Power out? Step through these five.
A systematic five-step diagnostic resolves most outage scenarios or quickly identifies what kind of professional help is needed.
By Steven Lockhart · Reviewed by Alex Towery, C-10 #989290
Updated 2026-06-16
Five-step troubleshooting: (1) Scope — total outage or partial? (2) PG&E or internal? (Check map, check neighbors.) (3) Main breaker — tripped? Reset once. (4) Branch breakers and GFCIs — any tripped? Reset. (5) If still out, professional diagnosis. Most outages resolve in steps 3-4. Step 5 means electrician visit; about 15-25% of outages reach this step.
01Steps 1-2: Scope and source.
Step 1 — Scope: total outage or partial? Walk through the house and identify what works and what doesn't. Total outage: all rooms dark, no outlets work, no lights work. Partial outage: some rooms work, others don't. The distinction guides next steps: total outages usually involve main breaker, service entrance, or grid; partial outages usually involve specific branch circuit issues. Document the pattern — useful if you end up calling electrician.
Step 2 — PG&E or internal: for total outages, distinguish grid outage from internal issue. Check PG&E outage map (pge.com/outages) and visible neighbors. Both indicate grid outage: wait for PG&E. Map shows no outage and neighbors have power: internal issue, proceed to step 3. For partial outages, it's almost always internal (skip to step 4).
02Steps 3-5: Internal diagnosis.
Step 3 — Main breaker
Open main panel safely. Look at main breaker (top of panel, largest, labeled with amperage like '200'). If tripped (middle position): firmly reset OFF then ON. Power restored? Monitor for repeat. Still out or trips immediately? Call electrician — main breaker won't reset cleanly indicates a real fault.
Step 4 — Branch breakers and GFCIs
For partial outages: check individual breakers for tripped position. Reset any tripped breakers. Walk to affected rooms and check GFCI outlets — press RESET on any with popped reset button. Many partial outages resolve here. If specific circuit repeatedly trips, you've identified the fault area — call electrician with that information.
Step 5 — Professional diagnosis
If steps 1-4 don't restore power, call electrician. Provide: scope (total or partial), what you tried (breaker resets, GFCI resets), any observations (sounds from panel, smell, anything visible). This information helps the electrician prepare and arrive ready to diagnose efficiently.
03What to do during/after diagnostic.
While waiting for electrician: limit panel interaction. Don't keep cycling breakers. Don't open panel components or touch wiring. Manage food (close fridge/freezer doors, transfer most-important items to coolers if outage extends). Charge phones if any battery backup available. Document anything unusual — sounds, smells, visible damage — for the electrician.
After repair: ask the electrician to explain what happened and what was repaired. Understand whether the issue is fully resolved or if monitoring is recommended. For panel repairs, request documentation (work order with breaker brand/model installed, panel notes). For service entrance work, ensure permit and inspection are completed. Keep records for home file and any insurance claims.
Common questions.
What if none of the steps work?
Then step 5 (professional diagnosis) is the right move. Most home electrical issues that resist DIY diagnosis fall into a few categories: damaged service entrance components (weatherhead, mast, service drop), main breaker failure (worn or defective), panel failure (old panels especially), or hidden wiring fault (rodent damage in walls, water damage). Each requires electrician diagnosis and repair. Provide whatever observations you have when you call.
How fast does Towery Electric respond?
Same-day emergency dispatch across Marin County during business hours (1-3 hours typical from call to on-site). After-hours and weekend response also available (typically 1-4 hours) at after-hours rates. Priority dispatch for safety scenarios (smoke, scorching, repeated trips). Standard rates apply for non-emergency outage diagnostics; emergency rates for after-hours and urgent scenarios.
What does a diagnostic visit cost?
Marin emergency diagnostic visits typically $200-$400 (varies with hour and complexity). Diagnostic time 1-2 hours typical. If repair is straightforward and can be done same-visit: additional repair cost added (typically $200-$800 for simple repairs). Larger scopes (panel replacement, service entrance work) require return visits with permits — first visit is diagnostic + temporary stabilization if applicable.
Should I try resetting more than once?
Single reset is reasonable for transient trips. Repeated resets when something trips repeatedly is not recommended — repeated cycling can damage breakers, can mask real faults that need diagnosis, and can create fire risk if there's arcing on the fault. One reset attempt, then either restored or call electrician. Trust the breaker's signal.
How do you handle pricing — flat fee or hourly?
Both, depending on scope. Routine service calls and predictable scope (panel replacement, EV charger install, transfer switch install, fixture replacement) are flat-fee quoted up front. Diagnostic visits and emergency scope are hourly because we don't know what we'll find. Either way, you get a written quote before work starts on anything significant, and we don't proceed beyond the quote without your sign-off.
How quickly can you schedule?
Depends on scope and season. Emergency dispatch: same-day across Marin County (1-3 hours business hours, 1-4 hours after-hours). Same-day standard service: 3-6 hours from call when capacity allows; otherwise next business day. Scheduled service work: 1-3 weeks typical. Larger projects requiring permits and PG&E coordination: 4-12 weeks depending on scope. We're upfront about timeline at the quote stage.
What warranty do you offer on work?
Our standard residential warranty: 2 years on labor, manufacturer warranty on parts (varies by product — typically 1-10 years). Major installs (panels, generators, EV chargers) often have longer manufacturer warranties (5-10 years). If there's an issue with our work in the warranty period, we come back and fix it at no cost. We also stand behind work past warranty — repeat customers and referrals matter more than a transactional fix.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. California State License Board C-10 Electrical Contractor #989290, in good standing. Carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance as required by California law. Bondable on projects requiring it. Happy to provide proof of insurance to clients or property managers on request. License lookup: cslb.ca.gov.
Talk to a licensed electrician in Marin.
Family-run, C-10 #989290, 20+ years in the trade. Honest scoping, fair pricing, work that lasts.