What is a circuit breaker and can I reset it myself? A circuit breaker is a safety device that protects your home’s electrical wiring from damage caused by too much electricity. Yes, you can usually reset a circuit breaker yourself, as long as it hasn’t been tripped by a serious electrical issue.
Experiencing a sudden loss of power to a specific area of your home can be startling. Often, this is the result of a tripped circuit breaker. Before calling an electrician for what might be a simple fix, learning how to reset a circuit breaker safely is a valuable skill. This guide will walk you through the process, from identifying the culprit to safely restoring power.
Why Breakers Trip
Circuit breakers are designed to “trip” and shut off power when they detect an overload or a short circuit.
- Overload: This happens when too many appliances or devices are plugged into a single circuit, drawing more electricity than the circuit can safely handle. Think of it like trying to push too much water through a narrow pipe – it creates pressure.
- Short Circuit: This occurs when a hot wire accidentally touches a neutral wire or a ground wire. This creates a very fast and high surge of electricity, which the breaker immediately detects and shuts off to prevent fires or damage.
Identifying the Tripped Breaker
The first step in any troubleshooting circuit breaker situation is to locate the electrical panel and identify tripped breaker.
Locating Your Electrical Panel
Your electrical panel, often called a breaker box or fuse box, is usually found in a central location in your home. Common spots include:
- Basement
- Garage
- Utility room
- Hallway closet
- Attached garage
The panel is typically a metal cabinet with a door. Open the door to reveal the array of switches.
How to Spot a Tripped Breaker
Once you’ve opened the panel, you’ll see rows of switches. These are your circuit breakers. A tripped breaker will not be in the “ON” position. Instead, it will be in one of two positions:
- Middle Position: Many breakers will move to a position between “ON” and “OFF” when they trip. This is the most common indicator.
- “OFF” Position: Some breakers will flip completely to the “OFF” position.
Visual Check: Look for a switch that is not aligned with the others. If most are pointed in one direction (typically “ON”), a breaker pointing in the opposite direction or sitting awkwardly in the middle is likely the one that tripped.
Testing for a Tripped Breaker
If a breaker doesn’t clearly look out of place, you can gently try to move each switch to the “OFF” position and then back to the “ON” position. If a breaker feels loose or springs back to the middle, it’s likely the one that tripped.
The Steps to Safely Reset a Circuit Breaker
Now that you’ve found the likely culprit, it’s time to learn how to reset a circuit breaker. This process is straightforward, but precision is key.
Step 1: Confirm the Breaker Position
Before doing anything else, visually confirm that the breaker is not in the “ON” position. As mentioned, it will likely be in the middle or fully in the “OFF” position.
Step 2: Move the Breaker to the “OFF” Position
This is a crucial step, even if the breaker appears to be in the “OFF” position already. You need to firmly move the switch all the way to the “OFF” position. This action effectively resets the internal mechanism of the breaker.
Step 3: Move the Breaker to the “ON” Position
After firmly moving the breaker to the “OFF” position, you can now turn circuit breaker back on. Push the switch firmly to the “ON” position. You should feel a distinct click, indicating that the breaker has engaged.
Step 4: Test for Restored Power
Check the appliance or outlet that lost power. If the breaker was the issue, power should now be restored.
Resetting the Main Breaker
Your electrical panel also has a main breaker, usually the largest switch at the top or bottom of the panel. This breaker controls all power to your home. If your entire house has lost power, you may need to reset main breaker.
The process for resetting a tripped breaker for the main breaker is the same as for individual breakers:
- Locate the main breaker.
- Firmly move it to the “OFF” position.
- Firmly move it back to the “ON” position.
Important Note: If the main breaker trips, it often indicates a more significant issue. If it trips again immediately after resetting, do not attempt to reset it further. Contact a qualified electrician.
What If the Breaker Won’t Stay On?
Experiencing a situation where the breaker won’t stay on is a clear sign of an underlying problem. If you reset a breaker, and it immediately trips again, this means the overload or short circuit is still present.
Common Reasons a Breaker Won’t Stay On:
- Persistent Overload: You may have too many high-draw appliances running on the same circuit.
- Faulty Appliance: An appliance plugged into that circuit may have an internal electrical fault.
- Damaged Wiring: There could be damage to the wiring within your walls, creating a short circuit.
