IN THIS ARTICLE
A power outage in Auckland can mean several different things — and the right response depends on where the fault is. John Graham, Certified Master Electrician at Northern Lights Lighting and Electrical, explains how to work through it.
Step 1: Check whether it’s a Vector network fault
The first thing to establish is whether the outage is in your home only, or whether it’s affecting your street or neighbourhood.
Check your neighbours’ properties — if their lights are out too, the fault is with Vector’s network rather than your home’s wiring. Report it to Vector on 0508 832 867 or check outages at vector.co.nz/outages.
If your neighbours have power and you don’t, the fault is inside your property.
Step 2: Check your switchboard
Open your switchboard and look for:
- A tripped circuit breaker — sitting in the off position or in the middle, not fully on
- A tripped RCD safety switch — these protect groups of circuits and cut power to everything on that group when they detect a fault
Reset tripped breakers by switching fully off then back on. Reset a tripped RCD by pressing it back to on. If either trips again immediately, stop resetting — something on that circuit is causing a fault.
If the main switch has tripped, that’s unusual and warrants a call to an electrician.
Step 3: Check whether you have partial power
Sometimes only part of a home loses power — certain rooms or circuits. This usually points to a specific circuit fault rather than a whole-house problem. Work through the switchboard methodically to identify which breaker covers the affected area.
Step 4: Check the meter and point of supply
If everything in the switchboard looks normal but you still have no power, the fault may be at the meter or point of supply — the connection between Vector’s network and your switchboard. This isn’t something you can fix yourself. Call Vector if it appears to be their equipment, or an electrician if it’s your internal installation.
When to call an electrician
- Power is out to your whole home but neighbours have power and nothing is tripped at the switchboard
- A breaker or RCD keeps tripping immediately after reset
- You find scorch marks, burning smells, or anything unusual at the switchboard
- The main switch has tripped
- Power came back on after a storm but some circuits still aren’t working
After severe weather events — particularly flooding — do not restore power to your home without having a licensed electrician check the installation first. Flood-affected wiring needs inspection before it’s safe to use.
Common questions
Will Vector repair faults on my property?
Vector is responsible for the network up to and including your meter. Your internal wiring from the meter onwards is your responsibility.
My power went out during a storm — what do I do?
Check Vector’s outage map first. If it’s a network fault, report it to Vector. If the network is fine but you have no power, check your switchboard and call an electrician if you can’t identify the cause.
How long does a power outage last in Auckland?
Vector aims to restore most faults within a few hours. Severe weather events can extend this. Check vector.co.nz/outages for live updates.
Power issue you can't diagnose yourself?
