How to Reset a Tripped Circuit Breaker

You probably already know how to reset a circuit breaker, but what about your kids or baby-sitter? Use this tutorial to show them how.

Next Project
Time

An hour or less

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

Free

Introduction

A circuit breaker protects electrical circuits and appliances from potential damage due to electrical faults or overloads. It's a safety mechanism acting as a switch, automatically or manually triggered, to interrupt the flow of electrical current when neccessary. When a circuit experiences an overload, short circuit, or other electrical fault, the circuit breaker disconnects the circuit to prevent overheating, fires or damage to connected devices. This safeguards the electrical system and reduces the risk of electrical accidents.

Project step-by-step (4)

Step 1

Find the Tripped Breaker

Apr17 Reset Breaker 2 Find The Tripped BreakerTMB STUDIO

It’s an overloaded circuit

When a breaker trips (shuts off), it’s usually because too many things were running on one circuit at the same time and it got overloaded. So if you’re running one or more high-amperage appliances like hair dryers, toasters or space heaters, and the breaker trips, just shut off the devices and reset the breaker.

But if the breaker trips for no apparent reason, there may be a short circuit-a much bigger problem, usually best left to an electrician to figure out. A tripped breaker isn’t always easy to spot. If you’re lucky, there will be a list of circuits on the back of the panel’s door and you’ll be able to find the tripped one quickly (sometimes those lists are labeled wrong, however).

If not, you’ll have to find it by eye. Look for a partially tripped breaker that’s about halfway between the ‘off’ and ‘on’ positions. Avoid the temptation to switch off and on all the breakers, or you’ll find yourself resetting electronic devices like clocks around the house or losing work underway on computers. You could even damage delicate electronics.

Step 2

Reset the breaker

Apr17 Reset Breaker 3 Reset The BreakerTMB STUDIO

Off, then back on

To reset a breaker, move the switch all the way to its ‘off’ position, then back to ‘on’. You might hear a few beeps from smoke detectors and appliances when you turn the power back on, but that’s normal. You’re good to go!

Step 3

The 3 types of circuit breakers

Apr17 Reset Breaker 4 The 3 Types Of BreakersTMB STUDIO

They’re all in the Box

You’re likely to see switches for three different types of circuit breakers in a panel-single pole, double pole and ‘tandem.’ Single-pole breakers feed 120-volt circuits for ceiling lights and most wall outlets, while double-pole breakers feed 240-volt circuits for appliances like electric ranges and central air conditioning systems.

Tandem breakers also have two switches. They take a single slot inside the circuit breaker panel and turn it into two 120-volt circuits to save space. Learn to fix a tripping circuit breaker.

Step 4

What to do if your circuit breaker won’t reset

This first thing to do is to make sure you don’t have too many devices plugged into the same circuit. In order to determine if that’s the cause, unplug everything running on that circuit and reset the breaker. If the breaker stays on, start plugging things back in one item at a time until you find the problem. Then, if possible, you can plug a device that’s overloading the circuit into another outlet.

There are other causes for a breaker that won’t reset. And in those cases, you’ll need to call a professional, licensed electrician. It could be a short circuit or a bad breaker, both larger problems that you’ll definitely want a pro to handle.

FAQ

Can a circuit breaker reset itself?

No, they don’t typically reset themselves. Once a circuit breaker trips, it needs to be manually reset by toggling it back to the “on” position. If a circuit breaker seems to reset itself without manual intervention, it’s not functioning correctly, and you should have it inspected and replaced by a qualified electrician. Operating a malfunctioning circuit breaker can be hazardous, so it’s essential to ensure they’re working as intended to maintain a safe electrical system in your home.

Why won’t my circuit breaker reset?

When your circuit breaker won’t reset, it can be a sign of an underlying electrical issue that needs attention. There are several potential reasons for this problem. It could be due to a persistent electrical overload, a short circuit, a ground fault, or even a faulty circuit breaker. To address this, start by unplugging or turning off devices on the affected circuit to reduce the load. Then, firmly push the breaker switch to the off position and then back to the on position. If it continues to trip or won’t reset, it’s crucial to consult a qualified electrician to diagnose and fix the problem. Attempting to reset a circuit breaker repeatedly without addressing the root cause can lead to electrical hazards and should be avoided.

How long can you leave a circuit breaker off?

Leaving a circuit breaker off temporarily is generally safe and, at times, necessary during electrical work or in case of a tripped circuit. However, it’s essential to minimize the duration to avoid inconveniences. If it’s a circuit that powers essential appliances or equipment, you’ll want to restore power as soon as possible. On the other hand, if the circuit remains off for an extended period, it can lead to issues like spoiled food in a refrigerator or freezer, or a non-functioning security system. For this reason, it’s advisable to leave a circuit breaker off only for as long as needed and to address the underlying problem promptly if it’s a tripped circuit.