- Faulty Breaker: In rare cases, the breaker itself might be faulty and tripping unnecessarily.
Troubleshooting When a Breaker Won’t Stay On:
- Unplug Appliances: Start by unplugging all appliances and devices connected to the affected circuit.
- Reset the Breaker: With everything unplugged, try resetting the breaker again.
- Plug Appliances Back In, One by One: If the breaker stays on, plug your appliances back in, one at a time. Wait a few minutes after plugging each one in to see if the breaker trips. This will help you identify which appliance is causing the problem.
- Inspect for Damage: Look for any visible signs of damage to cords or outlets on the affected circuit.
- Consult a Professional: If you can’t identify the cause, or if the breaker continues to trip even with nothing plugged in, it’s essential to call a qualified electrician. This indicates a more serious electrical issue that needs professional attention to restore power safely.
Dealing with Fused Switches
While most modern homes have circuit breakers, older homes might still have fuse boxes. These use fuses, which are essentially wire links that melt when too much current flows through them. If you have a fuse box, the process is different. You don’t “reset” a fuse; you replace it.
How to Replace a Blown Fuse:
- Turn Off Power: Locate the main switch in your fuse box and turn it to the “OFF” position.
- Identify the Blown Fuse: Fuses are typically glass cylinders with a metal cap on each end. A blown fuse will often have a darkened or discolored glass, or the wire inside will appear broken. You can also test them with a voltage tester.
- Remove the Blown Fuse: Gently pull the blown fuse straight out.
- Replace with the Correct Fuse: It is critical to replace a blown fuse with one of the exact same amperage rating. The amperage is usually printed on the fuse’s metal cap. Using a fuse with a higher rating can cause a fire hazard.
- Insert the New Fuse: Push the new fuse firmly into the socket.
- Turn Power Back On: Turn the main switch back to the “ON” position.
Note: If you frequently blow fuses or reset a fused switch only for it to blow again, you likely have an electrical problem that needs professional attention.
Important Safety Precautions
Safety is paramount when dealing with electricity. Always adhere to these guidelines to prevent injury.
Always Use Caution
- Dry Hands: Ensure your hands are completely dry before touching any part of the electrical panel or breakers.
- Dry Environment: Make sure the area around the electrical panel is dry. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination.
- Avoid Touching Metal Parts: Never touch any metal components within the electrical panel other than the breaker switches themselves.
When to Call a Professional Electrician
While resetting a tripped breaker is often a DIY task, there are situations where you should not proceed and instead call a qualified electrician for a power outage fix.
- Frequent Tripping: If breakers trip regularly, it suggests a persistent problem in your wiring or appliance use.
- Breaker Won’t Stay On: As discussed, if a breaker trips immediately after being reset, it indicates a serious issue.
- Signs of Damage: If you see scorch marks, smoke, or smell burning from the electrical panel or outlets, do not attempt to fix it yourself.
- Uncertainty: If you are unsure about any step in the process or the cause of the trip, it’s always safer to consult a professional.
- Older Electrical Systems: Homes with outdated wiring or fuse boxes may require a professional assessment.
Tools That Can Help
While not always necessary for a simple reset, having a few basic tools can be helpful for troubleshooting circuit breaker issues:
- Non-Contact Voltage Tester: This tool can help you determine if a circuit is live without direct contact, increasing safety.
- Flashlight: Electrical panels are often in dimly lit areas. A flashlight ensures you can see clearly.
- Screwdriver (for panel cover): You might need a screwdriver to open the cover of your electrical panel.
Common Scenarios and Solutions
Let’s look at some everyday situations where you might need to reset a breaker.
Scenario 1: The Kitchen Outlet Suddenly Loses Power
You’re using a blender and a toaster simultaneously, and suddenly the outlet you’re using goes dead.
- Likely Cause: Circuit overload. The kitchen is a common area for this, as many appliances are used at once.
- Action: Go to your electrical panel, identify tripped breaker. It’s likely a breaker labeled “Kitchen Outlets” or similar. Follow the steps to reset it. If it trips again, try unplugging either the blender or the toaster.
Scenario 2: The Lights Flicker and Then Go Out in One Room
You notice lights flickering in your bedroom, and then the power goes out for that room.
