How to Reset a Tripped Breaker

When a circuit breaker trips, it can interrupt the power supply to specific parts of your home—a situation most homeowners encounter at some point. Fortunately, resetting a tripped breaker is a straightforward process you can handle on your own in most cases.

However, if your circuit breakers are showing signs of wear or malfunction, it’s best to call a professional electrician for a circuit breaker replacement to ensure your home’s electrical system remains safe and reliable. Mr. Electric is a top-rated electrical service company you can count on for all of your electrical needs, including installing and repairing circuit breakers.

Understanding Your Circuit Breaker

A circuit breaker is a crucial safety device that shields your electrical system from being overloaded. When excessive current flows through a circuit, the breaker automatically shuts off to prevent potential damage or hazards. Identifying a tripped breaker is usually straightforward—check your electrical panel for a switch that’s either in the "off" position or positioned midway between "on" and "off."

Some of the common causes of circuit breaker trips include overloading, short circuits, ground faults, and faulty appliances. A faulty circuit breaker itself can also cause frequent tripping.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Safely Resetting Your Breakers

Step 1: Turn Off All Appliances

Before resetting a circuit breaker, make sure to switch off all appliances connected to the affected circuit. This precaution helps prevent electrical surges that could damage your devices. It’s also a good idea to unplug any non-essential appliances to lighten the circuit's load and reduce the risk of future tripping.

Step 2: Locate Your Electrical Panel

The electrical panel, often called the breaker box, is typically found in areas like the basement, garage, or a utility closet. This metal box contains the circuit breakers, which manage the distribution of electricity throughout your home.

Step 3: Identify the Tripped Breaker

When a breaker trips, it usually provides a clear visual cue, such as a small red flag or a switch shifted to the "off" position. You might also notice certain outlets or lights not working, which are likely linked to the affected circuit.

Step 4: Turn the Circuit Breaker Handle to OFF Position

To reset a breaker, begin by firmly switching the handle all the way to the "off" position. This ensures the circuit is completely powered down before you proceed.

Step 5: Turn the Circuit Breaker Handle to ON Position

After moving the breaker to the "off" position, carefully and steadily flip the handle back to the "on" position. This action will restore power to the circuit.

Step 6: Test Circuit

Once the breaker is reset, test the outlets and lights on the circuit to ensure they are functioning properly. If everything is working, the reset was successful. However, if the issue continues, it’s a good idea to contact a professional electrical repair service for further assistance. Persistent circuit breaker tripping often points to a more complex problem that needs to be fixed by a professional electrician.

Contact Mr. Electric for Circuit Breaker Repair and Replacement

If you’re experiencing frequent circuit breaker trips, it’s a good idea to seek professional help from trusted electricians. Here at Mr. Electric, we are on standby to help you repair your faulty circuit breakers. Contact us today to book an appointment and request an estimate.