opening the panel itself beyond flipping a breaker
HomeCallPro connects homeowners with licensed, background-checked electricians for emergency dispatch 24/7 at +1 (888) 655-9080.
Preventing Future Electrical Issues
- Spread high-draw appliances across different circuits instead of running several on one.
- Schedule a panel inspection every few years, especially in homes over 20 years old.
- Don't ignore a breaker that trips "sometimes" — intermittent faults tend to get worse, not better, on their own.
- Use surge protectors for sensitive electronics to reduce strain from voltage spikes.
- Have GFCI outlets installed in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas near water if your home doesn't already have them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first if my power suddenly goes out?
Check if neighboring homes also lost power — if so, it's likely a utility outage and not your electrical system. If only your home is affected, check your breaker panel for a tripped breaker before calling an electrician.
Is it safe to reset a tripped breaker myself?
Yes, resetting a breaker that tripped once is generally safe. But if the same breaker trips repeatedly, stop resetting it and call a licensed electrician, since repeated tripping usually signals an underlying fault.
What does it mean if I smell burning near an outlet?
A burning smell near an outlet is a serious warning sign of overheating wiring or a failing connection. Turn off power to that circuit at the breaker panel immediately and call an electrician — do not use the outlet again until it's inspected.
Can I find a 24/7 emergency electrician near me?
Yes. HomeCallPro dispatches licensed electricians around the clock for outages, sparking outlets, and panel failures.