If you’ve ever experienced a sudden loss of power in part of your home, chances are you’ve dealt with a tripped circuit breaker. While it might seem like a minor inconvenience, handling a breaker improperly can pose safety risks. Fortunately, resetting a breaker is usually simple, if done correctly. Today, we at Burley Electrical Services would like to offer a step-by-step guide on how to safely reset a tripped breaker and what to look out for if the problem keeps coming back.
What is a Tripped Breaker?
Your home’s electrical panel (or breaker box) distributes electricity to various circuits throughout your home. When a circuit is overloaded, say, too many appliances are plugged in, or a short circuit occurs, the breaker “trips” to stop the flow of electricity. This safety mechanism helps prevent fires and damage to your electrical system.
Signs a Breaker Has Tripped
– Sudden loss of power to part of your home
– Some outlets or lights don’t work while others do
– One switch in the breaker panel is in the “off” or middle position
– A buzzing or clicking noise from the panel before the trip
Step-by-Step: Safely Resetting the Breaker
1) Unplug or Turn Off Appliances. Before heading to the breaker panel, unplug anything that was running in the affected area. If a specific appliance caused the overload, turning it off prevents immediate retripping.
2) Locate Your Electrical Panel. Electrical panels are often located in garages, basements, laundry rooms, or utility closets. Open the panel door and examine the switches.
3) Identify the Tripped Breaker. Look for a switch that’s either in the middle or completely off position. Some breakers may also show a red or orange indicator.
4) Reset the Breaker. Push the switch all the way to the “off” position first. Then push it firmly back to the “on” position. You should hear a click when it resets.
5) Test the Circuit. Go back and turn on the lights or appliances. If everything works normally, you’ve likely resolved the issue.
What If It Trips Again?
If the breaker trips again immediately or shortly after resetting:
– You may have a short circuit or ground fault. These can be dangerous and require a licensed electrician.
– There might be an overloaded circuit. Try spreading out your appliances across different outlets and circuits.
– The breaker itself could be faulty. Old breakers wear out and may trip without cause.
When to Call a Professional
If a breaker continues to trip repeatedly, shows signs of burning, or makes a buzzing sound, it’s time to call a licensed electrician. DIY electrical repairs can be risky and may violate local codes.
Final Safety Tips
1) Never touch electrical panels with wet hands.
2) Always stand to the side of the panel when resetting breakers.
3) Avoid using extension cords long-term to fix overloads, upgrade your wiring instead.
Electrical Wiring Inspections & More in Pompano Beach, Imperial Point, Plantation, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Davie, Lighthouse Point, Parkland & Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Resetting a breaker is a good homeowner skill, but persistent electrical issues shouldn’t be ignored. If in doubt, let the pros handle it. Your safety, and your home, depend on it. To help you with your electrical needs, contact Burley Electrical Services.
