How to Reset a Tripped Breaker (and When Not To!)

By Forgy Electric

If the lights suddenly go out in one room—or half your house—you might have a tripped circuit breaker. It’s one of the most common electrical issues homeowners face and usually an easy fix.

But before you head straight to your electrical panel, it’s important to understand why breakers trip, how to reset them safely, and when it’s time to call a professional.

What Causes a Breaker to Trip?

Circuit breakers are designed to protect your home from overloads, short circuits, and faults. When something goes wrong, the breaker automatically shuts off power to prevent overheating, damage, or even fire.

Common causes include:

• Plugging in too many devices on one circuit

• Faulty or damaged appliances

• Water or moisture near outlets

• Short circuits caused by loose or damaged wiring

• Old or worn-out breakers that no longer hold properly

A tripped breaker isn’t always a big problem—but it’s a warning sign your electrical system needs attention.

How to Safely Reset a Tripped Breaker

Follow these steps carefully to reset your breaker the right way:

1. Find Your Electrical PanelUsually located in a basement, garage, or utility room. Open the door to access the switches.

2. Identify the Tripped BreakerLook for a switch that’s in the middle position or slightly off-center from the rest. It may even show a red or orange marker indicating it’s tripped.

3. Turn It Fully Off FirstPush the breaker all the way to the “OFF” position before turning it back on. This ensures a proper reset.

4. Flip It Back to “ON”Firmly switch the breaker to the “ON” position. Power should return immediately if the problem is temporary.

5. Test Your Outlets and LightsMake sure everything is working as expected. If it trips again right away, stop and investigate the cause.

When Not to Reset a Breaker

Sometimes, a tripped breaker means there’s a serious electrical issue. Here’s when you shouldn’t try to reset it yourself:

• The breaker won’t stay on after resetting

• You hear buzzing, popping, or crackling sounds from the panel

• You smell burning plastic or smoke

• The breaker or panel feels warm or hot

• The same breaker trips repeatedly for no clear reason

If any of these happen, don’t force it. Leave the breaker off and call a licensed electrician immediately. Continuing to reset it could lead to a short circuit, fire, or equipment damage.

Preventing Future Breaker Trips

You can reduce nuisance trips by:

• Spreading out high-power appliances across different circuits

• Avoiding space heaters and hair dryers on the same outlet

• Having old wiring or panels inspected for wear

• Installing AFCI and GFCI protection where required

• Scheduling an electrical safety inspection if your panel is over 20 years old

At Forgy Electric, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing tripped breakers, overloaded circuits, and faulty panels. Whether it’s a simple reset or a full service upgrade, our licensed electricians ensure your home is safe, efficient, and up to code.