How to Reset a Tripped Circuit Breaker Safely

Step by step: resetting a breaker

1. Unplug or switch off devices on the affected circuit, so it doesn't overload again as soon as power returns.
2. Find the electrical panel, often in a garage, basement, utility room or hallway closet.
3. Look for the tripped breaker. It will usually be in the middle position or pointing the opposite way to the others. Some have a red or orange indicator.
4. Push it firmly to OFF. Many breakers won't reset unless you push them fully off first.
5. Switch it back to ON. You should feel it click into place.
6. Test the circuit, then plug devices back in one at a time.

Resetting a GFCI outlet

If an outlet in a bathroom, kitchen, garage or outdoor area stops working, the problem may be a GFCI outlet rather than the breaker. Look for an outlet with "Test" and "Reset" buttons, possibly in another room on the same circuit, and press "Reset" firmly.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission's home electrical safety checklist recommends testing every GFCI once a month. Press "Test" and the power should cut off, then press "Reset" and it should come back on. If either step doesn't work, the GFCI should be replaced.

If it trips again

• It trips when you plug in or turn on one device: that device may be faulty or draw too much power. Try it on a different circuit, or have it checked.
• It trips when several things run at once: the circuit may be overloaded. Spread high-power devices across different circuits.
• It trips immediately with nothing plugged in: there may be a wiring fault. Leave it off and call an electrician.
• It won't stay on, or trips often for no clear reason: call an electrician.

Never tape a breaker on or replace it with a higher-rated breaker to stop it tripping. That removes the protection it provides and can cause a fire.

Label your panel

If the breakers in your panel aren't clearly labeled, it's worth taking time to label them. With a helper, switch off one breaker at a time and note which lights and outlets stop working. Clear labels save time when something trips and help in an emergency.

Warning signs that need an electrician

• Burning smells, scorch marks or warm outlets and switch plates
• Buzzing or crackling from the panel or outlets
• Lights that flicker or dim regularly
• Breakers that trip frequently
• An older panel that has never been inspected

Understanding circuit capacity

Each breaker has a number on its switch, such as 15 or 20. This is its amp rating, which is how much current the circuit can safely carry. Devices that heat or cool, such as space heaters, hair dryers, kettles, microwaves and window air conditioners, draw a lot of current. Running two or three of them on one circuit is a common cause of tripping.

If a breaker trips in the same room every morning, it may simply be that several high-power devices are used at the same time. Moving one to an outlet on a different circuit often solves it.

Avoiding overloads

• Don't plug space heaters into extension cords or power strips. Plug them directly into a wall outlet.
• Use power strips with built-in circuit protection, and don't plug one power strip into another.
• Replace damaged or frayed cords instead of repairing them with tape.
• Unplug appliances you aren't using, especially ones that produce heat.

Conclusion

Resetting a tripped breaker is simple: unplug devices on the circuit, push the breaker fully off and then back on, and add devices back one at a time. If it trips again straight away, trips often or you notice warning signs, leave it off and call a licensed electrician.