- Home Improvement Ideas
Learn how to reset a tripped circuit breaker so you can get the lights back on without calling an electrician.
ByKamron Sanders
Published on April 29, 2024
:strip_icc()/BHG-How-to-Reset-Circuit-Breaker-34385-9b87e38179f04c95a44f880389b3e020.jpg "How to Reset a Tripped Circuit Breaker (1)")
Project Overview
- Working Time:5 minutes
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Learning how to reset a tripped circuit breaker is an essential part of living on your own. Just as important is knowing when you shouldn't reset a tripped breaker, as there may be an underlying electrical issue you should address first. Typically, a circuit breaker trips due to overloading the circuit, such as running a hair dryer on a circuit powering several other items. However, there can be more serious causes. Find out how to reset a breaker, the potential causes of a tripped circuit breaker, and ways you can prevent a tripped circuit breaker in the future.
How to Tell a Circuit Breaker Has Tripped
You know a circuit breaker has tripped if your home loses power, but only on a given circuit. The lights might not be working in two adjacent rooms, or none of the power outlets in one room are working.
If your power goes out across multiple rooms or every room in the house, this is likely a bigger problem than a tripped breaker, as isolated circuits shouldn't interfere with one another.
If you suspect a circuit breaker has tripped, the next step is to locate your home's circuit breaker box. The breaker box is where you'll find several breakers, each controlling a circuit in the home. Sometimes, the breakers are labeled with their coordinating circuits, but they often aren't, making it a guessing game. The tripped breaker will be obvious, as it's the breaker that isn't in the "on" position.
Safety Considerations
A circuit breaker isn't only a means of switching a circuit on or off. It's a safety mechanism that automatically cuts the power on a given circuit when an electrical problem arises. A breaker could trip due to damaged wires, damaged wire insulation, loose connections, damaged receptacles, or an overloaded circuit. Restoring the power without first identifying the cause of the tripped circuit can pose a safety risk to you and anyone nearby.
When working around a live circuit breaker box, work with caution. Only touch the switches on the breakers, as other components can shock you. Never touch the electrical box if you're wet or in a damp environment.
Equipment / Tools
- Eye protection (Optional)
- Flashlight (Optional)
Instructions
How to Reset a Tripped Breaker
Turn Off Everything on the Circuit
As a safety precaution and to prevent overloading the circuit, turn off or unplug everything that's plugged into the tripped circuit.
While this step is not necessary to reset the breaker, it can help determine potential causes of the tripped breaker, such as an overloaded circuit. Plugging items back in individually will help you identify which item is overloading the circuit.
Locate the Tripped Breaker
Open the circuit breaker box and locate the tripped breaker. All normally functioning breakers will be in the "on" position, while a tripped breaker will either be in the "off" position or neutral middle position. Once you locate it, refrain from switching it on.
If you're having trouble finding your breaker box, look for a metal box around eye level, typically located in your basem*nt, garage, utility closet, or similar places.
If the malfunctioning circuit isn't controlled by a breaker in your breaker box, it could be located elsewhere in an electrical subpanel.
There's a chance you'll open the breaker box and find fuses instead of breakers, especially if you live in an older home. In this case, you likely have a blown fuse and will have to replace it to restore power to the circuit.
Inspect the Breaker Box
Thoroughly inspect the inside and outside of the breaker box. Note any abnormal smells, heat, or other signs of burning. Also, look for rust or other damage. If you see anything concerning, don't restore the power. Instead, contact an electrician for further examination.
Reset the Breaker
If the area passes your inspection, attempt to flip the breaker back on. Before doing so, ensure you and your surroundings are dry, and keep your hands away from the wiring or the back of the electrical panel.
If the breaker switch is in the middle position, you need to move it to the "off" position before turning it back on. If the breaker doesn’t turn on even after moving it to the "off" position, you likely have a faulty breaker.
While not a regular occurrence, breakers can spark when flipped into the "on" position. Wearing eye protection can prevent serious injury.
Test the Circuit
Working one item at a time, restore power to the various items powered by the trouble circuit.
If the circuit works up to a certain number of items, there is a good chance you are overloading it by powering too many items. In this case, move one or more items to another circuit and test it again.
What to Do If a Circuit Breaker Trips Again
If the circuit breaker continues to trip after the reset, there is likely an issue you haven't noticed or may be unable to see. In this case, you should further inspect the wiring and receptacles tied to the circuit (with the power off). If you are unable to locate the problem or require further assistance, call an electrician.
