The Emergency Call
The call came in on December 27 during winter weather. The homeowner had lost electrical power after the home's overhead service mast was damaged in the storm. With the house sitting without power in cold temperatures, one of the homeowner's biggest concerns was losing heat long enough for plumbing to freeze.
This was not a situation where the homeowner could simply reset a breaker. Damage to the service equipment supplying a house requires the electrical service to be assessed and repaired before power can be safely restored — which is why it belongs with an emergency electrician in Toronto rather than on a waiting list.
Fast Material Sourcing and Emergency Response
After assessing what would be required, we sourced the necessary service material and mobilised to the property. We were able to arrive approximately 2.5 hours after receiving the call.
Winter electrical emergencies are especially time-sensitive when a home relies on electricity for heating equipment or related building systems. The goal was to make the required service repair efficiently while avoiding unnecessary damage to the property.
Repairing the Storm-Damaged Electrical Service
The damaged service mast was repaired and the electrical service was made ready for restoration. The work was completed without unnecessary damage to the home or surrounding finishes.
By that evening the home's electrical service was back in operation. For the homeowner that meant the house could return to normal operation the same day, and the concern about prolonged cold exposure and frozen plumbing was greatly reduced.
Why a Damaged Service Mast Is an Electrical Emergency
The service mast is part of the equipment that supports and routes the incoming overhead electrical service at a home. Severe wind, ice, falling branches or other storm conditions can damage the mast or associated service equipment.
If an overhead electrical service is visibly damaged, pulled away from the building, leaning, broken, arcing or associated with downed conductors, homeowners should keep clear of the equipment and avoid attempting repairs themselves. The appropriate electrical contractor and utility should be contacted based on the situation.
Where storm damage also affects the panel or service equipment behind the mast, the repair can overlap with panel and service upgrade work.
