A power outage (Stromausfall) is unsettling, but in most cases you can quickly find out what's wrong and whether you need to call a professional. This guide helps you stay safe while you troubleshoot.
First: Check if It's Just Your Flat
Before you panic, find out whether the power failure is affecting only your apartment or the whole building and street.
- Look out of your window. Are street lights on? Are neighbours' lights visible?
- Ask a neighbour if their power is working.
- Check if your phone signal or WiFi router still has power (these often run on different circuits).
If your neighbours have power but you don't, the problem is in your flat. If the whole street is dark, contact the local electricity provider (Stromversorger) — this is a grid issue beyond your control.
Check Your Consumer Unit (Sicherungskasten)
Your consumer unit, or fuse box (Sicherungskasten), is where circuits are protected. When something overloads or shorts, an automatic switch (circuit breaker or LS-Schalter, or safety switch called FI-Schalter) cuts the power to stop damage and fire.
It is safe to look at your consumer unit from outside. Here's what to do:
- Locate your fuse box — usually in the hallway, kitchen, or utility room.
- Open the door and look at the switches inside.
- Do any switches look flipped downward or sit in the middle position?
- If yes, one of your circuits has tripped (ausgelöst).
If you see a tripped switch, try switching it back on (flip it fully upward). If it trips immediately again, do not keep trying. This means there's a fault on that circuit. Contact a certified electrician.
When to Call an Electrician Now
Do not attempt to fix or investigate further if:
- The circuit breaker trips the moment you switch it back on.
- You smell burning, see scorch marks, or notice smoke near the fuse box.
- Multiple circuits have tripped at once.
- You feel any tingling or shock when touching switches or appliances.
- You see water damage near electrical sockets or the fuse box.
These are signs of a serious fault. Turn off the breaker again and call 015161134271 for a certified electrician. We arrange professional help 24/7 in English.
What Caused the Outage?
Most home power outages fall into two categories:
Overload: Too many high-power appliances running at once (oven, kettle, heater, washing machine together). The circuit breaker trips to protect your wiring. Solution: switch off some devices, then reset the breaker. If it keeps happening, your circuit may be undersized for your needs—contact an electrician.
Fault: Damaged wiring, a faulty appliance, or water ingress has created a short circuit. The breaker trips immediately when you try to restore power. Solution: unplug all devices on that circuit, then try the breaker again. If it still trips, do not use that circuit—call a professional.
Safety Rules During a Power Outage
Keep yourself and your flat safe:
- Never open the fuse box itself or touch any wiring inside. Even a power outage does not always mean circuits are safe to touch.
- Do not pour water into electrics or try to dry wet sockets yourself.
- Do not use multiple extension leads or old, damaged cables as a workaround.
- Turn off heating and sensitive appliances until power is restored (to avoid damage when it returns).
- Keep a working torch (Taschenlampe) and spare batteries handy.
- Use a gas cooker carefully in darkness—make sure it is not blocked by pans or cloths.
What if the Problem Is Not in Your Fuse Box?
If the circuit breaker looks normal and all switches are up, but you still have no power, the problem may be:
- A fault in the building's main supply (before your flat's fuse box) — contact your landlord or building management.
- A fault at the grid level (affecting the whole neighbourhood) — contact your electricity provider.
- A tripped main breaker in a shared utility room — your landlord or caretaker (Hausmeister) can check this.
If you rent, always inform your landlord of a power outage. If you own your flat and the problem is building-wide, you may need a licensed electrician to diagnose the supply cable (Zuleitung).
When to Call Us
We arrange certified partner electricians across Germany who speak English and understand what expats need. If you've checked your fuse box and the fault is not obvious, or if you feel unsafe, call 015161134271. Our 24/7 hotline is free and obligation-free—we'll help you understand the problem and organise professional help if needed.
Remember: electricity is not a DIY field if you're unsure. A quick call is always safer than a guess.
