From dishwashers and hair dryers to your beloved espresso machine, our homes are filled with helpful appliances we use every day. However, overloading your electrical system might unexpectedly leave you in the dark.
If your power suddenly shuts off, don’t worry—it’s not always a sign that the grid went down. The culprit is often a tripped circuit breaker, which you can easily reset yourself right at home. But if your breaker keeps tripping repeatedly, this could point to a bigger problem that needs professional expertise.
In this guide, we go over how to reset a tripped breaker step-by-step and share signs it’s time to contact a residential electrician for services.
Jump Ahead:
What Causes a Breaker to Trip?
A circuit breaker is a safety switch in your electrical panel. When it detects too much electrical current flowing through the wires, it automatically shuts off power to a specific area in your home to prevent overheating and electrical fires. When it shuts off, the breaker has “tripped.”
The most common causes of a tripped breaker include:
- Too many devices running on one circuit (circuit overload)
- Faulty appliance or power cord
- Frayed or exposed wiring
- Moisture damage (ground fault)
- Old or worn-out breaker
If your circuit breaker has tripped, the good news is that you can usually reset it yourself in just a few simple steps.
How to Reset a Tripped Breaker: Step-by-Step
Resetting a tripped breaker might seem intimidating at first, but it’s simpler than you might think. Below is a step-by-step overview of the process.
1. Unplug Appliances and Turn Off Lights
The first step of resetting a tripped breaker is turning off all lights and appliances. Shut down and unplug any devices that are attached to the circuit. While this isn’t necessary, it’s an added safety precaution that helps prevent the breaker from overloading again. It also makes it easier to identify which appliance caused it to trip in the first place.
2. Locate the Circuit Breaker Box
Next it’s time to locate the circuit breaker. It will look like a grey or tan metal box mounted on the wall or built into it.
Common places your circuit breaker box could be:
- Garage
- Basement
- Utility or laundry room
- Hallway
- Closet
- Outside your home on an exterior wall
If you can’t locate your circuit breaker, you can always contact a licensed electrician to help you.
3. Reset the Tripped Switch
Once you’ve found your breaker box, open the door and look inside. You will find a variety of different switches, which should be labeled to indicate which rooms or appliances they control.
Look for a breaker that isn’t fully in the “ON” position. A tripped breaker will either be flipped to “OFF” or stuck in the middle position. Some breakers also display a red or orange indicator light to signal that they have tripped.
After locating the tripped breaker switch, push it all the way to the “OFF” position for 5 to 10 seconds, then firmly flip it back to “ON.” You should feel a click when it locks into place. And that’s it!
4. Test the Circuit
After resetting the switch, electricity should start flowing back to the circuit. Return to the room or area that lost power and turn on a light or appliance to confirm everything is working properly. If power is restored and stays on, the issue was likely a temporary overload.
If nothing turns on, try resetting it once more and make sure the breaker is fully in the “ON” position. If the breaker trips immediately or shortly after, unplug all appliances and devices on the circuit and reset it once more. If the breaker continues to trip, contact a licensed electrician to diagnose and repair the underlying issue safely.
Signs You Need an Electrician for a Tripped Breaker
It’s perfectly normal for a circuit breaker to trip every once in a while. In fact, they’re designed to do so to keep your home safe. However, if your circuit breaker keeps being tripped on a regular basis, this could indicate serious electrical issues that need professional attention.
Below are some telltale signs you need an electrician to fix your breaker:
- The breaker keeps tripping repeatedly, even after unplugging devices
- Burning smell near the electrical panel
- Breaker feels hot to the touch
- Scorch marks or discoloration on the panel
- Breaker won’t stay in the reset position
- Multiple breakers trip at the same time
If you notice any of these signs, never try to fix the problem yourself. Contact a licensed electrician right away. If you’re ever unsure whether an electrical problem warrants professional help, it’s always safer to assume it does.
Contact the North Bay’s Trusted Residential Electricians
Resetting a tripped breaker is usually a quick fix you can handle on your own. But if your breaker keeps tripping or you notice warning signs like burning smells or scorch marks, you’ll need to bring in a licensed electrician right away. Electrical problems only get worse when ignored, potentially leading to safety issues and costly repairs.
At Schafer Electric, our fully licensed residential electricians can diagnose and repair any electrical issues in your home. Whether you’re dealing with an outdated panel, faulty wiring, or breakers that just keep tripping, we’ll get your power back on quickly.
Don’t wait until a small problem becomes a major hazard. Contact us today to schedule residential electrician services and keep your home safe.
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