How to Reset a Tripped Circuit Breaker

If you’re trying to blow-dry your hair, watch TV, and run a window AC unit all at the same time, you ought to know what to do if a circuit breaker trips. The first sign of a tripped breaker?  Everything will shut off.

As a preemptive measure, you should familiarize yourself with the breaker box in your house or apartment (if you have access to it) so you know where it is in emergencies.  Most likely, it’s a panel in the wall with a metal cover located somewhere in a “utility” area, like a basement, garage, attic, or laundry room.  Breakers look like sideways light switches.  Depending on their capacity, some will be bigger than others.  If you’re lucky, they’re labeled.  If not, you should take the time to label them yourself so you can find things easier in the future.

Regardless, once you’ve tripped the breaker, open the cover and look for the tripped breaker – it’s probably the one breaker that’s now switched to “OFF” (or the breaker may display a red marker window that indicates it’s been tripped).  For safety’s sake, you should turn off all of the lights and appliances that are connected to that breaker (helpful if it’s labeled). Then, flip the tripped breaker to the “ON” position (some models will need to first be switched fully off before turning them back on again). Now, go and flip on the lights/appliances that shut off.  If they now work—ta-da, you did it!

If it trips again, consult an electrician.  You may have a bad breaker that needs to be replaced. And don’t forget: you’re dealing with electricity here, so be mindful to never touch the breaker box with wet hands or if there is water on the floor.

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Photo Credit:  The Toidi / Shutterstock.com