A breaker that tripped
Find which one and reset it once, the right way. If it trips again, an electrician tells you what that points to.
Electrical on Hollr
Talk to a licensed electrician on video, in minutes.
Point your phone at the dead outlet, the light that won't come on or the breaker that keeps tripping. A licensed Canadian electrician tells you what's likely going on, what's safe to check, and when it needs someone on site.
$34 for 15 minutes · $59 for 30 · you only pay when a electrician connects
What a electrician can help with on video
A row of outlets that went dead
Very often a GFCI outlet upstream has tripped, sometimes in a bathroom, garage or outside. They'll help you find it.
A GFCI outlet that won't reset
It may have no power, or it may be doing its job. Learn which before you buy a new one.
A light that won't come on
Bulb, switch or fixture? A few safe checks on camera narrow it down.
Lights that flicker or dim
Sometimes it's just the bulb. Sometimes it's worth a visit. Get a straight answer on which.
A warm outlet or a burning smell
Stop using it. If you see smoke or scorch marks, get out and call 911. Otherwise, show an electrician and ask how urgent it is.
What works on video, and what needs a visit
Good for a video call
- Find a tripped breaker and reset it, without removing the panel cover
- Track down and reset a tripped GFCI outlet
- Narrow a dead light down to the bulb, switch or fixture
- Tell you whether a problem is urgent or can wait
- Explain a quote you've already been given
Needs hands on site
- Removing the panel cover or anything inside the panel
- Working on live wiring of any kind
- Replacing outlets, switches, fixtures or circuits
- Work your province says needs a permit or a licensed contractor
Your electrician tells you when it's one of these, and why.
Before you call
- Note what's outWhich outlets, lights or rooms lost power, and what was running when it happened?
- Find your panelKnow where it is and make sure you can open its door. You won't remove the cover.
- Charge your phoneTurn on the flashlight from the call screen to read breaker labels.
- Unplug what you canOn the dead circuit, unplug devices so a reset doesn't trip again right away.
A $34 call before you pay for a visit
Hollr video call, 15 minutes
$34
Electrician service call in Canada
$100–200
The first hour of a typical service call, which covers travel and diagnosis. Range from the HomeStars electrician cost guide. A Hollr call tells you whether you need that visit at all.
Who licenses electricians in Canada
Electrical work is tightly regulated in Canada. Before an electrician takes a Hollr call, we check their certificate with the body that issues it in their province. How Hollr checks licences.
| Where | Regulator | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) | Licensed Electrical Contractor. Look for the seven-digit ECRA/ESA licence number. |
| Ontario | Skilled Trades Ontario | Certificate of Qualification, Electrician – Construction and Maintenance (309A). |
| British Columbia | Technical Safety BC | Electrical contractor licence and Field Safety Representative certificate. |
| Alberta | Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training | Journeyperson certificate, Electrician. |
| Quebec | Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ) | Electrician competency certificate. Electrical contractors are licensed through the Corporation des maîtres électriciens du Québec. |
Electrical questions
Can an electrician really help over video?
For a lot of common problems, yes. Dead outlets on a tripped GFCI, a breaker that needs a reset, or a light that turns out to be a bad bulb or switch can be sorted on camera. Your electrician never has you open the panel or touch live wiring. If it needs that, they'll tell you on the call.
A breaker keeps tripping. What should I do?
Reset it once. If it trips again right away, leave it off and unplug what's on that circuit. Then open Hollr and show an electrician the panel labels and what was running. Never hold a breaker on or tape it in place.
Will the electrician come to my house afterwards?
Hollr calls are advice on video, so nobody is sent to your home. If the job needs hands on site, your electrician tells you why and what kind of visit to book, and your notes, photos and parts list stay with you for whoever you hire.
How much does an electrical video call cost?
$34 CAD for 15 minutes or $59 CAD for 30 minutes. You see the price before the call starts and only pay when an electrician connects. A short call can tell you whether you need a visit at all, and what to ask for if you do.
Other trades on Hollr
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