Your circuit breaker is meant to protect you, your electrical system, and your electronics and appliances from unusual electrical activity. They are not meant to keep cutting off your power. If your circuit breaker is tripping frequently, then you should notice the red flag and jump to action. In this article, we will go over the steps to take when the circuit breaker trips and review the case of a circuit breaker that constantly trips. If you have any questions or concerns, or if you want to schedule an appointment with a qualified electrician, then call Mr. Electric of Atlanta today. We are also ready to arrange an urgent dispatch for emergencies.
Safety First
The circuit breaker is a crucial security feature that protects you, your electrical system, and your devices and appliances from dangerous electrical activity. When the circuit breaker trips, it is an indication that there is something wrong with the electrical system. So, if your circuit breaker has tripped, make sure to keep safety at the forefront of your focus.
While resetting the circuit breaker is usually safe, you should still be very careful when dealing with electrical components. Make sure you do NOT touch any exposed wires. Be sure to inspect the surrounding area before you contact the circuit breakers. If you notice smoke, dampness, burned marks, or moisture, then stay away and call a professional to make sure the area is safe.
Turn Off Lights, Devices, and Appliances
If the coast is clear, then your next order of business is to protect plugged-in devices, appliances, and fixtures. You do not want a blown fuse in these valuables. To prevent such damage, turn off all lights, devices, and appliances. If there is no off switch available, then unplug it to cut off the power source.
Locate and Switch on the Respective Circuit Breaker
Your circuit breaker box is likely a gray-colored service box usually located in a utility area such as a utility closet, laundry room, garage, or basement. Once you have located the circuit breaker box, open its door to find switches lined up in a couple or few rows.
These circuit breakers should each be labeled identifying the circuit they control. Find the circuit breaker labeled with the respective circuit. It is likely in the OFF position. Push the switch back into the ON position. You should feel a little resistance when flipping the switch and hear a clicking sound when it flips back on. The power should now be restored.
Turn on The Lights, Devices, and Appliances
With the circuit breaker switched back on, you can return to the affected room and turn the lights, devices, and appliances back on. We recommend you start with low-cost fixtures before turning on the expensive devices and appliances. For example, turn the lights on before plugging the television or computer back in. Once the power is restored, you are all set.
What If Circuit Breaker Trips Again?
If the circuit breakers trip again shortly after you switched them on, then you should probably grab the phone to call Mr. Electric of Atlanta or a certified electrician. Chances are there is a more complicated problem in the electrical system, and it should be addressed by a qualified electrician. Mr. Electric of Atlanta is always ready to take your call and arrange an emergency dispatch.
