How to: Resetting panel breakers

Introduction: Tripped circuit breakers are a common occurrence and are designed to protect your electrical system from overloads. If you experience a loss of power in specific areas of your home, it's likely that a breaker has tripped. Follow these steps to diagnose and reset a tripped electrical breaker in your electrical panel.

Step 1: Identify the Tripped Breaker:

• Locate your electrical panel. Breakers that have tripped are usually in the “middle position” or visibly moved from the ON position to the OFF position. Some even have colored indicators to identify a trip.

Step 2: Visual Inspection:

• Visually inspect the area around the tripped breaker for any signs of burning, melting, or unusual smells. If you notice any, refrain from resetting the breaker and give us a call!

Step 3: Identify the Cause:

• Unplug devices or appliances connected to the affected circuit. This can help determine the cause of a tripped breaker. Common reasons include overloaded circuits, short circuits, or faulty appliances. All of which can be caused by something attached to the circuit.

Step 4: Reset the Breaker:

• To reset the breaker, firmly push the handle to the OFF position and then back to the ON position. You should feel or hear a click when it resets. If the breaker trips again immediately, there may be a more serious issue that requires our professional attention.

Step 5: Test Power:

• After resetting the breaker, check if power is restored to the affected area. If not, there may be additional tripped breakers or a more complex electrical problem.

Step 6: Check for Multiple Trips:

• If the same breaker continues to trip, it may indicate a persistent issue. Investigate the devices connected to that circuit and look for signs of damage or malfunction.

Step 7: Look for GFCI Outlets:

• Some circuits may be protected by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet. These can trip along with a breaker and its good practice to check nearby outlets for tripped GFCIs and reset them if needed.

Step 8: Consult a Professional:

• If you are unable to identify the cause or if the breaker continues to trip, or if you’re just not comfortable working on your electrical system. Give us a call!

Safety Tip:

• Always exercise caution when working with electricity.

• Do not attempt to bypass or override tripped breakers!

By following these steps, you can safely diagnose and reset a tripped electrical breaker, restoring power to the affected areas of your home.