No Power? Do these things before you call an electrician.

It’s everyone’s nightmare: you’re cooking or watching TV, and suddenly, everything goes dark. Before panicking (or calling for help), there are a few simple checks you can perform to understand the root of the problem.

Here is the step-by-step guide to safely diagnosing a power failure.

1. General Outage or Local Issue?

The first thing to do is look out the window. If the streetlights are out and your neighbors are also in the dark, it is a general grid failure (Enedis). In this case, unfortunately, there is nothing to do but wait. If your neighbors still have power, the problem lies within your own installation.

2. Check Your Main Circuit Breaker (Linky)

Go to your Linky meter and your main circuit breaker (usually a large white box with an O/I switch). If the Linky screen displays "PUISS DEPASSEE" (Power Exceeded), your electricity demand has exceeded the limit set in your contract.

To restore power:

• Unplug or turn off appliances to reduce the power load in your home.

• Press and hold the "+" button for 2 seconds.

• If the power returns and then trips again, turn off more appliances and press the "+" button for 2 seconds once more.

Is the screen blank? Press any button on the Linky meter.

• If the screen lights up: The problem is further down your installation, in your main breaker or your electrical panel.

• If the screen does not light up: Contact the Enedis emergency center at 09 72 67 50 (82) (use 81 for Tarn, 12 for Aveyron).

If the main breaker has tripped (O position): Try to reset it. If it trips again immediately, do not force it! There is a direct short circuit or a significant overload somewhere. Unplug or turn off one or more devices, then try again.

3. The Search Method (Pro Tip)

If a residual current device (RCD/the switch at the start of a row) has tripped in your panel, here is how to find the culprit:

1. Flip down all the individual circuit breakers in that row.

2. Reset the main RCD (the larger switch for that row).

3. Flip up the small individual breakers one by one, slowly.

4. The one that causes the power to trip again is the culprit!

Leave that specific breaker down to isolate the problem; you can then restore power to the rest of the house. The issue is often an appliance plugged into that circuit (washing machine, kettle, toaster). Unplug them and try again.

When should you call me?

If you cannot find the source, if the electrical panel is making noise (hissing/crackling), or if there is a burning smell: stop touching everything. Turn off the main power for safety. This is where I come in. As an expert, I have the diagnostic tools to locate a current leak or short circuit safely.

Need a quick repair in Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val? At Nobilis Électricité, I know that a power failure is stressful. I strive to respond quickly to restore your comfort and safety.