How to Reset The Breaker When the Power Goes Out

A sudden power outage can be frustrating, especially if you’re in the middle of cooking dinner or working from home. One of the most common causes of a power outage in a home is a tripped breaker. Thankfully, knowing how to reset a breaker is a simple task that can restore power to your home in just a few minutes.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps for safely resetting a breaker, provide tips on preventing future trips, and explain when you should call a professional for help. Whether you’re dealing with a small electrical issue or a major outage, understanding how to handle your breaker box can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.

What Is a Circuit Breaker, and Why Does It Trip?

A circuit breaker is an electrical safety device designed to protect your home’s wiring and prevent overheating or electrical fires. When there is an overload of electricity or a short circuit, the breaker will automatically shut off the power to that circuit.

Common reasons for a breaker trip include:

• Overloaded circuits: Too many devices or appliances drawing power from one circuit.
• Short circuits: Occurs when wires come into contact with each other, often due to faulty wiring or damaged appliances.
• Ground faults: When a live wire comes into contact with a grounded surface, causing a power surge.

If any of these issues occur, the breaker will trip, and you’ll need to reset it before power is restored.

Steps to Reset a Breaker

Resetting a breaker is a simple process that only takes a few minutes. Follow these steps to safely restore power:

1. Locate Your Breaker Panel

The first step is to find your breaker box. Most breaker panels are located in basements, garages, utility rooms, or hallways. Once you’ve found the panel, open the door to expose the breakers. Inside, you’ll see rows of switches, each one corresponding to a different circuit in your home.

2. Identify the Tripped Breaker

Look for the breaker that is in the "off" position or slightly out of alignment with the others. Often, the tripped breaker will be in a different position than the rest, as the switch will be either fully to the "off" side or slightly between the "on" and "off" positions.

• Single-pole breakers will typically control circuits for lights and small appliances.
• Double-pole breakers are used for larger appliances like air conditioners or electric dryers.

You may also see a red or yellow indicator on the breaker, which is another sign that it has tripped.

3. Switch the Breaker to the “Off” Position

Before resetting the breaker, turn the switch fully to the "off" position. This ensures that any electrical issues are fully cleared, and the breaker is properly reset. Be cautious not to force the switch if it’s difficult to move; this could indicate a deeper electrical issue.

4. Reset the Breaker to the “On” Position

Now that the breaker is in the "off" position, move the switch back to the "on" position. You should hear a slight click as the breaker resets. Once in the "on" position, the power should be restored to the affected circuit. Check the appliance or area that lost power to confirm everything is working.

5. Test Your Circuit

After resetting the breaker, test the circuit to ensure that it is functioning properly. For example, if a light went out, turn it on to verify that it has power. If an appliance stopped working, try to use it again. If the breaker trips immediately or doesn’t reset at all, you may need to investigate further.

What to Do If the Breaker Won’t Reset

In some cases, you may find that the breaker won’t reset or it keeps tripping. If this happens, follow these steps:

Unplug Overloaded Appliances

If you’ve overloaded a circuit (for example, by running too many appliances on the same circuit),unplug any devices from the circuit and try resetting the breaker again. Once it’s reset, plug devices back in one at a time to see if it trips again. If it does, you may need to redistribute the load across multiple circuits.

Inspect for Short Circuits

If the breaker continues to trip after you’ve unplugged all devices, there could be a short circuit somewhere in the wiring. This could be caused by damaged wiring or a faulty appliance. If you suspect a short circuit, call an electrician immediately to have the issue diagnosed and repaired.

Check for Ground Faults

A ground fault can also cause a breaker to trip. Some modern homes have GFCI outlets (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) installed for added safety. If the breaker tripping is connected to a GFCI outlet, try pressing the reset button on the outlet to see if that restores power.

Inspect the Breaker Box for Issues

If none of the above steps work, the breaker itself may be faulty. In this case, the breaker will need to be replaced. It’s important to have this done by a licensed electrician to ensure safety.

Tips for Preventing Breaker Trips in the Future

While it’s essential to know how to reset a breaker, it’s also important to understand how to prevent the breaker from tripping in the first place. Here are some tips to keep your electrical system running smoothly:

• Don’t Overload Circuits: Avoid plugging too many high-powered appliances into a single outlet. Spread the load across multiple circuits to prevent overloading one area.
• Use Appliances Safely: Ensure that your appliances are in good working condition. Damaged cords, faulty wiring, or malfunctioning appliances can cause breakers to trip.
• Upgrade Your Electrical System: If you frequently experience breaker trips, your home’s electrical system might be outdated. Consider consulting an electrician about upgrading your wiring or adding more circuits to handle the load.

When to Call a Professional

While resetting a breaker is a simple task, there are times when it’s best to leave the job to a professional:

• Persistent tripping: If the breaker continues to trip after being reset or if it won’t reset at all, it’s a sign that something more serious is wrong.
• Frequent power outages: If you experience frequent power outages, it could indicate an electrical system problem that needs professional attention.
• Signs of smoke or burning smells: If you notice smoke or burning smells around your breaker panel, turn off the power immediately and call an electrician for help.

Knowing how to reset a breaker is an essential skill for any homeowner. Whether you’re dealing with a small power issue or a larger electrical problem, understanding the process can save you time and hassle. However, if you encounter persistent issues, don’t hesitate to call a professional for assistance.

If you’re interested in learning more about other home maintenance issues like how to fix a blown fuse, Liberty Home Guard offers helpful resources and home warranty plans that cover essential repairs. Stay proactive about your home’s electrical system to ensure safety and efficiency for years to come.