How to Safely Reset a Tripped Circuit Breaker

Devices such as circuit breakers are tools that interrupt the flow of electricity if a circuit suddenly overflows with electrical energy. The circuit breaker interrupts the flow of electricity by tripping the circuit to prevent it from overheating. 

You can fix a tripped breaker by locating it within the circuit breaker and shifting the handle to reset it. 

Understanding the Purpose of a Circuit Breaker

Residential areas work with the constant flow of electricity; a circuit breaker is installed as a safety tool to keep individuals safe. The function of the circuit breaker is to designate a particular amount of energy to several circuits connected to it. However, if a circuit demands more voltage than necessary, thereby increasing the chances of overheating or other electrical hazards. 

As a precaution, the circuit breaker “trips” or shuts off that circuit, resulting in a tripped circuit breaker. To resume the circuit connection, locate the circuit breaker and flip the tripped switch. 

Common Causes of Tripped Circuit Breakers

There are a number of reasons that answer the question of why circuit breakers trip in the first place. The primary causes are listed below. 

Ground Fault Surges:

A ground fault surge can result from the contact of a hot wire with a ground wire or the electrical box to which the ground wire is connected. This short circuit is caused by poorly insulated or damaged wiring inside the walls or appliances. 

Ground fault surges are potentially more dangerous than short circuits, especially in the case of a ground fault caused by water, which can lead to electrocution. Thus, installing a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) is an essential precautionary measure to minimize the risk of potential electrical accidents.        

Short Circuit:

The primary reason behind a tripped circuit breaker is a short circuit. A short circuit occurs when a hot wire comes into contact with the neutral wire, the copper ground wire, or any other type of metal. This leads to overheating of the circuit, causing sparks or fires. 

The physical symptom to diagnose a short circuit is discoloration of the outlet or if the outlet eliminates a burning smell or smoke. 

Overloaded Circuit

An overloaded circuit is one of the most common causes of a tripped circuit breaker. If multiple appliances requiring a heavy load are connected to a singular circuit, it will draw more energy, which can cause overheating. The circuit breaker recognizes this and interrupts the flow of electricity, breaking the circuit. Other than a surplus flow of electricity, an overloaded circuit can potentially be caused by frayed or loose wires.

Tools and Materials Needed:

To safely fix a tripped circuit breaker, precautionary measures such as securing safety gear that is insulated with rubber, which does not readily absorb electricity, are necessary, thereby preventing the risk of an electric shock. 

Tools Required:

Flashlight 

Safety Goggles 

Rubber Gloves 

Rubber-Soled Shoes

How to Identify Tripped Circuit Breaker

The symptoms of a tripped circuit breaker can be physically located by opening the circuit breaker and following the line of switches. In an operating circuit, the switch is towards the “On” side, whereas in a tripped circuit, it is in the middle or towards the “Off” side. 

If you cannot find the tripped circuit breaker, take a step back and carefully analyze the columns of the breakers. The tripped breaker will look slightly different from the rest. If you feel confident in your electrical troubleshooting skills, simply switch the breaker to the “Off” side and then shift it to the “On” side. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Resetting a Tripped Circuit Breaker

To fix a tripped circuit breaker, you can follow these steps. 

Unplug All Appliances: 

Switch off or unplug all the appliances connected to the tripped circuit breaker to prevent damage from sudden electrical surges. 

Locate The Breaker Panel:

Circuit breaker panels are located in an isolated, remote position of the house. Locate the tripped circuit breaker using a flashlight or the light from your phone. The switch that is in between or slid towards the “Off” side is the tripped circuit breaker. 

Reset The Breaker: 

Switch the handle to the “Off” side to reset the breaker. After a minute, flip it to the “On” side. The handle will make an audible click as you shift it back into place. 

Preventing Future Breaker Trips

Here are some preventative measures you can employ to prevent our circuit breaker from tripping. 

• Redistribute the voltage power from an overloaded circuit by unplugging appliances and shifting them onto other circuits. 
• Replace old electrical appliances such as light fixtures, switches, and outlets, which may create short circuits or trip breakers.
• Consult a qualified electrician for an inspection and remove hardwired devices from a singular circuit to multiple circuits instead. 
• Replace the circuit breaker.

Flip The Switch with Randy’s Electric

A tripped breaker can be a short circuit or blown fuse side effect, which can be resolved with a quick flick of a switch. However, a tripped breaker may occur due to serious underlying electrical issues, which can be diagnosed with the help of a professional electrician. Prioritize your safety and contact Randy’s Electric, providers of high-quality, licensed electrical services in the surrounding areas of Minneapolis and Saint Paul.

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