- Likely Cause: Could be an overload, or perhaps a faulty device plugged in.
- Action: Locate the breaker for that room, resetting a tripped breaker. If the problem persists, unplug lamps, chargers, or other devices in that room one by one until the breaker stays on.
Scenario 3: The Entire House Loses Power
A storm hits, or perhaps you notice a strange smell, and suddenly everything is off.
- Likely Cause: This usually means the reset main breaker has tripped, or there might be an issue with your utility provider.
- Action: Check your neighbors’ homes. If their power is also out, contact your electricity provider. If only your house is affected, go to your electrical panel and try to reset the main breaker. If it trips again, do not try again. Call an electrician immediately.
Understanding Circuit Breaker Ratings
Every circuit breaker has an amperage rating, such as 15 amps, 20 amps, or 30 amps. This rating indicates the maximum amount of electrical current the breaker can handle before it trips.
- 15 Amp Breakers: Typically used for lighting circuits and general-purpose outlets that power lower-draw devices.
- 20 Amp Breakers: Commonly used for kitchen and bathroom outlets, garages, and areas where appliances that draw more power might be plugged in.
- Higher Amp Breakers: Used for dedicated circuits powering high-draw appliances like ovens, water heaters, dryers, or air conditioners.
Why it Matters: Mismatching breaker ratings can be dangerous. Putting a higher-amperage breaker on a circuit designed for lower amperage means the wiring could overheat and cause a fire before the breaker trips. Always ensure breakers match the circuit’s intended load.
How Often Should Breakers Be Replaced?
Circuit breakers are designed to last for many years, often decades. They are not typically considered consumable items like fuses. However, they can wear out or become damaged over time.
- Signs of Wear: If a breaker feels loose, is difficult to reset, or trips frequently for no apparent reason, it might be failing.
- Age: While there’s no strict replacement schedule, if your home’s electrical system is very old (40+ years) and the breakers have never been replaced, it might be worth having an electrician inspect them.
Summary of Steps to Reset a Circuit Breaker
To recap, here are the essential steps to turn circuit breaker back on safely:
- Locate Your Electrical Panel: Find the metal cabinet housing all your breakers.
- Identify the Tripped Breaker: Look for a switch that is in the “OFF” or middle position.
- Turn the Breaker OFF: Firmly push the identified breaker switch completely to the “OFF” position.
- Turn the Breaker ON: Firmly push the breaker switch all the way to the “ON” position.
- Test the Power: Check if the appliance or area that lost power now has electricity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How do I know if it’s a breaker issue or a utility company issue?
A1: If your entire house is out of power and your neighbors are also without electricity, it’s likely a utility company issue. If only a specific part of your house is affected, it’s probably a breaker problem.
Q2: Can I reset a circuit breaker if the power is off?
A2: Yes, you reset a circuit breaker when the power to that circuit is already off. The purpose of resetting is to turn the power back on.
Q3: What should I do if my circuit breaker keeps tripping?
A3: If a breaker repeatedly trips, it indicates an overload or a short circuit. Unplug appliances on that circuit, reset the breaker, and plug them back in one by one to identify the culprit. If the problem persists, call an electrician.
Q4: Is it safe to reset a main breaker?
A4: Yes, it is generally safe to reset the main breaker following the same steps as an individual breaker. However, if the main breaker trips frequently, it signals a more serious electrical issue that requires professional attention.
Q5: Can I bypass a circuit breaker?
A5: Absolutely not. Bypassing a circuit breaker is extremely dangerous and can lead to electrical fires, electrocution, and severe damage to your home’s electrical system. Circuit breakers are critical safety devices and should never be tampered with or bypassed.
Q6: What is the difference between a circuit breaker and a fuse?
A6: A circuit breaker is a reusable switch that automatically trips to stop electricity flow during an overload. A fuse contains a wire that melts and breaks the circuit, requiring replacement after it blows.
Q7: Can I just flip the breaker back on?
A7: Not necessarily. You must first move the tripped breaker firmly to the “OFF” position before you can then flip it back “ON” to restore power. Simply pushing it towards “ON” without first turning it “OFF” will not reset it.
By following these steps, you can safely and effectively restore power to your home when a circuit breaker trips. Remember, safety always comes first, and when in doubt, always consult a qualified electrician.