Power Outage: What to Check Before Calling an Electrician

What to check during a power outage

Before calling an electrician, first determine whether the outage affects the neighbourhood, the entire property or only one circuit. This helps you contact the correct service and gives the electrician useful information.

Is the neighbourhood affected?

Look outside without approaching damaged lines. If neighbouring homes and streetlights are also off, consult Hydro-Québec’s official outage map. Report fallen conductors, damaged poles or trees on lines directly to the utility and keep everyone away.

Is the whole property without power?

If neighbours have power but your entire home does not, check whether there are unusual smells, sounds, smoke, water or visible damage near the meter and service entrance. Do not touch the equipment if anything appears damaged.

The problem may involve the utility connection, meter equipment, main disconnect or electrical panel. Hydro-Québec or an electrician may need to determine which side of the installation is affected.

Is only one area affected?

Unplug appliances on the affected circuit. From a safe position, check the breaker panel. A tripped breaker can sit between ON and OFF; reset it only once by moving it fully to OFF and then ON. If it trips again, leave it off and call an electrician.

Also check whether a GFCI receptacle has tripped, particularly in kitchens, bathrooms, garages and exterior areas. Do not reset a device that is wet, hot or damaged.

When to call immediately

Call promptly for a burning smell, buzzing, repeated trips, a hot panel, sparks, smoke, water in electrical equipment or a damaged service entrance. For fire or immediate danger, leave the area and call 911.

Information that speeds up troubleshooting

Note when the outage began, what equipment was operating, which rooms are affected and whether a breaker or GFCI tripped. Photos are useful only when they can be taken safely.

Lumineau Électrique offers 24/7 troubleshooting across Greater Montreal. A few safe observations can shorten the service call, but never remove a panel cover or approach damaged utility conductors yourself.