It can be stressful when a circuit breaker trips, especially if it's your first time dealing with it. Whether it’s after a big storm or from a power surge, resetting the breaker is often the solution. Don’t worry—this step-by-step guide will help you safely reset your circuit breaker and restore power.
1. Safety First: Take Precautions Before You Start
Before you begin, remember that safety is the top priority. Although it's generally safe to reset a circuit breaker, it’s important to follow a few precautions:
- Don’t touch exposed wires or attempt to open the breaker panel.
- Avoid damp areas. Since water and electricity don’t mix, never approach a circuit breaker if the area is wet. Wait for the area to dry, or call a professional to ensure it's safe.
2. Turn Off Affected Lights and Appliances
To prevent further damage to your appliances and avoid overloading the circuit again, turn off any major electronics or appliances that were affected by the power outage. This includes TVs, computers, refrigerators, and anything else that draws significant power. If any device doesn’t have an OFF switch, unplug it completely to ensure there’s no electrical draw when resetting the breaker.
3. Locate Your Circuit Breaker Box
Next, you’ll need to find your circuit breaker box. Typically, it’s a gray metal panel located in utility areas like:
- Basements
- Laundry rooms
- Utility closets
- Cleverly hidden behind a large painting in your hallway
In some cases, if your home is older or has been renovated, the box may be hidden inside a wall cabinet. If you can't find your breaker box, you might have a fuse box instead, especially in older homes. While the process for dealing with a fuse box differs, both systems work to protect your electrical system.
4. Search for Breakers in the OFF Position
Once you’ve opened the breaker box, look for any breakers that are switched to the OFF position. Many circuit breakers display a red or orange color when they’ve been tripped. If there’s no visible color, check for levers that are set apart from the other breakers (in the opposite direction from the ON position).
5. Flip the Tripped Breaker Back to the ON Position
When you find the tripped breaker, flip it back to the ON position. You should feel slight resistance as you flip the switch, and a distinct “click” sound will indicate it’s properly reset. After resetting the breaker, check if power has been restored to your home.
If the breaker doesn’t stay ON or immediately trips again, it could indicate a more serious electrical issue, and you may need to try the next step and contact a trusted electrician.
6. Turn On Affected Lights and Appliances
After resetting the breaker, turn on any appliances and lights that were previously affected by the power outage. Plug in any electronics you had unplugged earlier, and check all outlets to ensure everything is working properly. If everything is back to normal, congratulations—you’ve successfully reset your circuit breaker!
7. What if Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping?
If your circuit breaker keeps tripping or refuses to reset, this could signal a more complex issue. Common reasons for repeated tripping include:
- Short circuits: This occurs when a hot wire touches a neutral wire, causing an overload.
- Overloaded circuits: Too many devices on the same circuit can draw too much power.
- Ground faults: When a hot wire comes into contact with a ground wire, it causes excess current to flow.
If you continue to experience issues, it’s time to call a licensed electrician. They can diagnose and resolve the problem quickly, ensuring the safety and functionality of your electrical system. Your trusted service professional may recommend upgrading your electrical panel and they can let you know if your local building code requires you to have a permit for this home improvement.
Get Expert Help From Your Local Mr. Electric Service Professional Today
Mr. Electric® provides dependable, professional services backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise®, ensuring your satisfaction. Contact your local Mr. Electric today for an expert inspection and resolution to any electrical issue. Our service professionals can help you avoid future problems and even conduct a comprehensive electrical safety inspection to keep your home safe.
This article is intended for general guidance only and is not applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and situation. Mr. Electric is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of advice and/or guidance derived from its blog content.
